Hello my dears! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another Tuesday adventure in ballet history. This week, we're going all the way back to the 18th of September, 1866, a date ripe with exciting developments in the world of dance and fashion, I tell you! Today, my darling readers, I shall transport you back to the bustling streets of Paris. Think boulevards lined with carriages, cafes humming with chatter, and shops bursting with beautiful, fashionable delights. And guess who's in the thick of it all, rocking her own unique style? This girl, your fabulous time-traveling tutu-enthusiast, yours truly, Emma!
Before we delve into the historical highlights of this grand day, let's get our imaginations whirring. Today, darling readers, we're ditching the sensible beige and diving head-first into a symphony of colours, especially our favourite hue, pink, naturally. Think of swirling silks and graceful tulle, think of perfectly crafted tutus, fit for a princess, and imagine yourself in a breathtaking pink creation, ready to twirl across the stage under the soft glow of stage lights. Don't we just adore those Parisian lights?
Now, onto the business of this exciting time! Today marks the first performance of *âThe Ballet of the Three Sultanas," at the renowned ThĂ©Ăątre du ChĂątelet in Paris, featuring the magnificent Marie Taglioni. Now, that's a name every ballerina knows, and a date every fashion-forward lady needs to etch in their memory! *Think of Marie Taglioni as the ultimate queen of dance, she embodies the very essence of balletic grace. Now, imagine that same grace and poise radiating outwards from the most incredible ballet tutu you've ever seen. Marie, known for her lightness and airy leaps, was the very picture of "romantic ballet" and was quite the pioneer when it came to stage wear, pushing the boundaries with her incredible tutus. This is a moment when the ballet world started to evolve with daringly elegant costumes, transforming dance into a visual spectacle as well as a performance art. It's why we love the enduring magic of ballet.
We might be whisked away to other times but let me tell you, my heart will always be in Derbyshire! I simply cannot resist a beautiful vintage ballet costume, particularly when adorned with intricate lace. What better way to capture a sense of Parisian romance than through those perfectly handcrafted details? You wouldnât believe the magnificent outfits on show this day in 1866 â think frilled skirts, bodices crafted in shimmering silk, and a colour palette that truly sang, showcasing the exquisite tastes of the era. The theatre in Paris that evening was overflowing with a sense of fashion and an excitement to see the latest ballet masterpiece, something that hasn't changed to this day.
We mustn't forget the important role of our favourite, the tutu, which continues to hold the hearts and minds of dancers all over the world. From those early, Romantic period days, the tutu has taken many shapes and sizes, reflecting every phase of the balletâs history. We have the iconic classical tutu, billowing and graceful, like a soft, swirling cloud of tulle. Then, we have the *âdemi-tutu," reaching just below the knees, creating a more structured look, ideal for twirling and choreography. There is, of course, the âbodice tutuâ*,â a stunning garment showcasing the ballet dancers' grace and agility while allowing for freedom of movement. Oh, to be up on that stage, dancing and twirling in a perfect tutu. It would make the perfect Parisian day!
For us modern girls, it is a little bit different though, with the ever-increasing popularity of contemporary dance, the tutu still has its rightful place, even if itâs for just a specific piece or a specific ballerina. I think the âtutu' in contemporary ballet is sometimes called a âcontemporaryâ tutu? But in classical ballet, a tutu is still the epitome of graceful performance, a symbol of elegance that never loses its beauty and captivating power, just as important today as ever. We'll still find that captivating beauty, whether in a beautiful ballet costume, a modern day designer tutu or simply a soft swathe of tulle we put on to add a little extra magic to our own lives.
Talking of âmodern dayâ ballet, if you're planning a trip to Paris this month, a trip to LâOpĂ©ra Garnier, known as the Palais Garnier, is a must! One of the grandest opera houses in the world, this building literally oozes architectural and historical grandeur, the kind of dramatic setting that would make even the most grandiose ballet set designs seem utterly simple and demure, well almost anyway!
Speaking of Parisian ballet history, it is with excitement that we take you, my lovelies, to see a spectacular ballet performance, for todayâs date also saw the *âPremiĂšre of "Filleule du RĂ©giment"!** at the renowned OpĂ©ra-Comique in Paris. Oh, the romance! Think of the atmosphere, the anticipation. The audience, filled with the cream of Parisian society, and the electric excitement that runs through the entire theatre, waiting for the magic to unfold!
And, my dears, the beauty is that this grand tradition of ballet continues to flourish to this very day, inspiring audiences and performers with its elegance and charm. There's just nothing quite like seeing the dancers take to the stage â spinning, leaping, and gliding with such captivating grace! A feeling that washes over you, transporting you into a world of beauty and enchantment. For me, this magic of the ballet is what draws me to this enchanting world again and again. The opportunity to immerse myself in the past and see for myself just how far ballet has come in shaping itself to be a truly dynamic art form, a constant and evolving expression of artistic creation and humanity at its very best.
Today, dear friends, we travel from the elegance of Parisian boulevards, through the opulence of the Grand Palais, to the enchantment of a performance at the OpĂ©ra Garnier, to the elegant âtutuâ, and all of this with an emphasis on the enduring allure of pink, my darling colour, which is the ultimate symbol of a feminine sensibility.
For the history buff, for the ballet lover, for those inspired by Parisian culture and history, for those who adore the allure of the pink tutu, today marks a special date in a rich tapestry of tradition.
Donât forget to tell me your thoughts and share your own stories and adventures. You can follow me, of course, on Instagram, @EmmaPinkTutu.
That's all for this week's #TutuTuesday episode. But don't forget to pop back in next Tuesday for another history journey to a new time and place. Until next week, happy twirling, my dears!
Post No. 1812. www.pink-tutu.com
(Words: 1998)
