Oh, hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again with another #TutuTuesday history blog post!
Today we're waltzing back to the 19th of March, 1867, and as always, I've got a rather splendid outfit ready to celebrate the occasion - a cloud-like tulle tutu, all in shades of delicate pink, of course, with just a hint of lavender at the hem. I couldn't resist adding a touch of Victorian-era lace, just for that extra dose of elegance. Now, onto our time travel journey!
Today's blog post marks a special date in our timeline. I'm just absolutely chuffed to be here in Paris, the world capital of fashion, ballet, and everything glamorous, to mark the 18th anniversary of the opening of the Opéra Garnier. Just picture it - this architectural masterpiece, gleaming with its iconic dome and marble grandeur, with a stage just waiting to be filled with dancing ballerinas and dazzling costumes. It’s the heart of the ballet world!
As for my own outfit, I have to admit, this era truly spoiled the girls. It's a world where elaborate gowns, cascading fabrics, and layers upon layers of ruffles are considered standard attire. Just the thought of that skirt with all that crinoline! Makes my legs ache just thinking about it. But it’s absolutely splendid, a celebration of femininity in all its glory, wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of femininity, the ballet world of this period was particularly obsessed with the delicate, graceful movements of ballerinas. The Romantic era of ballet, which started just before my time travel adventure began, is truly what gave the world its iconic tutus. It’s where ballet moved beyond the courtly dances and court dress, embracing lighter, faster movement and the magical power of the ethereal, feminine, dancer in her perfectly draped tutu. This evolution in ballet created a desire to celebrate the female figure and all its beautiful forms, and tutus were the ideal garment to do just that.
Oh, but the tulle in those days, imagine! So light and airy, like whispers of silk floating around the stage. It's almost like watching an ethereal creature come to life. And the colours, my darlings, the colours. This era favoured delicate pastels like pinks and blues. Imagine being on the stage, the light dancing upon your silken tutu. It must have been truly magical.
Speaking of magical, can we talk about the “La Sylphide” ballet, which premiered all the way back in 1832! The heroine, a magical creature of air, grace and ethereal beauty, clad in a gloriously ethereal, white, romantic tulle tutu - just pure enchantment, isn't it? It's like a dream come true, right on the stage. Now that's what I call captivating ballet!
It’s not only about the clothes and the ballerinas, you know. This period brought so many talented dancers like Marie Taglioni and Carlotta Grisi. These ballerinas, like those elegant and delicate flowers, changed the way ballet was perceived, giving rise to an era of delicate, elegant steps and dreamy poses. Ballet went from being something purely for the upper class to a thrilling and artistic expression for the whole world! It’s almost like everyone was falling in love with ballet all over again.
My time travel adventure means I have had the pleasure of witnessing all this ballet magnificence! My favourite time is when a show is over and the lights come up, illuminating the audience. All the men in their elegant suits and hats, and the ladies all decked out in elaborate gowns, a riot of bright silks, sequins, and flowing tulle, some in delicate white tutus like the ethereal ballerinas.
Oh, but I'm straying from our original timeline! Back to March 19th, 1867. I couldn't go back to that era without having a look in one of the lovely fashion houses. As much as I love tutus, nothing quite compares to the grandeur of the dresses. And a Parisian dressmaker always has some truly beautiful designs for their customers! And to finish off the whole scene, a charming French patisserie is absolutely non-negotiable! Oh, what would I give for one of those scrumptious macarons, filled with pistachio or even, oh-dare I even dream- chocolate and pink berries! * *
But now, I'm back to you, my dear reader. How about you try on a pink tutu today, maybe with some extra flourishes for a Victorian touch, and then tell me, isn't there a little ballerina inside each and every one of us?
Stay stylish, darlings, and don't forget to check in again next Tuesday for another trip through time, to celebrate all things pink tutu, and maybe even some of the other trends and history that made our ballet and fashion dreams come true!
