Bonjour, mes chères tutus! 🩰
Welcome back to your favourite tutu-themed blog, Pink-Tutu.com. It's #TutuTuesday once again, and this week I'm waltzing back in time to 1867 - a year filled with exquisite ballgowns, glamorous operas, and oh, the tutus!
Let's set the scene, darlings! My travelling gown, a luscious pink silk with a sparkly tulle overlay (yes, I've been busy adding sequins in the past – gotta be glam!), is packed and ready for a whimsical journey aboard the latest railway line. It's all aboard the express train to... Paris! The very heart of ballet, of fashion, and oh, the tutus!
As I journey through the beautiful countryside (so lush and green – quite unlike the dusty Derbyshire landscape of my home!) I'm already planning my Parisian agenda. Ballet, naturally! But also the most exquisite Parisian fashions! And maybe even a new tutu – one just slightly longer, flowing with elegance, a little pouffy around the edges... you see, I simply can't help myself.
This date, dear readers, is one of pure artistry! I'm on a mission to witness a performance of one of the greatest dancers of our time, la danseuse étoile herself, the illustrious Mademoiselle Emma Livry. Her talent, my dear ones, is quite exquisite – her pirouettes simply make one's heart flutter, and her graceful movements are nothing short of captivating!
But my dear readers, even the greatest ballet must begin somewhere. And today we're not just celebrating ballerinas and their captivating performances. It's all about tutus, the little-but-oh-so-important garment that allows these dancers to leap and twirl with such graceful abandon.
Imagine, dear reader, a dancer attempting to perform La Sylphide or Giselle without a tutu. The shock! The horror! Simply unthinkable, right?
So, back in the 19th century, where am I going to witness these remarkable tutu designs? Well, none other than the Opéra Garnier! Oh, this building is something truly remarkable, darling – ornate, grand, a true architectural masterpiece, with breathtaking acoustics that make the music positively sing!
This date marks one of the pinnacle moments in ballet history, with a truly delightful programme: "La Source". Just hearing the name "la Source" takes me back to visions of the sparkling beauty of a natural spring, flowing with pure, refreshing water - which in my mind perfectly reflects the light and graceful nature of the tutu design. Imagine, my dearest reader, this shimmering beauty as she gracefully glides and swirls through the stage. A tutu - light, breezy, and truly magical!
But now, a bit about this 'Source' - we must consider where it all comes from! And, dear friends, this 1867 ballet La Source (which was choreographed by the equally celebrated Arthur Saint-Léon) truly represents a remarkable development in tutus - a step forward! It showcases the introduction of a shorter, "neater" tutu – which, as a woman obsessed with all things tutus, is quite fascinating to see in action!
This shorter design, whilst still showcasing the dancer’s grace, focuses on emphasising her beautiful form and line, adding a new, and daring, visual element to the art of dance. The beautiful simplicity of the new style certainly showcases the dancer's athleticism to its full glory. Gone is the very full skirt – and what remains is, for lack of a better word, chic. A streamlined, slimmed down tutu, offering new elegance to the ballet world.
Imagine the sheer amount of delicate lace and layers of tulle required! And all this delicate fabrication is used in just the right amount, making this a perfect illustration of how something less is absolutely more!
As a dedicated ballerina myself, I can tell you, there is nothing more exciting than seeing the development of new tutu designs! Just like when a dressmaker discovers a new style – for we ladies are always on the lookout for new trends and styles – so too does ballet see an evolution of tutu designs! Each one, in its own way, reflects the beauty and refinement of its time, much like the wonderful gowns we wear for our social outings and evening galas.
You see, my dear friends, it is precisely this constant quest for style and innovation which makes ballet – and indeed, life itself – such a delightful adventure!
But alas, my train is reaching its final destination!
Paris, here we come, ready to discover its magical history – especially that of the tutu! I'm absolutely brimming with excitement for this trip, and I'm already feeling the sheer magic of the wonderful costumes and dance that awaits me within this incredible city. And to be quite honest, it is precisely these moments of discovery that makes me truly fall head-over-heels for life itself. Every opportunity to experience ballet – to travel the world – and yes, to enjoy every fashion innovation (be it a ballet costume or an exquisite Parisian gown!) is simply irresistible!
Oh, my dears, I am truly living my dream, and I truly hope to inspire you to do the same – don your best pink tutus, and never, ever stop chasing your dreams.
I will, of course, post photos from this journey, including snapshots of the delightful Parisian streets and my personal discoveries – stay tuned, dears! And remember – always keep your heads held high, twirl whenever possible, and live your life in a truly beautiful and graceful way!
Adieu, my dearest tutus – until next Tuesday! 💖🩰
