Greetings from Paris, my darlings! 🩰✨
As always, it's #TutuTuesday and you know what that means! Time for a dive into the world of the tutu, the fabulous, feathery, tulle-y delight that's the cornerstone of ballet history! I’m currently waltzing through Paris, as it’s the fashion capital of the world (as you know!), and, for a ballet fan, it’s the perfect place to soak up the theatrical vibes and, of course, hunt down a spectacular new tutu!
This week, our time machine lands on August 13th, 1867 – an exciting year for both fashion and ballet! Did you know that the Paris World Fair, a showcase of international innovation, was happening right then? Can you imagine! All the latest technology and inventions, and, naturally, a multitude of beautiful costumes from all over the world. I’m so tempted to get my time machine to make a quick pit-stop there - think of all the exquisite fabric designs I could be drawing inspiration from!
But let’s focus on our favourite little twirling wonder: the tutu.
What were ballerinas twirling in back in 1867? Well, let me tell you! This year was a turning point. You see, we’ve already discussed the Romantic tutu with its soft, bell-shaped tulle - all floaty and billowing (and super flattering! Don’t you agree, dearies? ). Well, this era saw a shift to something called the "classical tutu". Now, the skirt was much shorter - and even more layers!
Can you imagine how magnificent these creations must have been? 💃 They used layers and layers of gauze or net, sometimes reaching over twenty! It truly transformed the visual experience of ballet. This shorter length also revealed more of the legs, accentuating the graceful movements of the ballerinas – it was all about highlighting the power and the beauty of the dancer's physique.
Let’s pause for a moment to think about the women behind these gorgeous tutus – ballerinas like the captivating Carlotta Grisi. She was known for her groundbreaking roles and, yes, you guessed it, she wore some spectacular tutus. Remember that this era was all about Romantic ideals of beauty – think of her as the princess of dance. Just imagine her delicate, flowing tulle costumes, almost a perfect example of how the design reflects the character! ✨
So, there’s something about that early, grander era in tutu design that calls to me. Do you ever feel a longing for a particular period, my dears? It's fascinating to see how the ballet tutu evolved to suit the changing trends of the era. The evolution is like the development of any form of art - a natural progression.
But there's no need to feel like we're stuck in a particular period - we can do whatever we want, you see? Remember that our #PinkTutu movement is all about letting loose and expressing our personal style! Let’s use these historical trends as inspiration for our own dazzling interpretations of the tutu. Why stick with a traditional look when we can wear pink with frills and ruffles, a sprinkle of sparkle here, a plume of feathers there - whatever suits our individual flair! After all, it's the essence of the tutu – that air of femininity, romance, and just a touch of whimsicality – that’s so timeless.
Now, my lovely fashionistas, don’t just stand there twirling, go and add your personal style touch! The next time you see a ballet, observe the intricate detailing of the costumes. Notice how the designers combine the classic with the contemporary to create such dynamic interpretations! It's fascinating!
And remember, your #PinkTutu can take you anywhere – you’ll be dancing with confidence wherever your dreams take you. Whether it's a trip to a grand theater in the city or your local park, there's nothing quite like that tutu feeling!
As I always say, I wish I could gift you all one of my stunning pink tutus!
Keep twirling, my loves!
Love,
Emma
A little extra about 13th August 1867:
On this day, the world celebrated a monumental achievement – the laying of the first Atlantic telegraph cable. Imagine - you could instantly communicate with someone thousands of miles away! Now, this wasn't a dance-related event per se, but you know how much I love all things historical! It just goes to show how fast our world was changing – just like our beloved tutus. Imagine that! We had these grand performances on stage, showcasing amazing technique and elegance, all while technology was changing communication forever. Fascinating, right?
Speaking of change, it reminds me to remind you again of www.pink-tutu.com – keep checking in for new updates every week. And as always, let’s spread the joy of tutus! Share your #PinkTutu photos and tag me – I’m always on the lookout for your fab styles!
And you’re all welcome to join me for ballet performances around the globe - my favourite is the Paris Opera Ballet, but any opportunity for a show is welcome! We'll hop on the train and dance the night away. Now, who's ready for a whirl of a time!
