Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and twirly. This week, we're taking a grand leap back in time, to the year 1867 - a time of elegant silhouettes and flowing gowns. As a lover of all things theatrical, the world of the late 1860s was simply magical! It was also the year of the grand opening of the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris - oh, the opulence, the glamour!
I travelled there just last week, taking the overnight train, which I adore, you know. It’s like stepping back into a Jane Austen novel – I’m practically swooning with the anticipation as the train rolls towards my destination! It’s much better than that awful modern aeroplane travel that they've come up with in this crazy future.
I always say, if you're looking for a little inspiration for your next ballet outfit, you need only look back in time. Today, my lovely pink tutus are as modern as can be, but imagine the history held in every stitch and swirl. Those grand old ballrooms – oh, the sheer magic of those twirls in the pale gaslight! I just love it all – the gentlemen in their formal wear and ladies in their luxurious ball gowns and of course, the gorgeous dancers, spinning their tales on stage.
Back in the 1860s, the ballerina, she’s a very special lady. Not only is she the epitome of grace and talent, she’s also a fashion icon. Imagine the artistry behind a ballerina's costume! The layers of tulle, so light, so airy. It just embodies pure, flowing beauty. Those tulle skirts weren't just beautiful, they were symbolic of freedom. When I'm swirling around, the delicate fabrics of my tulle twirling, I can’t help but feel the echo of their elegance! I must tell you about the Paris Opera Ballet! I have just bought myself a lovely, luxurious, satin bodice to match the amazing fluffy tulle tutu I found! Now, I can feel as grand as any dancer from the time! Oh! Isn’t the pink of this tulle the best? You’re just dying to have a peek, aren’t you? I know it’s gorgeous – the way it shines. You just have to have one yourself, darlings! And what a lovely touch the extra lace trim on the skirt gives!
Now, back to the ballet. In this year of 1867, there was quite the ballet debut - La Source - so it was wonderful for me to watch this dance performance on the historic Palais Garnier stage – the dancing was as beautiful as the setting! The Parisian crowds loved it! The dancers of the ballet in 1867 were the best! I particularly loved the elegant poses and the expressive movements - it just reminded me of how beautifully powerful the human form is, when adorned in the graceful swirls of the perfect tutu!
Back then, the tutu didn't have that sleek, streamlined, form fitting look of the modern tutus of my world. Think layers and layers of tulle - like fluffy clouds of loveliness - all designed to make every twirl feel even more enchanting. Oh, the beautiful colours – I particularly loved those beautiful bright pinks of the ballerinas’ outfits!
But for my personal tastes, darling, I simply love a well-chosen, perfectly fitted pink tutu for myself! I have even convinced a few local ballet dancers in my time period to don a pink tutu, it’s great for creating a positive pink wave across the nation - it’s a most beautiful way to be creative and show your personality, darlings. Don't forget, fashion is about expressing yourself! Pink just speaks to me on such a deeper level, I find it wonderfully feminine and inspiring. I just wish I could persuade all my friends to put on their pink tutus!
But back to our timeline. It wasn't all dancing and fashion in 1867. Oh, no, this year saw other events of interest too – did you know this is the year of the Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovich's visit to London and Ireland – oh, what a great year this must have been. They've actually named the opening of the London Underground Railway after his visit – that is the talk of London!
All in all, 1867 was quite a year - so full of fun! It seems a world away, right? But if there's one thing that connects all those years – it's our shared love of dancing.
Don't forget, my lovely darlings, it’s the joy and joy and whimsy of dancing in those gorgeous tutus, that make them the magic of history. So remember to embrace those moments where you can be your most playful, twirly self!
Till next week, I’ll be sure to share some other interesting tutu stories - perhaps from my next time-travel adventure to Vienna or Russia? Why don’t you give me a few suggestions for the next ballet tour! You’re very good with suggestions!
Stay twirly!
Yours ever-pinkfully, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
