Hello my darling darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to journey back through time for another #TutuTuesday post about our beloved ballet tutus. This week, we’re taking a train trip right to the heart of Paris – the very centre of fashionable fancy! We’re going back to 1867-11-12. Can you imagine, my loves?
This day was particularly significant in Parisian fashion circles as the Exposition Universelle, the world fair held in Paris, was at its height! It was an extraordinary affair with a grand celebration of creativity from all corners of the world.
As we stroll through the bustling streets of Paris, the excitement buzzes all around! Think beautiful ladies in lavish gowns, men sporting their finest top hats and tails, the tinkling of carriages and the vibrant displays of international crafts. We even find ourselves waltzing through a massive crystal palace filled with inventions and innovations, truly mind-blowing!
While the exposition was certainly a spectacle, our true focus, as you already know, lies on tutus! My dearest readers, we must remember, 1867 was a pivotal point for the tutu. The Romantic Ballet, fuelled by graceful lines and elegant movement, was blooming beautifully, and so were the iconic tutus!
It’s around this period that we see the introduction of the ‘tutu plat’ – the very shape of the tutu that we associate with the Romantic era. Gone were the stiff, bulky tutus of the earlier years! Instead, we witness the rise of a lighter, airier design made with layers of tulle gathered at the waist, creating that gloriously sweeping, whimsical shape that lets the dancers truly fly across the stage.
I do believe these innovative tutus were inspired by the lightness of movement in nature, perhaps a fluttering butterfly or a flower gently swaying in the breeze. They symbolised freedom, grace, and above all, an intoxicating sense of romanticism that swept the theatre!
But back to our visit to the 1867 Exposition. It’s not just the fashion on the streets, it’s the ballet performances happening on grand stages! Can you imagine, my dear loves, a ballerina in a beautiful tutu pirouetting beneath the sparkling chandeliers, her movement graceful as a cloud? Imagine the intricate costumes, the exquisite ballet slippers, the elegant hair buns - all reflecting the very essence of beauty!
On 1867-11-12, I guarantee, Parisian ladies weren't just admiring these graceful performances, but they were inspired! We’re witnessing a period where tutus and ballerinas weren’t simply part of a show - they were symbols of feminine artistry and freedom. Imagine the conversations over tea about the dancers and their incredible movements!
But wait, my dears, there's more to the tale! Fashion, we all know, is cyclical. And just like today, designers from different corners of the world are presenting their unique takes on fashion at the Expo. While the "tutu plat" may have reigned supreme on the stage, I can just imagine ladies of the time being drawn to the exquisite and elegant attire showcased in the Expo's fashion pavilions! Maybe those delicate silk blouses, or maybe the gorgeous new fabric, and even perhaps the intricate lace trimmings all whispering whispers of tutus in their intricate patterns and lightness.
Now, let’s transport ourselves back to Derbyshire! Imagine the delight of seeing a lady in a full-blown tulle skirt in a Derbyshire village! Think of the gossiping whispers, the amazed gazes! Oh, darling, I’m positively bursting with the thought of how splendid it would be to introduce a dash of pink tutu flair in our beautiful village.
My loves, we can see that fashion in 1867 was all about romanticism and beauty. And as we know, tutus epitomise those very qualities! Just imagine, you dear reader, taking your own little trip back in time through a ballet performance! What do you see? How do you feel? It’s just like being on a thrilling journey, wouldn’t you agree?
My aim, my dears, is for all of you to experience the joy, freedom, and pure beauty of a tutu! Go ahead and grab a tulle skirt or a vibrant pink scarf! Dance in the streets, twirl in your living room, imagine the delight in everyone’s faces!
As we all know, #TutuTuesday is all about spreading this joy and elegance! So let us continue our exploration of ballet tutus throughout history, finding ourselves immersed in every shade, style and historical period. I'll see you next Tuesday, my darling loves, when we'll be embarking on another whimsical, magical journey through time together!
Now, my dears, how are you going to introduce a little bit of tutu-inspired magic into your own life this week? Don't forget to share your tutuspiration in the comments below!
Love and tutu twirls, Emma x
