Post Number 1887: Welcome Back to www.pink-tutu.com
Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another glorious dose of #TutuTuesday history straight from the swirling vortex of time! Today, we're twirling back to February 25th, 1868. Buckle your ballet shoes, ladies, we're about to embark on a delightful journey!
Now, picture this: It's a crisp February morning in the heart of Paris. The scent of freshly baked croissants drifts through the air, a symphony of cobblestone and carriage wheels fills the streets, and fashion is truly taking flight! Our glorious capital of culture and fashion is in the midst of its whirlwind "Belle Époque", a period brimming with excitement, artistry, and... you guessed it! The exquisite rise of the tutu!
But hold your horses! Back in 1868, we're still feeling the flutter of those graceful, romantic, long tutus. The "Romantic" era of ballet, fuelled by a fascination with fairies and folklore, still held sway. Picture shimmering layers of tulle, reaching nearly to the floor, creating an ethereal cloud of gossamer beauty as dancers pirouetted with grace and elegance.
But oh my, a little whisper of the dramatic, modern tutus, those "Whipped Cream" wonders that I adore so much, was beginning to flutter on the Parisian stage! These revolutionary shorter tutus, defying convention with their playful peek of leg and audacious energy, were catching the eye of leading ballerinas, adding a frisson of excitement to the dance. It's thrilling, darling, the way these two eras intertwine, creating a ballet universe of captivating contrast.
Oh! And speaking of Parisian thrills! Did you know that on this very date in 1868, a young Mademoiselle Josephine Baker took the stage at the renowned Folies Bergère? Though still just a teenager, she captured the city's attention with her dazzling talent and captivating charisma. Her career took off with such speed, and it is no wonder she was known as "The Black Pearl of Paris" – the perfect title for such a beautiful, talented dancer!
Let's step out of the dance studios and stroll down the bustling Parisian streets! For those of you following me on Instagram, you’ll see some fabulous photos of a Parisian fashion scene that’s a feast for the eyes! The fashion of the time was, well, as dazzling as a pirouette – think voluminous crinolines, ruffled sleeves, bonnets that look like exquisite nests of silk and lace, and the ever-popular flowing evening gowns. And, darling, I do have a little sneak peek of some delicious, luxurious fashion at the fabulous Grand Bazar de Paris – talk about sartorial paradise!
And for a little dose of sartorial history, we have to indulge in a moment dedicated to the incredible Worth boutique – oh darling! It's a Parisian palace of couture where imagination knows no bounds! Charles Frederick Worth is the very first haute couture fashion designer, a visionary who dressed some of the most influential women in Europe! This extraordinary couturier truly changed the face of fashion with his stunning creations, elevating the world of women’s fashion into a spectacle of artistry. It's a magical era, ladies, filled with captivating designs and incredible talent! It truly is a testament to the unstoppable, evolving force that is women's fashion!
But even amidst all this fashion frenzy, a ballerina like myself can’t resist a little glimpse of the theatre scene. We must have our ballet, right? And what a delight it is to share a bit of theatre news! The famous Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is about to open its doors, unveiling a glittering haven of theatrical wonders. This gorgeous, glamorous space is bound to attract audiences from all over, making Paris the undeniable epicentre of performing arts!
And I can't possibly close this blog without giving a nod to the power of The Train! It’s truly revolutionising the way we travel and experience the world! Imagine, dashing through beautiful countryside and urban landscapes on this grand marvel of modern technology! How utterly convenient it is to take a trip from London to Paris, or vice versa, and experience all that Europe has to offer! This speedy chariot of progress makes our travel adventures truly delightful!
And now, darling, I've simply got to bring this post to an end. Oh my! What an incredible journey through time it has been, with captivating Parisian flair, historical glimpses of artistic greatness, and a celebration of the eternally inspiring world of dance. I’ve got a lovely afternoon planned, filled with frolicking around Parisian salons and maybe a ballet performance. I'm also keeping a close eye on the newest couture boutiques for my next fabulous fashion find. After all, fashion is a dance of its own, and it’s one we love to waltz in!
Until next week, dear readers, don't forget to grab your favorite tutu, a dash of pink and join me again for a swirling, time-traveling journey in next week’s #TutuTuesday!
Keep your ballet shoes dusted,
Emma x
