Oh, my darlings! What a treat to be whisked back to 1868! This was a whirlwind year, overflowing with the most exquisite dance and fashion trends, and I'm positively buzzing to share it with you!
Now, imagine stepping onto the cobbled streets of Paris – that heady mix of perfumed ladies, gentlemen in crisp coats, the aroma of freshly baked bread from the nearby patisseries… But what's making the biggest stir? Ballet, of course! You see, this was a pivotal year in dance history!
On this particular date, May 12th, 1868, the glorious Opéra Garnier in Paris hosted the première of a ballet unlike any other: "La Source", an extravagant performance overflowing with the most dazzling choreography! Imagine an ethereal fountain bubbling with sparkling water, surrounded by shimmering silks and an orchestra that just wouldn't stop, sweeping you away into a dreamy landscape. The music, by the sensational Léo Delibes, had all of Paris swooning! It's just the kind of piece that leaves you wanting to spin your worries away and simply dance!
Of course, no ballet is complete without its divine dancers! Leading the cast was Josephine, Baroness de Serres, who is to ballet what Marie Antoinette was to fashion – elegant, charming, and simply unforgettable. The graceful elegance of her dance, the delicate movements of her arms, and her absolutely stunning pink tutu – oh la la! it was a vision in motion!
And this, my dearest pink-tutu-lovers, is where the true story of the tutu begins to unravel. Before the time of "La Source", tutus were often long and restrictive, more akin to the romanticism of ballerinas clinging to their skirts, almost like they were on the verge of disappearing beneath the billows. But Josephine, along with a few forward-thinking ballerinas, began to experiment. Shorter, more graceful skirts, showing off their sleek lines and amazing legwork. Can you imagine how daring that must have seemed? Think about it – more leg, more dance, a true revolution in ballet!
And just as it began with "La Source" so it continues. Just a little while later, that revolutionary movement is embodied by La Camargo, whose name echoes through the history of dance. This courageous woman challenged conventions and started to explore a whole new dimension in dance: she brought her performances right to the street! Just imagine: Parisian streets teeming with curious people, gaslights illuminating the performance... she was a whirlwind of talent, whirling in the most exquisite* pink** tutu imaginable!
Oh, and the colour pink? Let's not forget our dear pink! How wonderfully feminine and flattering. It evokes the very heart of elegance. This is the time when pink began to assert itself in the dance world. I've been peeking into those dusty history books, and I've been collecting stories about pink and tutus throughout my time-travelling adventures, from Marie Taglioni's groundbreaking “La Sylphide” in 1832 – think of all the tutus! – to today's sensational modern ballet, each piece a splash of pink, celebrating a woman's ability to twirl, leap, and simply dance with the wind! Imagine!
And for today's modern-day pink-tutu lover, it doesn’t end at ballet, oh no! Look at today’s fashion, look at Pink Couture. Just as La Camargo brought ballet to the street, you can bring your love of pink tutus out and about. This is your time to be bold, unapologetic about loving the colour pink. Dress like the pink princess you are and remember that a pink tutu is about feeling good, expressing yourself, and inspiring others. Remember that everyone, no matter where they are, can wear a pink tutu and make a statement about the beautiful freedom of expressing themselves.
And on that inspiring note, let me bid you a fond adieu for now! Remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for more of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History posts, and to be sure to catch a ballet performance near you. And don't forget to wear a pink tutu!
Until next time, Emma xx
P.S. I’ll be touring my ballet pieces around England this spring and summer and would love to see you there. Just follow me on my website and on my socials! Let’s spread the love of the pink tutu!
