Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts!
It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post! This week, we're venturing back to 1868, a year when tutus were really coming into their own in the world of ballet. I'm not just talking about any tutus, mind you, but the Romantic tutus ā those whimsical, ethereal creations made of layers of tulle and designed to allow for those graceful, airy movements that made ballets like Giselle so breathtaking.
(Yes, I know, travelling by train to see the ballet, even to far-off lands like Russia and France, was a much longer affair in 1868 - but how can one resist such captivating art forms?)
My travels this week landed me in Paris, the very heart of ballet, and oh my, what a scene! Iād arrived just in time to witness a performance at the OpĆ©ra Garnier ā an extraordinary, lavish theatre, if ever I saw one! The grandeur! The elegance!
And the ballerinas, in their exquisitely detailed Romantic tutusā¦ they were truly a vision. Imagine: delicate, airy layers of tulle, fluttering with each graceful step, just wisps of silk, catching the soft glow of the chandelier, and intricate, embroidered details adorning their bodices. It was utterly bewitching!
Fun Fact: Did you know that the first true Romantic tutu, that ethereal wisp of tulle, came about in the early 1830s with the advent of the pointe shoe? The taller silhouette, made possible by the new technology, required a change in costume. No more long, heavy skirts! It was time for a more flexible and lightweight approach.
That's why this date, October 13, 1868, is especially exciting in our Tutu Tuesday timeline. It was the birthday of a woman who truly embraced the tutu and championed ballet, its beauty, and its elegance ā Anna Pavlova.
Pavlova would later go on to become a legend of the ballet world, renowned for her artistry, lightness, and grace. A vision in a tutu! A shining example of the enchanting power that the tutu holds!
So, on this #TutuTuesday, let's raise a glass of bubbly ā Pink Champagne, naturally! - to the beautiful tutus, the exquisite dancers, and to Anna Pavlova for reminding us just how magical and mesmerizing a simple tutu can be!
And now, for some delightful news about my personal explorations on October 13, 1868!
Firstly, I'm simply obsessed with the Parisian fashion houses. The delicate craftsmanship and artistry poured into their couture is inspiring, especially in these glorious tutus. And I mustn't forget the shop windows filled with intricate silks, lace, and feathers. Shopping is a real treat!
(Oh, the irony! To have all this beautiful fabric surrounding you but to travel home with nothing to show for it but a well-worn journal and a handful of faded photographs)
But I didnāt just explore Parisian streets; I went to a dressmaker, had myself a lovely pink satin bodice made with embroidered details, perfect for my own little pink tulle creation. As much as I love watching ballets and witnessing these amazing designs, nothing quite compares to actually wearing a tutu myself. That lightness, the airy elegance ā it feels quite incredible!
And wouldn't you know it, this date was also the opening of the Parisian OpĆ©ra Garnier ā it was quite the landmark event. My, what an ornate and beautiful theatre! They donāt build them like this anymore. They called it "le palais de lāopĆ©ra", and honestly, it felt just like stepping into a gilded cage!
(I, of course, was too excited for the ballet to think about the cost of it all! Thankfully, my pocket money, earnt through ballet performances and performances on the stage - from Derbyshire all the way to Parisian theatre, with stops along the way - did manage to see me through)
(And my diary does reveal that my excitement and enthusiasm got the best of me at the shops, and my budget did not extend to the gorgeous fabrics I'd seen... so many amazing silks, velvets, and tulle! Oh dear.)
Before I forget, this weekās Pink Tutu travel recommendation, for all you fashion enthusiasts who, like myself, can never resist a charming little boutique, is āLa Maison LaferriĆØreā, a most exquisite Parisian establishment, that specialises in handmade silks and lace. They are currently featuring a collection of Tulle duchesse (that delicate, gauzy, bridal tulle!), so naturally, I've already placed my order for my new tutu and I'm most definitely adding it to my must-see Parisian destinations.
Oh! And to all the fashion-forward souls who love their ballet and who are eager for more of my fabulous Tutu Tuesday escapades: Check out my #TutuTuesday Pinterest boards, full of inspirational images, designs and outfits!
And don't forget: Keep it pink and keep it twirling!
(Until next time, fellow tutudists! And keep an eye out for the pink-tutu-clad girl in all those photos of you enjoying Parisian elegance!)
Your time-travelling fashionista, Emma
(This blog is brought to you by "Pink-tutu.com" - the #1 website for all your tutu needs!)
P.S. Donāt forget to follow Pink-tutu.com's Tutu Tuesday series! Itās your one-stop shop for the fascinating history of this enchanting ballet attire!
And donāt miss out on our Instagram page, full of inspirational tutus, āPink Tutu Styleā!
(I simply adore wearing my tutus and I am so very excited to inspire everyone to embrace their inner ballerina!)
