#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1868-12-15

Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday! I'm Emma, your resident time-travelling tutu enthusiast, bringing you the most exquisite, frilly, and fun ballet history snippets straight from the past!

This week, we're stepping back in time to December 15th, 1868, and hopping onto a luxurious Parisian train. Paris, of course, is the absolute epicentre of fashion, so where better to explore the story of tutus than amidst its bustling streets and magnificent opera houses?

Now, before we dive into the tutu-filled adventure of the day, a quick disclaimer. I do travel through time using my ballet talents, earning my way with a spot of performing on stage. It's not all glamour, you know. There are some pretty demanding ballet classes I have to attend in the past, just to keep my skills sharp. Luckily, there's nothing like the exquisite tutus in my wardrobe to keep me going!

Today, I'm feeling particularly sassy in my darling blush pink tutu, a masterpiece in silk and tulle. Oh, you simply MUST check out the vibrant colour of pink that the French have embraced - it truly inspires my own love for this utterly fabulous shade. It's all about feeling utterly confident and poised, you know?

Now, back to the historical drama! In 1868, Paris was alive with anticipation for a new ballet performance at the Paris Opera House, starring the famed prima ballerina Marie Taglioni. The story was a dramatic love tale set to Johann Strauss' waltzes. Can you imagine, a tutu twirling to the most divine waltzes?!

The premiere was quite the event, with glittering gowns, dashing gentlemen in frock coats, and an atmosphere that thrummed with anticipation. It was here, amidst the buzz and energy of Parisian high society, that the story of the tutu as we know it was truly unfolding.

Of course, the key attraction, for me at least, was Marie Taglioni herself! The iconic image of this woman whipping and twirling on stage, dressed in a gloriously airy, whimsical tutu made me beam with delight!

Taglioni was a true revolutionary in the world of ballet. Her elegant, light, and graceful movement style completely redefined the art. And, her love of ethereal and fluid tutus was truly a turning point in dance attire!

It’s fascinating to think how such a strong and daring female figure like Taglioni influenced so much of the art we know today!

Of course, I couldn't visit Paris in 1868 without a visit to the Palais Garnier, that breathtaking masterpiece of an opera house! Just standing beneath its impressive grand arches makes one feel like a ballerina on a grand stage, don't you think?

The interior of the Palais Garnier is something truly special - gilded carvings, soaring columns, and plush red velvet seating that practically invites one to lose oneself in a world of theatrical magic.

There I stood, in my blushing pink tutu, admiring the breathtaking chandeliers, the grand staircase that seems to climb forever, and of course, all the exquisitely dressed ladies in their elaborate gowns and delicate lace bonnets! Talk about fashion inspiration!

A girl can't come to Paris without a little retail therapy, right? My shopping adventures took me to the streets of the Rue de la Paix and the bustling Palais Royal, home to a delightful collection of boutiques where ladies (and their lucky gentlemen friends!) were flocking to buy the very latest in fashion!

Let me tell you, I was in absolute awe! Lace, velvet, feathers, silks, bonnets, ribbons and beads oh my! And, there it was, right there amidst all the extravagant delights: the glorious Parisian tutu!

What makes the Parisian tutu so unique? Well, think delicate and delicate again, darling! The tutus I saw here were lighter than air, crafted from the finest lace and tulle, all in soft, feminine hues. The kind that twirled effortlessly in the slightest breeze, creating a stunning visual spectacle - a testament to the elegant and airy beauty that is the Parisian woman.

Now, you wouldn't believe this but the fashionable Parisian gentlemen loved to show off their flair for the theatrical! They were the masters of the frock coat, complete with tails, of course. These coats came in so many lovely colours! Burgundy, deep green, velvet blacks. A dashing velvet bowtie was the perfect accompanying piece. And their fashion sense didn’t stop there! Some men even adorned their tails with velvet embroidery - a beautiful blend of opulence and playful elegance!

I must tell you, there was such an air of playful, almost theatrical flirtation with their style that was so intoxicating! I love how fashion reflects a city's character. The Parisian gentlemen made such an effort in how they presented themselves. So incredibly dapper and dashing, I felt it only right to present my best, twirling-est self in response!

Alright, you lovely people, here's what we learned today. 1868 was the year where Parisian tutus took their elegance to a whole new level. It was a time of innovation and transformation, both on and off the stage, that inspired generations to come.

And here's another secret from a time travelling fashion insider! Remember that feeling of being the center of attention with a perfectly-twirling tutu? You can totally have it too. The right tutu doesn't have to be something to just watch! Embrace the joy and creativity it can bring! Make it a part of your everyday life. I mean, what's stopping you from wearing a tutu while strolling through the park, picking up a loaf of bread, or heading to your ballet class?!

So, dear friends, as always, I'm signing off to start my next historical fashion journey, full of exciting discoveries to share with you next #TutuTuesday!

Till next time!

XOXO, Emma, your Pink Tutu Time Traveller!

Don't forget to check out my previous blog posts! This is post number 1929! www.pink-tutu.com