Bonjour, darlings! It’s your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post about the fabulous history of the ballet tutu! This week, we’re hopping on the Orient Express and taking a trip to Paris, 1869. Can you imagine? The city of lights, the fashion, the excitement – it’s enough to make a girl twirl!
Today’s date, 6th July 1869, was particularly exciting because it marked the opening of the magnificent Palais Garnier opera house! Now, I’m not talking about a small theatre here. This was a colossal masterpiece, an architectural wonder showcasing not just opera but also ballet performances. Can you even imagine the excitement? Imagine all the glorious costumes, the sparkling jewels, the grand waltz music filling the air!
Speaking of costumes, it wouldn’t be a #TutuTuesday without talking about those incredible tutus, right? Now, 1869 wasn’t the dawn of the tutu, mind you. We've travelled through so many decades where the tutu was evolving. Remember when tutus were full and voluminous? We've even seen the more fitted, knee-length tutus from the Romantic period. And yes, I'm still desperately trying to figure out how they managed those lifts! But 1869, dear friends, marked the rise of the tutu as we know it today – short, layered, and incredibly airy.
Imagine stepping into the Garnier Opera House, surrounded by the most beautiful people in Paris. I can practically hear the whispers of, “Oh, how stunning! Such delicate, flowing lines,” and “Such artistry, it's simply magical.” It was a period of breathtaking elegance and femininity, reflected perfectly in those short tutus.
Honestly, I can't get enough of these Parisian designs! The sheer weightlessness, the elegance – they bring out the dancer in me, even when I'm just standing still! But I've learned a lot from my Parisian adventure – I'm even taking inspiration from their beautiful ballet culture. For example, you've got to embrace the 'je ne sais quoi'! The French definitely know how to look effortlessly chic. And I, Emma, am bringing back this spirit to my wardrobe! Maybe with a sprinkle of pink here, and a pinch of Parisian flair there, I'll have my own little "je ne sais quoi" by the end of this.
And what is a girl to do when surrounded by all this beautiful Parisian fashion, and those magical performances at the Palais Garnier? It's shopping, darlings, shopping! Think exquisite lace, silks that drape like dreams, and stunning embellishments - oh, and all of it in delightful shades of pink, of course! Can you believe they had all these amazing materials, so early in history? And you just know that every new material and every new fashion style, brings something magical to the ballet!
You know what? This adventure isn’t just about pretty clothes and performances. This is about celebrating the evolution of ballet, the dancers, the music, and yes, those incredible tutus. The tutu, my darling readers, isn't just a costume – it's an embodiment of passion, grace, and strength! And even after all these centuries, we still feel a spark of excitement every time we see a tutu on stage, right? So next time you watch a ballet, let those incredible dancers, those glorious tutus, and the energy of the performance fill you with a bit of magic. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find yourself longing for the Parisian air and the thrill of the grand opera house!
Oh, and before I go, I've got a little challenge for you all. Go and try to spot some ballet history in your own life! Maybe in a vintage store, maybe in an old book, maybe even at a museum. There’s a treasure trove of ballet history out there, and it’s all waiting for you to discover it!
I'll be back next week with another #TutuTuesday post, diving deeper into the magical history of tutus! Don’t forget to check back on www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday! In the meantime, keep dancing, stay stylish, and let’s all try to be just a little bit pinker. Until next time!
Lots of love,
Emma
