Hello lovelies!
It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, bringing you another fabulous dose of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History!
I'm so excited to be writing this post from the heart of Paris, darling! This city, my darlings, is simply bursting with style. From the exquisite gowns that adorn the Parisian ladies to the elegance of the men in their top hats and frock coats - it's simply intoxicating!
And today, my lovelies, we're delving into the year 1869. It's been an eventful trip so far! My travelling wardrobe, by the way, is absolutely jam-packed with the most divine frocks - I found a glorious vintage hat shop in Montmartre that has just the most exquisite plumes, my darlings. It's like stepping into a fairytale!
So, without further ado, let's step back into history...
1869 - The year of the first ballet by Tchaikovsky!
Yes, you heard that right, darlings! The legendary Russian composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who, as we know, wrote some of the most glorious and evocative ballet music of all time, premiered his very first ballet, "The Swan Lake" on February 4th, 1877! But back in 1869, my dears, he was working on his first opera, "Voyevoda", and he was already composing music for ballet!
Ballet in the 19th Century - A Flourish of Innovation
The year 1869 marks a significant moment in ballet history, with major strides in technique and choreography taking place. One key figure at the time was the celebrated Russian dancer and teacher, Enrico Cecchetti. This absolute legend, known for his intricate and innovative choreography, founded his own school of ballet, influencing a generation of dancers and forever changing the way we understand movement.
Imagine a stage filled with dancers with incredible technical abilities and artistic expression, my dears! Just picture the incredible leaps, graceful port de bras, and exquisite pointe work! It truly was a magnificent era for ballet.
Fashion in 1869 - Crinoline Glamour!
Fashion, my dears, was a world away from our contemporary styles in 1869! Think crinoline gowns - those stunning skirts with those layers upon layers of fabric that made them absolutely bloom, creating a truly elegant, voluminous silhouette.
Think a delicate mix of flowing silk, soft cotton and luxurious lace, a feast for the senses! It was an era of beautiful contrasts – intricate details paired with softly flowing lines. Just picture it: elegant gloves, a jaunty hat, and a sweet little corsage adding the perfect touch. And oh, the colours, darling! Soft pastels and vibrant jewel tones combined to create a palette that is still oh-so-enchanting!
Paris - The City of Light!
Paris in 1869, darlings, was the centre of the world, radiating the latest trends. It was the epicenter of fashion, culture, and artistic expression. Can you imagine strolling along the streets of Paris, taking in the grandeur of the Palais Garnier, admiring the artistic works at the Louvre, and enjoying a performance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a haven for dancers and audiences alike!
Oh, darling, it makes my heart soar just thinking about it!
Tutus in 1869
Of course, no #TutuTuesday blog would be complete without discussing tutus! And oh, darlings, let's just say tutus were still developing their signature form in the 1860s. You might imagine they were quite different to the flowing tutus we see on ballerinas today, less airy and with less of the classic tiered layers that make tutus so breathtaking! But oh, they were still absolutely captivating in their own right. Think graceful lines, exquisite fabric and simple, beautiful designs.
The Elegance of Ballet and the Magic of Tutus
Tutus, my dears, hold a special place in my heart. They're a symbol of elegance, grace, and artistic expression. And for me, nothing quite compares to seeing a dancer soaring across the stage in a beautifully-crafted tutu. It’s a moment that evokes so many emotions - joy, wonder, excitement!
The power of a tutu, darlings, lies in its ability to capture and encapsulate those emotions. It's about a graceful movement, a magical storytelling, a whimsical imagination. And my mission is, of course, to share that love of tutus with the world! It's why I created my website - www.pink-tutu.com, and why I share my #TutuTuesday history posts each week.
My Time Travelling Adventures
Speaking of travelling, darlings, I’ve had an absolutely grand time exploring Paris this time. The city truly has it all - fabulous fashion, exquisite food, and oh, so many amazing ballet performances to inspire!
I've spent the past few days immersing myself in Parisian culture - indulging in delicate pastries in cafes, trying out new styles in the most incredible vintage stores, and attending some spectacular ballet performances - I saw "Coppélia" at the Opera Garnier, which is absolutely stunning, my dears! You must experience the Parisian ballet scene if you get a chance, my darlings, it’s truly captivating! I’ve also just picked up some incredible pink fabric, just the thing for a brand new tutu creation!
And as usual, I am funding my time travel exploits, by doing what I love, performing ballet. The Palais Garnier is holding an extravagant ball tonight, and guess who’s the special guest! So, if you're in Paris this evening, darlings, don't be shy - come join me for a whirl or two!
Pink Tutus for Everyone!
Now, I’m sure many of you have been asking, “Emma, will you be wearing a pink tutu to the Palais Garnier?”. Well, darling, I just had to find an excuse to bring out a particularly fabulous pink tulle creation I’ve been working on, one with more sparkle than a Parisian night sky, don't you know!
But of course, that’s not all I’ll be wearing. I always dress to impress - tonight is a very special night! I’m feeling very inspired - I am hoping to catch the eye of French couture fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth! Imagine a collaboration with a true Parisian maestro of fashion, my darlings, the excitement! I'm imagining softest silk in an array of blush pinks and peaches with cascading tulle, it’s all too fabulous!
The French always have such a romantic and dramatic flair about them, don't you agree, dears? And what is more dramatic than a full pink tulle tutu?
Let's continue to celebrate tutus in all their beautiful and unique forms! After all, as I always say, a pink tutu, like the sparkle of a French diamond, can make any moment even more special!
* Until next #TutuTuesday! Adieu and bon voyage, my lovelies! *
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
