Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog, dear readers! This week, Iām taking us right back to the 19th century! I love my adventures in the past, and this week Iām travelling toā¦ PARIS!
Number 1977 in my Ballet Tutu History
It's 1869 - a very special year in the world of dance and fashion! The date is the 16th of November and I am already in the Paris Operaā¦ oh, the excitement! Iām ready to absorb all the Parisian style and I'm off to see a beautiful ballet called "La Source"
Pink Is Inā¦ For Ballet, At Least!
This show premiered last year, and my oh my, those costumes! Just so delicate and refined - think billowing tutus, wispy sleeves, and all in shades of pale blue, light pink, and white!
The main female character, a girl named Nouredda, wears an adorable white, lacy tutu with pink ribbons and sparkles and, get thisā¦ thereās actually a whole āPink Themeā running throughout the costumes!
Even though ballet is mostly associated with the graceful ladies in their long flowing skirts and intricate costumes, it's really all about the boys too! We are lucky to have one of the greatest dancers of all time, the handsome and incredibly talented, Monsieur Jules Perrot, in our midst, who choreographed this beautiful ballet, just for Paris!
I must say that Paris is certainly the heart of all things tutu and ballet in 1869! Every night is full of glamorous ballerinas performing with the OpƩra Ballet and even a lovely lady named Carlotta Grisi, * an *Italian ballerina, famous for her acting, has been seen dancing at the Paris Opera! It's amazing that all these creative talents are gathering in one place, Paris is simply buzzing with fashion and ballet!
I can already tell you this week's trip will be full of fashion and fun, because thereās a great nouvelle vague feeling happening with everyone going crazy over fashion trends, which in Paris means ball gowns, hats, jewellery and yes, of course - ballet costumes!
Let's Talk Tutu Trends!
Speaking of tutus, you wonāt believe the wonderful tutu creations Iāve spotted in the shops around The OpĆ©ra. My head is spinning, dear reader, spinning with possibilities. Imagine this: soft, silk in colors that can rival a sunrise; a swirling of fringe to accentuate every graceful step; the sparkle of pearls as a subtle touch to the classic shape.
You just know Iām shopping, shopping, shopping! There is a particular type of ballet shop on Rue de la Paix I must findā¦ oh, to think Iām actually shopping in a tutu!, and all the other fashionable women just stare!
Oh darling, my heart flutters just imagining a shop overflowing with tutus: The fluffy, pouffy ones, the elegant, graceful ones, the sparkling ones that will reflect the light and shine so bright as you dance and twirl. Every one a story waiting to be told. Every one a work of art.
But what about you, lovely reader, what would your ideal tutu be like? Share your dreams with me in the comments below, and I'll make sure you're getting all the latest news on our #TutuTuesday!
Fashion Inspiration From 1869...
After watching āLa Sourceā I know I will be wearing all white tulle with a smattering of light pink - after all, how fabulous and fashion-forward would that look with my latest new bright pink tulle tutu - the newest must-have piece in my wardrobe! Of course, if youāre not able to find one of these in pink ( though, of course, why wouldnāt you), a good replacement is any light or pastelish shade like a soft sky blue or lilac! Just a small touch of that delicate and charming vintage-chic is what we need in 2023!
Now, to keep the fun and pink spirit of my trip to Paris alive, and as a reminder that the beauty of ballet can be accessed by everyone, letās take a moment for a ballet class!
Hereās one fun dance you can learn at home that would perfectly capture the spirit of my Paris adventure: the ballet āpasseā position, a dancerās legs raised and bent at the knee with the foot placed on the opposite knee, followed by a graceful turn! Oh, and you might like to try that whilst wearing pink, you know, to honour the spirit of La Source, my favourite show.
Oh darling, just thinking about this ballet 'pas de bourrƩƩ', makes my heart melt with delight.
Fashion Tip: It doesnāt matter if you have a fluffy tutu or a simple classic tulle skirt - you can make any look instantly beautiful and fashionable with a few extra-special touches of sparkle, frills, and even some beautiful ribbons in soft pink, lilac and pale blue.
I promise it will look elegant and so much more charming, Iām off to find a beautiful new tutu!
Oh dear, there is that train arriving now! But remember to keep your #TutuTuesday plans sparkling, fluffy and filled with all the beautiful hues of pink! And don't forget, fashion starts with you, so take that first step and let your personality shine.
See you all next Tuesday, dear reader!
Love, Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
