Hello my darling tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, your resident time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday post! I hope you’re all as excited as I am to delve into the magical world of ballet tutus, and discover the wonderful story of their evolution. This week we are hopping on the Orient Express, headed straight for a captivating trip to the Paris Opera! The air will be alive with music, swirling silk, and, of course, the glorious tulle of a ballerina's finest asset – the tutu. Let’s take a twirl through time, shall we? 💖
Today is the 26th of April, 1870, a particularly exciting date in Parisian history! As you all know, Paris is THE place to be for a glamorous time – just like Derbyshire, only more fabulous. And guess what’s in full swing? The Paris Opera! It's a breathtakingly beautiful, historic venue – the largest in all of Europe! Think magnificent staircases, glistening chandeliers, and a stage designed to showcase the most dazzling ballerinas in all their glory. And, of course, it’s home to a fabulous wardrobe of costumes – including some rather exciting tutus.
1870: The Tutu Takes the Stage!
While the iconic "classical" tutu as we know it wasn’t fully born yet (oh no, that is still a bit further down the line!) 1870 is a crucial period in the development of the ballet skirt. Think long, billowing skirts – think layers and layers of silk, tulle, and gauze – creating that perfect airy silhouette! In this era, the focus was all about dramatic flair, ethereal movement, and a sense of pure theatrical spectacle. It was all about conveying stories, not showcasing individual lines.
Dancing through History:
I was fortunate to witness a ballet performance at the Paris Opera, a breathtaking presentation of La Bayadere. Imagine flowing movements, delicate hand gestures, and, of course, that magnificent swirling skirt! It was quite a spectacle! The ladies of the ballet were dancing in rather full and graceful, bell-shaped tutus, layered in soft layers of delicate tulle. The light dances across the billowing layers, transforming each graceful move into a dramatic highlight. So beautifully theatrical!
The Power of the Pink Tutu
Just as you would find a blush of rosy hues adorning a lady’s gown in Derbyshire, there's no more romantic shade for a ballet tutu than pink! Think rosy pinks and baby pinks, delicate salmon and blush hues – all whispering soft stories of grace, beauty, and gentle sweetness. There's a certain air of innocence, and delicate loveliness that truly makes the pink tutu special! It captures the essence of romanticism and perfectly complements the art of ballet!
Tutu Travels
My time-travel is funded by my love of dance – yes! You read right! Every trip I take to another era, is financed through performance! I am a dancer, you see, I adore all types of dance from street dance to theatre performances. However, it's my love for the traditional style of ballet, those romantic stories performed under the warm glow of the stage lighting – that truly sends me spinning! I feel right at home in the elegant atmosphere of ballroom dance parties and theatre shows – those moments where the focus is on style and beauty.
Time to take a trip to Paris!
I say, my darlings, there’s only one thing left to do now – make plans for a visit to Paris, darlings! After all, there's no better place for a dance-filled escape! Get your boots and your best hat and pack a beautiful pink tutu - just to add a little touch of Derbyshire style. And then, my dears, enjoy the magic of Paris and it’s magnificent opera! I'll be here waiting to hear about your adventures!
Until next #TutuTuesday my dearest darlings, may your week be filled with the graceful swirling of your favorite tutu, and may the music of the world guide you in all your dancing adventures. 💖
This post is #2000 of my Tutu Tuesday history blog! Thank you so much for joining me on my journey to celebrate the joy and beauty of tutus, darling! Stay fabulous, stay fashionable, and keep twirling!
P.S Make sure you check out my beautiful selection of pink tutus at www.pink-tutu.com. You never know when you might need to hop on a train to Paris for a fabulous Parisian ballet performance. 😉
Have a magical week, Emma 💖
