Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another jaunt through history! This week, I'm whisking you all back to the 31st of May, 1870, a date bursting with history, and so many fascinating facts about the tutu!
As you all know, Tutu Tuesday is my weekly rendezvous to celebrate the gorgeous history of the tutu - from its humble beginnings to the shimmering, magical pieces we see on stage today. Now, let me tell you, 1870 was a glorious year for ballet, and oh, the tutus!
So, I've arrived in Paris, the undisputed heart of the ballet world. Think cobbled streets, grand avenues, and the heady perfume of la belle époque! 🩰 And I'm sporting my most exquisite pink tutu, of course. A confection of silk and tulle, perfectly in line with the latest fashions. Let's face it, darling, nothing says "I'm here to twirl!" like a blush-coloured tutu!
Now, picture this: The opera house is aglow. I'm jostling with theatre-goers in lavish ball gowns and impeccably tailored suits, a delightful mix of Parisian elegance and bohemian flair. There's a real buzz in the air, the anticipation before the curtain rises. The sound of hushed whispers and a rustle of silks is almost enough to make you faint!
And then, the music begins! The orchestra bursts into a romantic symphony, the kind that sends shivers down your spine and leaves you gasping for air.
On stage, the dancers glide with grace, their tutus billowing like clouds. I can just about make out their silk slippers, hand-stitched and as delicate as spun sugar. A true spectacle, darling!
Now, in 1870, we were just on the cusp of seeing ballet explode onto the world stage. You see, we're not quite in the Romantic Era, a time where ballerinas would wear super long, heavy skirts, and absolutely no revealing of ankles! Thank goodness, those days are long gone. But the tutus were still gaining their legs, literally! A shorter, fluffier look was coming into vogue, giving our beautiful dancers more freedom of movement and adding to the* ethereal, almost mythical beauty* they create on stage.
Speaking of movements, it's a complete treat to witness the elegance and precision of the ballet here. Imagine a tutu shimmering under the golden chandelier as the dancers move with the grace of butterflies and the strength of warriors. So much beauty in every move!
And can you even imagine shopping for the latest tutus in the Grand Boulevards of Paris? Imagine endless aisles of silk, satin, and tulle, and the gentle rustle of fabrics as they hang on mannequins with impeccable figures. Such a paradise for any tutu enthusiast!
However, 1870 was a bit of a turbulent year for our Parisian friends. The Franco-Prussian War cast a dark shadow over the city. I found myself strolling past the elegant shops and boutiques in the Place Vendôme, watching as soldiers marched past, their uniforms a stark contrast to the brightly colored dresses worn by Parisian women. I overheard murmurs about uncertain futures, fear, and loss, reminding us that even during times of peace, the threat of war looms.
Yet, even with this heavy cloud in the air, ballet continued to bloom in this beautiful and chaotic city. And in a way, the art of ballet, with its joyful movement, vibrant colours, and timeless grace became an antidote to the world's woes. It was a moment of beauty, a space for imagination, and a testament to the enduring power of art, even in the midst of war.
Now, it's time for me to take a break and explore this bustling city, to catch another show, to perhaps buy myself a little treat at the elegant boutique on the corner or to take in the beautiful music wafting from the nearby cafés, all the while admiring the stunning architecture.
And I must be off, my darling. I wouldn't want to miss the finale of the ballet. The stage is ablaze with lights, and the audience is held captive by the intricate choreography. I'm certain that the final pose will leave us all in awe, our hearts filled with the sheer joy and beauty of ballet.
But before I go, a reminder: Wear pink. Embrace your inner ballerina. And remember: A world where everyone wears a pink tutu is a much brighter and more beautiful place.
See you next week, dears! Until then, keep on twirling!
Emma 💕
