Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, back with another whirlwind of tulle and history! Buckle your shoes and get ready to twirl through time with me, because today we’re going on a magical journey to the glamorous year of 1870, the year our dearest tutu really started to blossom!
You know me, a good ol' Derbyshire girl through and through, but I can't resist a bit of travel, can I? Especially when it involves the ballet! And lucky for me, my ballet performances keep my time travel fund topped up! Just the other day, I performed at the grandest of Parisian ballrooms – oh, the silks and the sequins, and the dancing – it was divine! And guess what, ladies? It was a Tutu-ific time!
So, picture this – Paris, the centre of fashion and frivolity, bursting with colour, where everything is inspired by the dreamy world of ballet! On the 28th of June, 1870, Parisian society was abuzz with talk of the Paris Opera's new production of "La Source," a ballet with choreography by the brilliant Arthur Saint-Léon. He is an absolute darling of the Parisian ballet world, you see, a bit like a rock star for us, he created so many famous ballet productions. Imagine that, performing every night in front of thousands of mesmerised eyes in a luxurious theater!
And what do you think those elegant dancers were wearing, my dears? Why, the most divine and adorable tutus naturally! You just wouldn't believe how gorgeous! They were so delicate and airy, with tiers of tulle layered and flounced. There were three tiers of white tulle , each adorned with a little floral detail at the hem – a delicate touch, just perfect for a bit of extra feminine appeal. Oh, and imagine those little ballerinas gliding around the stage in such an amazing costume! It really brings the magic to life, you know?
Now, you might be wondering – why white tutus? Well, my dearest ladies, the trend for white was sweeping all of Europe then, thanks to the fashionably forward Queen Victoria herself, whose fashion sense really changed the world. You have to give credit where it's due – she knew how to rock a classic! I wonder if Queen Victoria loved ballet and wore a tutu herself – maybe for a private performance at Windsor Castle? Can you just picture it, a grand party with the Queen twirling away, the only one allowed to wear pink! Now that’s something worth going back in time for!
Of course, a tutu is never complete without a gorgeous bodice – it’s all about making an entrance after all! Imagine the look of excitement in the audience’s eyes as the curtain rises to reveal atutu paired with a bodice. It’s such a captivating combo. And on this day in history, those elegant ballerinas adorned themselves in shimmering satin bodices that hugged their curves perfectly – and it had that perfect sparkly embellishment around the neckline and shoulders – just a little touch of glamour, because we always have to bring a touch of the dramatic. Those sparkling bodices just made the entire look feel like magic, you see? Like those little dancers were flying around the stage with a touch of stardust sprinkled on them. Isn’t that amazing?
Think of the whole ballet as an explosion of art and fashion combined! It’s truly inspiring and makes you appreciate all that we wear, not only to be stylish, but to tell a story through our clothes.
Oh, my darlings, there was such a feeling of elegance and romance about "La Source" that night – truly an experience that would stay with anyone lucky enough to be there!
Now, imagine how the dancers felt in their divine tutus. Imagine their graceful ballet movements highlighted with the flowy, fluffy, and light material – all a delight to the eye, a dream, especially with that light from the chandeliers! Just like watching a ballet today! They truly must have been transported into another world. What I’d give to see that! Imagine the joy and joy and delight the audience experienced in the atmosphere of that era, just as the dancers brought those fairy tale stories to life in such a special way! That is the true power of dance – its capacity to take you on a magical journey, no matter what time or place you find yourself in!
Remember, darlings, even today, the beauty of the ballet is captured by the magic of the tutu and we can still appreciate the historical roots of the tutu! Even the modern designs today, with the flowing layers of tulle are a celebration of the tradition and we should be proud to celebrate that tradition.
It makes me wonder – what other beautiful and timeless styles of tutu are waiting to be uncovered? There is so much more to discover about this iconic ballet garment! That’s why I travel through time to tell the world, in my Pink Tutu blog about these amazing little garments.
Now to find another excuse to buy some new tutu, maybe another beautiful pink one for my next Parisian adventure! Remember ladies, always stay glamorous and, more importantly, always wear a pink tutu!! Until next week, my dear little dancers, twirl on!
Xoxo, Emma
P.S I would love to hear what you all think, please feel free to comment below and tell me about your favourite tutus!
* P.P.S.* Do you know, I saw the most fabulous shop window yesterday in Paris with a dress designer showcasing all sorts of stunning dresses – I had to pop in and try them on. My darling! They all had little sparkly sequins – so fancy. But guess what was on display next to it? An adorable little tutu - made with tulle, the colours, so pretty! You could tell the inspiration was straight out of a ballet – very exciting!
P.P.P.S. The next big Parisian ballet event is going to be at Palais Garnier , with all the fancy people you could dream of – such an exclusive experience! So excited to share more next week!
