Bonjour, my darling Tutu Tribe! Emma here, back again with another installment of your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday! It's been a whirlwind of a week, as always, travelling back through time in search of those delightful, fluffy, inspiring tutu moments.
This week, my time-traveling tutus have whisked me back to November 15th, 1870, and let me tell you, the fashion scene in the capital of dance - that's Paris, my darlings! - was buzzing with something rather extraordinary. Imagine if you will: the air is crisp with the scent of autumn leaves, the grand theaters are filled with glittering chandeliers, and a flurry of petticoats and ruffles swirl beneath a sea of opulent velvet coats. The Parisian ladies were certainly aware of the power of a great skirt!
Now, while you may think the tutu, as we know it, was born in 1870 - well, you'd be terribly mistaken!
Tutues were a fashion statement long before ballerinas swirled through the Paris Opera House! I recently discovered, whilst browsing a beautiful dusty vintage store in Paris, an old handbill featuring an image of a court dancer, circa the 1500s, wearing something rather resembling a tutu! Now, this court dancer wasn't doing grand jetés, mind you, but twirling amongst the royalty and dignitaries. Her dress? A tiered skirt with a whole lot of puffiness and drama, very similar to what you might see on a ballerina today, albeit with much less tulle and sparkle!
Of course, the ballet tutu, as we know it, came about with the rise of romantic ballet, and, if you were to travel back with me, you'd notice that the ballerina’s costume of this era was quite different from what we’ve come to expect in today’s modern dance styles. Picture flowing, gauzy dresses that would sweep the stage, accented by delicate, rather demure, short skirts over a multitude of petticoats!
So, while my research took me to a fascinating world of theatrical fashion and an era brimming with feminine flourishes, the true “tutu revolution” wasn’t quite there yet. But rest assured, my lovely tutu enthusiasts, a revolution is brewing!
As we approach the dawn of the 20th century, you'll witness a delightful, fluffy, and completely glorious evolution of the tutu, moving from these elaborate gowns to the shorter, airier, whimsical forms that have captivated audiences for decades. Just think, you could even witness the rise of the 'tutu-ballet' - what I affectionately call 'tututude'! You could practically smell the inspiration hanging in the air, swirling with every elegant move of the dancers!
But back to 1870! What is on today’s itinerary in this fabulous city?
Today is an exciting one.
*Paris is in full theatrical swing, and the Palais Garnier opera house, nestled amidst a grand and swirling streetscape, is holding a delightful ballet performance tonight! * The program, featuring 'Giselle,' a tragic masterpiece of a ballet about the beautiful village girl Giselle who is heartbroken when she discovers her love is a disguised noble, is a must-see for every true lover of dance. This performance marks a poignant moment in history where a romantic narrative entwined with captivating dance captivated Parisian audiences.
Just imagining the spectacle makes my tutus practically swoon! A blend of tragedy and romance wrapped in a dramatic flurry of feathers, opulent silks, and, yes, some glimpses of what could only be described as "tutu-ish" skirts! You’ll find me in the audience, sipping on a glass of sparkling lemonade - my French teacher says that’s a “must-have” - and absorbing the enchanting energy of it all.
And, my lovely tutus, guess what? As a true connoisseur of all things tutu-tastic, I couldn't leave without paying a visit to the shops! Parisian fashion has always had a delightful, whimsically enchanting flair. Think elegant salons overflowing with exquisite fabrics like fine silk and lace! Imagine the vibrant hues and textures adorning the storefronts of fashion houses. A world filled with intricate gowns, ornate jewels, and, of course, beautiful, dramatic accessories. Just the sight of it would make you want to spin like a ballerina!
I’ve already picked out a lovely, pink lace scarf with delicate embroidery that’s reminiscent of ballet ribbons and would be the perfect accessory for any festive occasion. I know my followers will adore the beautiful details. You know I love sharing all my fashion finds!
Now, let’s talk travel, shall we? My beloved French train journey, which whizzed me through beautiful rolling hills and captivating vineyards, was a perfect way to set the mood for the elegance of Parisian society! Oh, and did I tell you that the French railways boast some of the most sophisticated cars? There are dedicated baggage sections (the French are definitely more concerned with fashion than "rough luggage"! ), so even a large collection of tutus would have no problems.
And speaking of travelling, my darling tutu-ers! Let me tell you about something so lovely…
Since we are in 1870, just as the world begins to embrace a new spirit of travel, it’s an exhilarating moment to catch the 'railway fever' - this wonderful global trend where trains are changing the way we explore! Just imagine all those beautifully crafted, elegant carriages and grand stations - such a symphony of bustling, rhythmic activity, making you feel as if you are on stage! The thrill of travelling and the romance of venturing outwards in this ever-expanding world, that's what I love about the fashion in this era! It's almost as if everything is in motion and ready to take us on a fantastic adventure! I can hardly wait for the chance to get on board a steamer ship and cross the ocean - such wonderful opportunities! It’s certainly making me want to create some “travel tutus!” That’s right - my darling tutus, a tutu collection with nautical inspiration is in the works! You’re going to love them.
Right, darlings! This tutu enthusiast has a date with Parisian theatre and an afternoon of fashion explorations! Don’t forget to check back next Tuesday for more sartorial adventures in my Ballet Tutu History!
Remember, my darlings, “tutu-itude” is about feeling good in your own skin and letting your personality shine!
Until next Tuesday, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
*#TutuTuesday #balletfashion #1870s #paris #tutus #dance #vintage #fashion #travel #ballethistory #pink-tutu.com *
