Bonjour, my darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-clad time-travelling blogger, Emma, back with another installment of our #TutuTuesday adventures! Today we're taking a little trip back in time, specifically to the 20th of December, 1870. Can you believe it's been nearly 150 years since that magical date?
This week's journey takes us to the heart of ballet's most illustrious era, Paris, France. Picture it: cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and of course, the glorious Palais Garnier, where the finest dancers in the world were thrilling audiences with their grace and artistry.
The year is 1870, and while Paris might be on the brink of the Franco-Prussian War, we, dear readers, are focusing on the beauty and the art. For within those very walls, legendary dancers like Marie Taglioni and Fanny Cerrito were setting the world on fire with their captivating performances. Now, you know how much I love my tutus, so can you guess what was in fashion then?
Think flowing layers, soft chiffon, and, yes, tutus! While the tutus of that time were certainly not as extravagant as the fluffy confectionary masterpieces we adore today, they were still remarkably stunning. They were crafted with the same ethereal lightness and grace, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to every twirl and arabesque.
Just imagine a performance by one of those greats! The rustle of fabric, the precision of each move, the raw emotion pouring through each gesture – it's enough to give you goosebumps, even just picturing it, isn't it?
This particular December 20th, 1870, marks a particularly significant event for ballet history - a premiere. While my research has yet to pinpoint the exact show, that night a company might have been dazzling their audiences with the romantic works of the great choreographers of the time – Jules Perrot, Marius Petipa, and the enchanting Arthur Saint-Léon. Just imagining these masterful movements sets my heart alight!
I may be in a Victorian corset and bustle (more on the challenges of travel wear in later posts!), but even here, 150 years in the past, I can still feel the magic of ballet's enduring power.
Now, speaking of magic, what did I see and do today? Well, as luck would have it, I happened to be in London during one of their magnificent theatre performances. And what did they stage but a brand-new production of "La Sylphide" (the one featuring the famous ballon jumps!) It was glorious - all tulle and tulle and more tulle! I simply couldn't resist snagging a lovely pink one on my way out from the theatre. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! It's perfect for next week's post – stay tuned!
And finally, dear readers, a special reminder. This #TutuTuesday we're calling on you to put on your favourite tutu (or perhaps, inspired by our historical peek, whip up a charming DIY!) and spread the joy! Dance, twirl, skip - anything that sets your inner ballerina free! Remember, life's a stage, and with a pink tutu on, every moment is a chance to shine.
See you next Tuesday, and don't forget to tag me in your tutus with #TutuTuesday. Until then, keep your tutus twirling and your spirits bright!
Love, Emma xx
