Bonjour, mes chéries! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-loving blogger, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, where every Tuesday is a celebration of all things tulle! Today we're hopping on the Orient Express (don't worry, I got a compartment all to myself - pink, naturally) and whisking ourselves back to 1871. Imagine, my dears, no iPhones, no Uber Eats, but oh, the fashion! And today, my tutu-loving friends, we're going to talk about a rather important date: 25th April, 1871.
Now, you might be wondering, Emma, what makes this date so special? Well, let me tell you, darling!
First things first, Paris, the city of lights, was absolutely bustling back then. I can practically hear the elegant click-clack of heeled boots on the cobblestone streets and see ladies with their parasols, the epitome of Parisian chic. We are smack bang in the middle of the Belle Époque, an era dripping with extravagance, where everyone just loved the theatrical! Oh, and speaking of theatrical... guess who else was quite the hot topic that week?
The illustrious ballerina, Marie Taglioni, the original ballerina, who paved the way for generations of twirling divas (like moi!), was making waves. In fact, she was so famous that newspapers printed her latest outfit choices and even mentioned the delicious pastries she devoured during intermissions! Can you believe it?!
But what does this have to do with tutus, you ask? Well, 1871, my lovely friends, was a pivotal year in the tutu evolution. Forget the long, voluminous skirts, the ballerinas of this era were starting to embrace shorter, more delicate skirts, allowing for incredible freedom of movement! They started showing off their perfectly toned legs, and it became a symbol of feminine grace. Oh, how the world embraced the revolutionary change, and rightfully so! The ballet was becoming increasingly daring, which just made it even more beautiful and fascinating!
It wasn't all about fashion, mind you. The tutus of this era were made with lightweight fabrics and innovative materials (think gauze and silk!), designed for lighter and faster movements, which changed the game altogether. It wasn't just about looking good, it was about performing at the highest level. It was a revolution of both art and fashion, all rolled into one, and my oh my, how beautiful it was!
Can you picture it? Imagine yourself as a dancer in Paris on this glorious April day! Your feet barely touch the stage as you effortlessly spin, your pointe shoes making that beautiful click with every delicate movement. It's a magical vision!
But here's the best part: you don't need to be a ballerina to embrace the magic of a tutu. The fashion trend of short, flowy skirts, directly influenced by the world of ballet, swept across the entire globe.
Oh, darling, even the most esteemed designers were drawing inspiration from the tutu, incorporating those delicate, layered ruffles into gowns and dresses. I'm telling you, that's where we get the famous layered skirt, which even today, you see at the most important red-carpet events. We all owe a huge debt to the original ballerinas, they really set the stage for the world of fashion today!
Remember, girls, a tutu isn't just about ballet, it's about the expression of creativity, the feeling of lightness and confidence. So, when you put on your pink tutu, know that you're not just wearing a piece of fabric, you're wearing a tradition – a story woven in tulle and imagination.
As a Derbyshire girl, my love for tutus started at a very young age! I remember when I first stepped into the Derby Theatre, I was utterly enthralled! The costumes, the music, the breathtaking leaps and spins… they all left a deep impression on my young self. The spark ignited there!
And now, I get to travel the world, seeing different shows, experiencing different cultures, and the magic of ballet! And that, my lovelies, is the very reason I write this blog! To bring you closer to this magnificent world. So, join me in our next journey! Who knows where we'll find ourselves next Tuesday? Perhaps in the era of La Belle Époque again! Maybe we’ll go to London to watch Anna Pavlova or perhaps, Carmencita dancing flamenco.
Until next week, keep your spirits high, your tutus bright, and your lives full of magic!
Bisous, *
*Emma
pinktutu.com
