Bonjour, my darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your trusty time-travelling tutu enthusiast, and I'm positively giddy to be back with another #TutuTuesday history post. Today, we're waltzing back to 1871, specifically the 13th of June. Buckle your tutus and hold onto your tiaras because we're about to explore a world of swirling skirts and dainty slippers!
Now, before we get lost in the glorious froth of tutus, let me tell you about how I got here! You see, dear readers, my latest ballet performances have earned me just enough to indulge in another jaunt through time! This time, I landed in none other than Paris, the City of Lights, the heart of fashion, the playground of ballet! Can you imagine a better setting to celebrate all things tutu?
I stepped out of the carriage, feeling like a true Parisian with my crisp, perfectly pressed pink tutu (it wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday without one, would it?) and my new straw boater hat, and… oh là là! What did I see? A delightful mix of bustling city life, the elegance of ladies sporting the latest fashions, and oh, the most exquisite tutus I've ever laid eyes on!
I swear, it's almost impossible to resist the call of Paris in June. It’s like the entire city is embracing a graceful dance of fashion and culture. Even the trees seem to sway in rhythm to a waltz. And speaking of waltz… I stumbled upon a ballet performance at the Paris Opera on the 13th of June.
Imagine, the theatre was abuzz with excitement, shimmering gowns, and an electric atmosphere! I snagged a prime seat, all thanks to the fact that my recent performances are starting to make waves in the world of dance! (Just you wait for my grand performance in the Parisian Opera next year – I've already started crafting the costumes for a spectacular Pink Tutu extravaganza!).
Now, the actual ballet itself, that's where the real magic happens. The * ballerinas, those graceful gazelles with their expressive eyes and flawless techniques, took the stage in *soft, billowing tutus that seemed to float effortlessly. Every pirouette, every grand jeté, every relevé seemed to carry a silent story, whispering tales of romance and heartbreak, and transporting us all into their fantastical world.
But you know what, it’s not just the tutus in ballet, is it? It's the story, the emotions, the beautiful movement, and the powerful impact ballet can have on your heart and soul. Oh, and I simply cannot forget the sheer beauty of the costumes! The costumière here, the Parisian ones are quite different from what we see in Derbyshire, darling! So, to say I’m mesmerized by the detail is a massive understatement.
It wasn't just the performance, but the entire fashion world here. Parisian ladies, even on a Tuesday morning, are the epitome of elegance. Every hat, every glove, every charming little parasol, and of course, the dresses – it was a glorious celebration of everything feminine and beautiful! I spied so many different kinds of skirts: the bell-shaped skirts, the pleated ones, and those amazing puffed up ones, they all just scream opulence. And those corsets! What a sight! Tightlaced and cinched with exquisite detail. It truly is an art form.
You know what else? Back in 1871, it was still perfectly acceptable for ladies to dress up just to take a leisurely walk around the beautiful gardens in Paris! They’d sit, sip tea, chat, admire the flowers, and perhaps even do some shopping at the lovely nearby stores. That's exactly what I did, embracing the elegant Parisian life!
However, what stood out, aside from all the elaborate finery, were the bold hues of pink! It’s not just me that loves it, pink was a definite favourite back then, making appearances everywhere - in flowers, hats, parasols, and even the elegant lace trim of those delightful ballerina costumes. A vibrant burst of colour against the backdrop of a Parisian sunset - what a spectacle, darling!
You see, darling, back then the word "tutu" wasn't even a proper term yet, and people were far more hesitant to wear anything with even the faintest resemblance of the pink tutus we see today! I was the first to use this very word and make it into a staple for tutu-wearing ladies worldwide, just another way for us all to express that glorious, effervescent energy!
My day was also made even more magical when I visited the charming boutique on rue de la Paix. The lady, with her bright red lipstick and impeccable bouffant, showed me the most enchanting collection of fabric I have ever seen: shimmering silk, velvet as soft as a cloud, and tulle like the lightest whisper! Now that's something to inspire even the most jaded of ballerinas, darling!
Of course, I couldn't leave Paris without snapping some pics for you, my dearest followers! Imagine me in a cafe by the Seine, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, sporting a gorgeous lilac tutu I discovered in the most enchanting boutique tucked away on rue de Rivoli. And, darling, my hair! A cascade of cascading curls and braids tied with a delicate pink ribbon, fit for a Parisian princess! It's going to be my new profile picture!
To sum it all up, Paris in June, 1871, was a dream. The Parisian air hummed with beauty and a sense of freedom and flair that made me so grateful I could explore the history of ballet. Even then, ballet and its essence were already captivating audiences! Now, imagine being surrounded by the delicate swirls of tutus all those years ago. The charm and the femininity are practically palpable, wouldn't you say, darling?
I can't wait to see what adventures the future of tutus will bring! Stay tuned, my darlings! Join me again next week for more delightful and daring tales from the past! #PinkTutuForever
XOXO,
Emma
