Hello, lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday adventure! Today, we're stepping back into the magical world of the 19th century. Grab your tiaras and your finest silk scarves - we're going to Paris!
As you know, darling, I have a penchant for the finer things in life - and that certainly includes fashion. I am utterly devoted to my beautiful pink tutu! The thought of this shimmering creation gracing the stage at the Paris Opera house makes my heart skip a beat. You see, today marks the anniversary of the grand opening of the Palais Garnier Opera House! That's right, ladies, the very stage where countless ballerinas have spun dreams into reality - from the elegant Marie Taglioni to the incandescent Isadora Duncan, this majestic theatre has seen it all!
Now, while our vision of a tutu today conjures images of whimsical tutus cascading over dancers in a sea of pink and sparkles, 1871 was a very different world! There wasn't one 'standard' tutu - it was a constantly evolving and, dare I say, experimenting garment. In those days, the 'tutu' would have been more a 'jupe' or a 'skirt' - much more layered and even a bit heavier with fabrics like tulle, silk, or satin being used! I can imagine the lovely ladies gliding across the stage in a billowing cloud of ruffles, each movement radiating elegance and power.
Don't get me wrong, dear readers, these were not your grandma's nightgowns! They were daring! They moved like waves! These ladies had a knack for flaunting a leg and defying gravity. Oh, to see those exquisite movements in the ballets by choreographers such as Jules Perrot and Arthur Saint-Léon, like 'La Esmeralda' and 'Giselle.' Imagine the beauty, the artistry, the sheer thrill!
You might be wondering, why travel back to Paris to admire these costumes? Well, the answer, darlings, lies in the heart of every ballet lover - it's all about the beauty! It’s about the captivating movement, the artistry, and the passion for the art of dance. Paris, at this time, was considered a melting pot of cultural ideas, especially for fashion and art - which means ballets like 'Giselle' were breaking ground and setting trends that we still see in the costumes today!
Now, you all know I wouldn't let you go without a sparkling shopping trip, so let's transport ourselves to the glamorous salons of Paris. Imagine browsing fabrics and trimming ribbons - finding that special satin to make a graceful and feminine tulle tutu - maybe even a pearl trim to embellish the hem! It was like a kaleidoscope of creativity - a whirlwind of inspiration! If you could imagine being swept off your feet with these beautiful Parisian outfits, you could feel what it was like to experience that vibrant and sophisticated era.
I know some of you will say - "Emma, it all seems so complicated - why even bother with history? Just dance with what we have today!" You are right! Our modern world has truly revolutionised fashion with more versatility and colour than ever before. But it's all thanks to that rich and fascinating history - to those bold and pioneering dancers who carved their way into our hearts and onto those grand stages.
The next time you see a ballerina glide across the stage in a whimsical tutu, remember these elegant pioneers. Remember the evolution of their costumes, their bravery, their passion. It's all interconnected - each era has added its unique style and creativity to this mesmerizing dance form.
Speaking of style, have you all seen the new pink tutu line that just launched at Ballettique in Covent Garden? They're just dreamy, perfect for a Parisian ballet adventure - or simply a walk through Hyde Park! Because at the end of the day, wearing a tutu is all about feeling bold, beautiful, and powerful - like you're dancing on air! It's a statement piece! I love the bold femininity! I love a ballerina-inspired outfit, from tutu to pink top and the perfect delicate earrings and sparkling bracelets - the most chic ballet wear that sparkles with that perfect mix of fun and elegance!
Now, go forth, dear readers! Don't just dream it! Wear it! And share it with the world. And please don't forget to wear pink, or at least to put on a touch of lipstick, blush or even nail polish, just to make that statement! You don’t have to be a dancer, you just have to live with grace and elegance!
Until next week, remember, every day can be #TutuTuesday!
With much love and tulle,
Emma
