Hello dears, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog, your weekly dose of tutu history and fashionable fun! I'm your ever-so-pink and perpetually-twirling blogger, Emma, writing to you from... well, let's just say a delightful spot in time.
Today we're venturing back to 1871, a year bursting with creativity and excitement in the world of ballet! I can already feel the blush of the Victorian era in the air and, oh darling, it's simply exquisite. I've stepped off the train at Gare du Nord in Paris, the air humming with the energy of a vibrant city and, can you believe it, it's the 3rd of October!
Now, this very date, dear readers, holds a very special place in our tutu tale. Why, you ask? Because it was the very night of the debut of a brand new, exquisite ballet, "La Source," by the legendary Léo Delibes! This delightful score has captured hearts and become a staple in the ballet world. And let me tell you, this very night, the audience would have been enraptured by the beautiful costumes, swirling in their silk and satin, the very embodiment of graceful movement!
Stepping into a Time Warp:
I've done it again, haven't I? Snuck back in time with my trusty time machine (it runs on a bit of good-natured pink glitter, darling) to delve into the glorious history of our favourite tutu!
It's utterly thrilling, travelling back in time, and I can't help but feel a little like a character out of a fantastical novel. As I step off the train, the bustling streets of Paris greet me with a colourful blur - horse-drawn carriages clip clopping, elegant ladies swathed in beautiful gowns and bonnets, the faint scent of coffee in the air. It’s a beautiful world.
I'm already brimming with ideas for a new ballet number that incorporates the quintessential Victorian style, complete with delicate floral embellishments, the very embodiment of a romantic ballet, but with a modern twist of course. You can imagine: a swirling sea of pink, a flurry of tulle, all under a spotlight that glistens with magic. Pure whimsy!
The Tutu's Rise: A Journey Through Time
While we don't have definitive evidence that the tutus we see in ballet today were the same style in 1871, they were certainly becoming popular during this period. This is a fantastic era, bursting with a romanticism in everything from fashion to music! The very spirit of the era seemed to be swirling and whirling around like a delicate ballerina, gracefully moving to a whimsical beat.
Just think: if you were lucky enough to see "La Source" on its debut, you might have witnessed tutus dancing in all their delicate beauty. The idea was to emphasize the ethereal beauty of the ballerina, to create a feeling of lightness and grace, all swirling in soft layers of tulle. A symphony of fabrics!
This was also a time of rapid change, especially in the fashion world. Gone were the crinolines and the heavy fabrics of earlier centuries. The skirts became more streamlined and easier to move in, leading to the glorious rise of the tutu! Think about the impact this change must have had on dancers, the freedom of movement, and the graceful expressions that could be conveyed!
I adore this time in ballet history. As with everything in this era, the art of ballet reflected a new found delicate sense of freedom, as well as romance and whimsical beauty. It's what inspires my very own designs today, dear readers. I’ll definitely be using some Victorian floral embroidery inspiration to add a little touch of 1871 to my tutu wardrobe for the upcoming performances in Derbyshire.
My Parisian Delights
Speaking of Derbyshire, the train journey back to England has already started filling me with a thrill. The promise of tea and cake and, most importantly, an evening at the local theatre back in the Peak District. Can you imagine anything better, darling? There's a fantastic modern dance production of "Romeo and Juliet" running this week, I must try and squeeze a few performances in. And the chance to finally meet my dearest friend, Lily, for a day out to a local craft fair to pick up some inspiration for a new tutu! A true whirlwind of excitement!
Oh, before I let you go, darling, have you seen the latest collection at "Chez la Mode?" My Parisian sojourn wouldn't be complete without a trip to the finest fashion houses! It's positively enchanting. Think silk, delicate lace, and exquisite embroideries... absolutely divine! I bought myself a most delectable pink silk scarf. The colours are divine - like the blush of a sunset, just gorgeous! It's practically a call to dance in itself!
A Tutu for Everyone:
And remember, my lovely readers, a pink tutu can be anything you want it to be, whether it’s swirling on a Parisian stage, a delicate ballet on an English stage, or a beautiful and unique addition to your personal wardrobe! Never let anyone tell you that your dreams, your dance, your style... should be anything other than truly, authentically you.
So let's all put on our pink tutus and twirl on into the weekend, darlings! Remember to always embrace the whimsical, always be kind, and most importantly, always twirl with grace.
Until next week!
XOXO, Emma.
