Hello my gorgeous ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and it's time to step back in time for our weekly #TutuTuesday historical journey! Today we're hopping aboard a grand train, leaving behind the bustling streets of 21st-century London and whisking ourselves back to 14th November 1871, a time known as the Belle Epoque. Fancy a trip to Paris? Let's go!
Now, when I think of the Belle Epoque, I immediately picture elegant ladies in sweeping gowns and elaborate hats, the air alive with the sound of waltzes and champagne bubbles popping. Oh, wouldn't it be a dream to have lived then? But, imagine my excitement when I realised just how vital this era was for the world of ballet. Think shimmering tulle and flowing fabric! Let's take a peek!
We're in Paris, the heart of ballet, where the famed Paris Opera Ballet is setting the stage for theatrical excellence. Imagine La Esmeralda - you know, Victor Hugo's famous novel - taking the stage, a tale of passion, heartbreak, and destiny brought to life with captivating choreography.
While the Paris Opera Ballet is dazzling audiences with its breathtaking performances, back in the studios, things are getting revolutionary.
Have you ever noticed how ballerinas gracefully move with their legs en pointe? You can thank Marie Taglioni for that! This pioneering ballerina, with her flowing tutus and light, ethereal movement, was the epitome of romantic ballet, literally defining what it meant to dance “on pointe” - which basically meant that ballet was suddenly much more beautiful and sophisticated. Her performance in "La Sylphide" was a game changer for ballet. And let's not forget how amazing that beautiful white tutu she wore looks with all the flouncy movement - chefs kiss
It’s this look, this air of romanticism and femininity, that was becoming the standard. Ballet became increasingly popular, its grace and beauty captured not only in theatre performances but also on canvas, inspiring artists like Edgar Degas, whose depictions of ballerinas in their graceful tutus captured the elegance of the era. It's this elegant ballet world I'm dying to get to!
It's truly fascinating to see how these historical events have shaped our perception of ballet, how tutus, a key symbol of this beautiful art form, have become a part of the fashion and design world. I even see people wearing tutus on the streets - imagine! Isn't that exciting? We're taking the world by tutu storm! It makes me dream of tutus in every colour under the rainbow, although pink will always hold a special place in my heart.
In 1871, ballet was experiencing a major boom in Paris. The Belle Epoque was truly the "Golden Age" for ballet, a time of growth, experimentation, and artistic breakthroughs, all set to the rhythm of beautifully flowing tutus and a wave of new romanticism.
It’s important to remember that even today, ballet and fashion are intertwined. Ballet dancers’ costumes, including their famous tutus, continue to inspire designers and are frequently seen on high fashion runways, a tribute to the artistic brilliance and elegance that started in 1871.
I am obsessed with the fashion of the Belle Epoque - the layers, the silhouettes - but nothing quite takes the cake for me over that beautiful, soft flowing tulle that became the basis of the ballet tutu. Imagine walking in those elegant streets in your own little cloud of fluffy fabric! I think this has got to be the most dreamy time to travel back to - a beautiful combination of dancing and dressing!
Well, darling dancers, I have to be off. Another day, another journey in the wonderful world of tutus! I can't wait to see what the next era of ballet brings! As always, remember to dance your heart out, embrace the beauty of movement, and keep rocking that pink! And please do share with me any pink tutus you happen to find. After all, you know the ultimate goal - we're gonna bring this colour of wonder to everyone on the planet, so the world is painted a bit more pink!
Happy twirling! And be sure to stop by next Tuesday for another historical Tutu Tuesday!
Bisous,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
