Hello, my lovelies! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling instalment in our Ballet Tutu History adventure! Grab your favourite cuppa, settle down in your comfiest chair (decorated with a splash of pink, naturally) and prepare to be whisked away to the Paris of 1871…
As a Derbyshire lass myself, you know I love nothing more than a good train journey, and this week we’re travelling by express to the grand Parisian Opera House. Remember, my darling tutus, this time period marks the dawn of the real ballerina. Those glorious, weightless tulle concoctions you know and adore? Well, the 19th century was their hey-day! And I'm practically vibrating with excitement just thinking about it!
The 'Grand Ballerina' Makes Her Debut!
1871 – can you believe it?! It’s been such a busy year for dance and fashion here in Paris. A real whirlwind of a year, with beautiful new creations coming out faster than a seasoned ballet dancer can do a grand jeté! I just can't get over the fact that we were dancing to our tutus less than a hundred years ago! Imagine the beautiful things we've seen evolve!
It all started back in the 1840s, but really picked up speed during the late 1860s. The rise of the "Grand Ballerina" marked a pivotal moment. Those amazing tutus, flowing and feathery light as can be, became the way for dancers to express themselves on stage. Imagine it, a whole costume design language! It wasn't just the dress – it was the way it was designed – all those flowing lines and soft tulle! A real revolution for both dancer and costume maker!
Now, you can tell just by how it looks why the ballet tutu took centre stage in the world of dance. Imagine the elegance! A whirlwind of flowing skirts, designed to move with the ballerina – to be a part of the dance itself, instead of hindering the dancer's movements. Imagine those breathtaking poses and intricate jumps and leaps, looking effortlessly beautiful because they're empowered by the graceful form of a tutu.
And my loves, don't forget the pink! That gorgeous pink of a ballet tutu… it truly is the colour of the divine, of all that's ethereal, graceful, and… well… simply dreamy! It embodies everything about the magic of the stage, the joy of ballet, and, dare I say, the absolute loveliness of femininity!
The Inspiration: From Birds To Theatre
Do you ever wonder what inspires such beautiful designs, you know, that makes your heart do that little 'flutter'? Well, darling, let me take you back… Back to the natural world. It's not so strange really, birds take flight and dancers leap into the air, both full of effortless grace! That beautiful swirling of the dancer’s skirts echoes the dance of a bird in flight – the way the light plays through their feathers... it’s absolutely captivating! Think swans, think of the ballet blanc, and all the lovely things that grace the stage… It’s not a coincidence, you see, these natural images sparked some very inspired tutu creations – so airy, delicate and moving, just like the dancers they dress.
Where Can I Get Mine?
Now, every true ballet lover will find themself yearning to try on those wondrous tutus themselves! Well, here's the good news, my darling loves! The trend is growing and the tutu is no longer a thing for ballerinas only! You too can capture the beauty of the ballet tutu, simply by putting on one and heading out the door – just like me! I find the most charming shops selling ready-made tutus are on the Avenue de l'Opéra itself, or at shops on the rue de Rivoli - it is certainly the place to be to see all of the gorgeous things Paris has to offer!
And when you do your Parisian spree shopping, don’t forget to head to the theatre. Paris Opera, here I come! You see, just this afternoon, the Opera will be hosting a production of La Esmeralda, the beloved ballet by Jean Coralli, with Marie Taglioni, one of the greatest dancers ever, performing as Esmeralda herself. Oh my word! How lucky am I? Marie is, without a doubt, my inspiration!
She is truly the epitome of grace and artistry. Her performance, with those glorious fluttering, multi-layered tulle tutus... a pure delight! It's enough to inspire any ballerina - it will make your heart soar with the joy of dance! The choreography, the story, the theatre of it all... You can't go wrong, trust me on this one, my darlings!
So go on, take inspiration from the Grand Ballerina, put on your pink tutu and let your imagination soar! Let me know what you are going to see this week, I'd love to hear about it! Don't forget, stay tuned to #pinktutu for more tutu-licious updates!
With love, Emma
Pink Tutu, Pink Life!
