Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where we celebrate all things twirly, frilly, and fabulously pink! I'm your resident time-travelling tutu enthusiast, Emma, and I'm here to whisk you away on a journey through ballet history, one tulle-tastic Tuesday at a time.
This week, my dear readers, we're hopping on a grand steam train to Paris, a city bursting with artistic energy and fashion flair. The year is 1872, and a most exciting development is swirling through the world of ballet: the rise of the romantic tutu! Now, let's be clear, this isn't your standard, puff-and-fluff tutu we all adore today - this was a more "structured romance", let's call it! 😉
This mid-century romantic style was a shift from the traditional "bell-shaped" skirt that swirled with each twirl, giving a more modest look. This new romantic tutu, darling, featured a tiered design, adding tiers and tiers of delicate layers that added both drama and a delicate femininity.
But just why did this romantic era want to dress the ballerina like this, you ask? Well, my dears, there was a revolution afoot!
Ballet itself, was embracing the romantic era, wanting to showcase the story, the emotion, and the artistic potential within the dancer themselves, which we're seeing more and more of in the 21st Century. This new, tiered romantic style, was less constricting, offering the dancer a fluidity that added an ethereal elegance and showcased the dance form's inherent beauty. It was almost like seeing the ballerinas become butterflies! It truly made them the epitome of femininity and elegance - not to mention it looked simply exquisite!
Imagine it, my dears, swirling, twirling, floating, as the tiered layers danced with the ballerina on the stage - it was simply enchanting! It was no longer just about technique, you see, but about the very essence of artistry and beauty that flowed with every graceful gesture. I have to say, the French certainly did a good job of this back in the 19th Century!
Oh, darling, do you know what else is going on this very day in 1872? Le Jardin d'Acclimatation in Paris is opening! Oh, to be there now, the enchanting and charming atmosphere would be just what any tutu-loving girl would need! Imagine yourself surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty with colourful birds singing from the trees. Sounds positively delightful, don't you think? And of course, I imagine there are exquisite cafes where you can rest your dainty feet and soak in the magic of the French charm.
Now, on a personal note, did you know the English seaside resort of Scarborough was opening a promenade for the first time in the early 1870s? Can you imagine a promenade in scarborough, dear reader? It would be just the place for me to do my favourite thing - spot the new and latest in street-fashion trends that my little pink tutu-loving heart could get its paws on.
This reminds me, I recently saw a beautiful ballet shoe made from luxurious materials, oh, how I wish they were in existence when I was traveling in the 19th century! The workmanship was extraordinary, featuring delicate laces and perfectly sculpted points - fit for a real ballet queen, and no ordinary, mundane pair, Oh dear, I must add them to my collection soon, darling! I believe my bank account can handle it, it has taken all these performance gigs lately for that one reason...the joy of ballet and shoes of course!
So, my lovely tutu enthusiasts, remember - no matter what year or century it is, we all have something in common: our love of all things pink, frilly, and fabulously fashionable. Keep that twinkle in your eye, and never stop chasing your own dreams of elegance and beauty!
Remember, the very best fashion starts with your heart - let it shine, and never be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina.
Until next week, darlings!
Yours always in pink, Emma
🩰🌸P.S. Do leave a comment below and share your favourite tutu moment! Or tell me which Parisian café you think would serve the most decadent tea!
**Don't forget to join us every Tuesday for #TutuTuesday on PinkTutu.com. We'd love for you to join our wonderful community!
xx**
