Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, back with another captivating #TutuTuesday! Today, I've taken a delightful trip to the very heart of Paris, back in the year 1872! I'm standing in the hushed yet exciting backstage area of the Opéra Garnier, the grandeur of it simply taking my breath away.
This glorious building, a jewel in the crown of Parisian architecture, is overflowing with the excitement of an upcoming ballet performance. I'm wearing a sweet pink tulle tutu with a smattering of shimmering sequins - perfectly fitting for the era, don't you think?
Today is the 18th of June, and there's a real buzz in the air! The dancers are warming up, the musicians are tuning their instruments, and I can just about hear the whispers of excited theatregoers as they settle in their velvet-lined seats.
1872, the era of elegant crinolines, high-waisted gowns, and of course, the exquisite ballet tutus that would set the stage for the iconic ballet creations of the future. Let's dive into the captivating world of ballet history, shall we?
A Century of the Tutu:
Believe it or not, the tutu, a staple of the ballerina's wardrobe, was only about 70 years old when I travelled back to this time. Imagine! In the early 1800s, dancers were still swishing about in long, heavy, restrictive dresses! Thankfully, Maria Taglioni, the graceful dancing queen of her time, revolutionized dance by introducing the tutu - a liberating design allowing for greater freedom of movement and showcasing the graceful form of the dancer. It was truly a sartorial and performance-enhancing game-changer.
Of course, the tutu of 1872, although liberating compared to those restrictive gowns, would probably make my tutu-wearing heart ache. It wasn't yet the delicate, light and ethereal vision we see today. Instead, dancers in the 1870s still wore rather rigid, bell-shaped tutus, known as the tutu-à-la-française. Imagine the effort to jump and twirl! They must have been truly strong and agile ladies!
The Beauty of the Ballet
Oh, but these ballet performances! You know I can't resist a trip to the theatre, especially when a ballet is on the bill. I’m delighted to report that my trip has not disappointed in the slightest! The atmosphere in the Opéra Garnier is electric, brimming with Parisian style and joie de vivre. The grand, glittering chandeliers illuminate the beautifully adorned theatre, and I can hear the enchanting strains of the orchestra already filling the air.
I simply cannot wait to watch the performance, although I can only imagine how different it will be to the ballets I adore today! In 1872, there's still an emphasis on classical dance - fluid movements, intricate steps and perfect grace. Ballet stories of the time were largely classical and based on mythology, featuring dramatic narratives filled with adventure and emotion.
But as we know, things are constantly evolving, and with the rise of choreographers like Marius Petipa, ballet was about to witness its golden age. It's simply magical to be here on the brink of something so momentous!
The Clothes Shopping Delight
I, of course, couldn’t miss an opportunity to indulge in a spot of vintage shopping! You know I can't resist a chic little outfit or two! Imagine the delights I've discovered!
Firstly, I found the most wonderful lace gloves - delicately hand-stitched and delicate - perfect for the warm Parisian afternoon. I imagine myself waltzing in the Tuileries Garden, a delicate bouquet of wildflowers clutched in my hand. I picked up some beautiful bonnets and ribbons as well, ideal for a trip to the theatre.
My favourite purchase of the day has to be the beautiful embroidered corsage. So intricately embroidered with delicate flowers and intricate swirls. It will add a touch of refined charm to my pink tutu! And what is a ballet blogger without a touch of refined pink?
Train Travel To the Capital
Getting to Paris, as always, was an adventure! From my home in Derbyshire, I embarked on a charming journey by train! The carriages are filled with laughter and chatter, and everyone is dressed to the nines in their finest clothes.
Passing by picturesque English countryside, we speed towards the grand metropolis of Paris. My fellow travellers share stories and travel tips, their eyes twinkling with excitement. Every journey is an adventure, don’t you agree?
I must say, travel in this era, though perhaps a little slower, certainly offers a delightful dose of romance. It's all about savouring the journey, isn’t it?
Join the Pink Tutu Movement
Don't forget to follow my travels on Instagram! I’m posting all my Tutu Tuesday adventures on my new profile @Emma_PinkTutu! We'll share the wonder of the tutu, discuss fashion, and keep up with all things ballet-related.
Remember, my dear friends, wearing pink is about confidence and style, a joyful expression of your individuality! Let's celebrate life, ballet, fashion and of course, the wonder of the tutu!
Until next Tuesday, darlings, may your days be filled with twirls and joy!
With love,
Emma.
