Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another fabulous instalment of my Ballet Tutu History for #TutuTuesday! Today's date is 9th July, 1872 - let's just say this date's a little "ruffled"! 😉 If you haven't been keeping up with my blog, you might want to pop back to some of my earlier posts (find them all on www.pink-tutu.com!). It's all about getting our dance history fix - because as a professional ballerina with a bit of a penchant for time travel (don't tell anyone!), I can confidently say that a deep knowledge of ballet history is absolutely key for becoming a total tutu-loving pro! 👑💖
But don't worry, even if you aren't a seasoned ballerina, you're still going to find my blog fascinating! Just picture it - I'm a travelling fashionista wearing the most spectacular pink tutu, jet-setting around different eras. Think of all the extraordinary costumes I'm bound to see and all the exciting stories I can tell. (This one’s extra good by the way!) 😉
Oh, and if you've found your way here to this #TutuTuesday post - congratulations, because you are in for a treat! This week I'm visiting none other than the bustling, glamorous City of Paris - home of the grand Opéra! Yes, we are talking major ballet-loving hub! 🩰🤩 And wouldn’t you know it, Paris is positively brimming with fashion and glamour, and today’s date is going to showcase exactly that. It’s just like one of my dreams – shopping galore! You know, the kind where you simply must try on every single pair of gloves and have to get a selection of stunning silk fabrics to adorn yourself!
I’m also here to share all about what it takes to be a ballet dancer in Paris – that magical dance world I love so dearly – but we'll get to that in a minute. Today, let’s explore the fashion – because fashion is important (just ask any ballet dancer or, heck, any woman!). 👗🎀
I had a little bit of time to explore the shops before attending the Paris Opera Ballet performance. (There are so many shops, it's truly dazzling! The dressmakers are absolutely killing it – every single one of them!) Imagine, silk of the finest quality and beautifully beaded ribbons - all just waiting to become stunning ballet costumes!
But I got super excited when I came across some real treasures... imagine this – beautifully tailored bodices for women (not just dancers either) – with puffed sleeves and cinched waists. Imagine what the ballerinas of 1872 were looking like, all graceful and captivating with a gorgeous tutu on top of that! And these bodices came in so many different colours - *deep reds and gorgeous shades of green, but don’t you worry I managed to snag a couple of the most divine pale pinks for my ever-growing tutu collection! You know, there is nothing better than seeing ballet dancers move gracefully across a stage in these exquisitely crafted dresses - every step a swirling wonder! I know I said that the ballet performance today is going to be spectacular and, well, it is - it is always spectacular in Paris! 💫
So how about those Paris Ballet Dancers? What is a typical Parisian Ballerina day looking like, I hear you ask? They all live a seriously rigorous lifestyle. These ballet dancers are dedicated, hard-working and super talented - I'm totally inspired! They have to keep fit - there's a strict regimen that starts every single day in a classroom - lots of stretches, jumps and spins – with a dedicated instructor making sure their dance moves are perfect. It takes intense practice to become one of the leading dancers at the Paris Opéra, but the beauty of seeing them in action is truly inspiring and is well worth it - even in 1872!
Let's move onto this amazing, magical date and the historical significance. Well, it’s July the 9th, 1872, which means it's the first anniversary of the Opéra Garnier's Grand Opening in 1871. It's been a full year since this awe-inspiring performance venue opened its doors! You’ll not believe the spectacle – a grand staircase that’s almost as beautiful as the performances it witnesses and exquisite decor with so much beauty everywhere! This year's opening is a special anniversary and has the best ballerina from all the ballet schools – even mine! (Well, not actually mine, of course, it is Derby, not Paris - but it could have been! I’m definitely bringing this magic back to Derbyshire one day. Just wait and see!
You know I love my tutus, and this one is perfect – a fluffy, light pink with a sprinkling of sequins - my favourite pastel shade! (You do remember I said it was my mission to make pink tutus mainstream – we’re practically on fire today – there is pink everywhere I go – including the Paris Opera!) Oh, and this ballerina outfit - it’s divine. A lovely pale pink corset with delicate lacework. Talk about the perfect Parisian look for the ballet season, but it is a good job I’ve not spent my whole time in shops, because it’s ballet performance time! Oh! It’s been wonderful seeing all of you today. Remember, follow me for your tutu history updates. There is nothing more inspiring than beautiful dance, lovely dresses and the history of it all. Keep watching my website, and make sure you have the pink tutu out! We want to be one big dance party – like a gigantic ballerina-filled *spectacle!
pinktutu #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #balletlover #fashionlover #paris #1872 🩰💕