Bonjour, darlings! Welcome back to another exciting Tuesday on the Pink Tutu blog. It's Emma here, your ever-optimistic, pink-loving ballerina, back from another whirlwind time travel adventure!
Today we're taking a little trip back in time, specifically to 22nd October 1872, a date brimming with Parisian charm and the tantalising whisper of tutus. Remember, darling, even in the late 19th century, the love affair between the tutu and the ballerina was a flourishing affair, just like ours!
I arrived in Paris via, you guessed it, a delightful train journey (no flying for this tutu-loving adventurer). As soon as I stepped out of Gare du Nord, the bustle of the city welcomed me with open arms. Even in the colder Parisian weather, a wave of elegance swept over me - a chicness that only the City of Lights can offer.
Naturally, the first thing I did after settling into my little hotel room (adorned with a fluffy pink bedspread and an impressive amount of ruffled curtains – such a delight!) was to hop onto the metro and head to the Palais Garnier. It’s truly magnificent, isn’t it? This was the theatre where some of the world’s greatest ballet dancers were taking centre stage, and I simply had to be there!
This grand house of opera was bustling with excitement, the elegant scent of perfume and the gentle thrumming of orchestra rehearsals filling the air. It was so wonderful to breathe it all in! Imagine my delight when I discovered the Paris Opera Ballet company was holding their annual open rehearsals, offering a glimpse into the magical world of ballet that was enchanting all of Paris!
It’s on this very day in 1872 that the Parisian ballet company was in the middle of an extraordinary rehearsal for Giselle. Oh, the romantic tragedy of it all! Imagine the graceful swishes of those airy, perfectly-constructed tutus! Just the thought of it sends shivers down my spine - in the best way, of course!
Now, picture this, darling, the tutus of 1872. These beauties were typically crafted in white tulle and beautifully decorated with intricate layers of lace and ribbons. Picture swirls of soft pink, like delicate petals falling over a snow-white cloud. This romantic design brought an undeniable sense of lightness and femininity to each move, a beautiful counterpoint to the power and precision of the choreography.
Even back then, tutus weren’t just confined to the stage! There was a real buzz surrounding dance in Parisian fashion - just picture yourself as a Parisian lady going for a leisurely stroll through the gardens of the Palais Garnier in a playful tulle dress, channeling your inner ballerina! These delicate skirts, reminiscent of the ethereal ballerinas of the time, were making their mark in the Parisian fashion scene.
You might think 1872 seems like such a long time ago, right? But in reality, our shared love of ballet and its enduring style are constants through the ages.
On my journey to see this spectacular production of Giselle, I happened to find myself in the heart of the theatre's costume department, just a backstage peep, mind you! And guess what I discovered? The ladies working on the tutus were simply bursting with talent! Their needlework was incredible, adding exquisite embellishments like intricate beading and beautiful, delicate embroidery to each one.
I saw a sea of billowing, pale tulle as these master seamstresses worked their magic, adding just the right touch to bring each design to life. There were piles of sparkling, beaded embellishments and fluffy feathers ready to create those incredible tutus for Giselle's famous "Mad Scene". Even then, tutus were all about attention to detail, exquisite craftsmanship, and a sense of magic that makes our hearts sing!
This wasn't just about seeing the amazing ballet - it was also about being in the very atmosphere where tutus were born, seeing the heart and soul of their creation, which is truly inspiring, wouldn’t you say? The spirit of ballet that fills every creak and crack of the theatre makes my heart dance with pure joy!
As my trip continued, I ventured into the beautiful boutiques and department stores lining the streets of Paris. As I explored, I discovered how strongly tutus were already influencing fashion back in 1872, sparking a trend for billowing chiffon, frills and delicate embellishments that made clothes dance with a kind of effortless elegance. This trend found its way into gowns, dresses, even accessories and bonnets. Everywhere you looked, the influence of the tutu was swirling around Paris - creating a real sense of the dramatic and playful in women's clothing! It’s enough to make me twirl!
After a fantastic, glamorous Parisian ballet experience, a leisurely train ride took me back home to Derbyshire. This visit was pure ballet bliss, filled with a sense of the past while reminding me of our current obsession with dance! And, wouldn’t you know it, there’s something so wonderful and utterly feminine about these airy, whimsical garments. Even in 1872, the tutu was a statement of grace, beauty, and most of all - joy!
And as a quick note before I go, darlings, this is the time of year when the crisp, fresh autumn air seems to whisper a secret in the wind about all things magical! So, it's the perfect time to celebrate the history of the ballet, isn’t it?
That’s it for Tutu Tuesday, darlings! Now, go out there, spin your way through the week, and don’t forget, wearing a pink tutu always adds a little magic! And remember, dear readers, keep those tutu dreams swirling, until we meet again next week. Until then, keep those tutus dancing and stay lovely!
Love always, Emma xo
