Bonjour, mes chéries! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of ballet history! Today, we're travelling back in time, right back to February 4th, 1873 – a very special date, as you'll soon see! Grab a cuppa, slip on your favourite pink tutu, and let's take a whirl through the past.
As you know, I'm an absolute die-hard fan of the tutu – that magnificent garment that elevates dance and empowers every dancer, whether she's on stage or in the middle of her living room. I mean, can you imagine a ballet without it? Just imagine a world without those flowing layers, the billowing silk, the glorious bursts of colour. It would be tragic, my darlings!
Our Travel Destination:
This week, our time machine whisks us to Paris, the epicentre of ballet in the 19th century. Think cobbled streets, grand theatres, and whispers of creative energy. Now, Paris was always ahead of the curve when it came to fashion, wasn't it? And you can imagine the exquisite gowns they were wearing on the streets. We're talking corseted waists, flouncy fabrics, and an abundance of lace and velvet, of course!
What's on Today?
Well, my dears, let me tell you, things are buzzing on February 4th, 1873. You know, I found this incredible program for the Théâtre de l'Opéra-Comique. They are staging the most glorious opera: "Carmen" by Bizet!
Imagine this, darling. It's opening night. The stage is ablaze with colours and music fills the air, every note electrifying the atmosphere. The audience is captivated by the passionate story, the beautiful costumes, and the intricate choreography. This production truly celebrates dance and opera together. Oh, the costumes would have been phenomenal – perhaps even featuring a tutu or two, depending on the performance!
Now, I haven't been allowed to wear my pink tutu at the theatre in Paris just yet - apparently they like a bit more classical attire when they watch the dance. But I do peek in when no one's watching to see what all the fuss is about! You know me, I'm a secret ballet buff, even in the past.
The Evolution of the Tutu:
The tutu wasn't always the grand affair you see in performances today. You've got to picture the long romantic tutus from the early romantic period, right? Long, soft, and flowing - all billowing chiffon and silk. This type of skirt would be so inconvenient to twirl in! But, darling, even in 1873, things are changing!
Think tight, graceful, and dramatic as the ballerinas spin and jump! It's in this era that shorter tutus became all the rage, embracing those leg-grazing lines and allowing those wonderful movements. I do love the graceful simplicity of the short tutu! You see how beautiful the form of a ballerina’s body is, all in full view.
As always, I love my own pink tutus, they go perfectly with the exciting fashion of the time! Don't you think? They match perfectly with the lovely lace and ribbon embellishments the Parisian ladies have going on. They even go well with the gentlemen’s fashion of 1873 - think frock coats and top hats, all in sophisticated colours like dark grey, black and a deep, vibrant blue! It just works, trust me.
A Whimsical Adventure:
The past always leaves me dreaming. I mean, how fabulous to experience a world brimming with so much excitement? You see, my love for tutus and dance transports me! Just imagine the carriages rolling through the streets, the scent of fresh bread and pastries, and the echo of beautiful melodies! A real treat for the senses, my dears!
Now, tell me what your favourite historical period is! And remember to let me know on social media what pink tutu you're wearing!
Stay fabulous and keep twirling,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Princess!
xx
