Bonjour, mon petit choux! Welcome back to #TutuTuesday! This is Emma from Derbyshire, England, your friendly, time-traveling, tutu-obsessed blogger, bringing you a brand new post all about the history of ballet! 💖
I'm currently soaking up the Parisian sunshine after a glorious trip across the channel on the train - did I tell you about the absolutely exquisite silk scarves I picked up in Lille? It seems like every stop has something new and exciting for my wardrobe. My new pink shoes and a stunning embroidered fan are perfect for a Spring stroll in Paris - though I did need a good nap after all that train travel! 😴
Speaking of amazing fashion, this week we're journeying back to March 25th, 1873 - a momentous date for the ballet world! 💫
Today is my 2152nd blog post, folks! That's over two thousand weeks of dedicated #TutuTuesday entries! It's enough to make my head spin, and quite frankly, you could say it's a "tour de force" (don't tell anyone, I just love the French!).
But why is today so significant for ballet tutus? Well, this was the very date that one of the most popular romantic tutu designs premiered! 🤫 The ballet? "Coppélia" - a magical and heartwarming story filled with mystery, mistaken identities, and a mischievous doll who comes to life!
Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine! 🥶 That "Romantic Tutu," or the "Coppélia tutu," was truly groundbreaking. The layered, fluffy skirts allowed for so much graceful movement, adding drama and whimsy to every pirouette and jeté. Imagine, dancing under a spotlight, twirling like a dream, with that fluffy cloud of tulle billowing around your legs... it truly is the ultimate fairytale outfit!
Of course, before 1873, ballerinas danced in a very different kind of tutu - the shorter, "bell tutu" which offered less volume. Imagine how restricting that must have been for leaps and pirouettes! And those earlier tutus didn't even cover their knees - hardly very elegant! 😮
The romantic tutu, though, completely revolutionized the ballet world, helping to elevate dancing to a whole new level of artistry. Not only did it symbolize a new age of freedom and grace for the dancers, but it also created a look that instantly evoked dreams, fairytales, and the very essence of romance. And frankly, isn't that what ballet is all about? 💗
I imagine that dancers all across the world, from Paris to St Petersburg, were buzzing with excitement over this revolutionary design. I'm already plotting my next journey to Paris! The Ballet de l'Opéra will be sure to have a dazzling "Coppélia" production in its repertoire - I just have to decide on the perfect new dress for the occasion! 👗
But I have to confess, this week, my Parisian trip hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. I got caught in a torrential downpour - the Parisian rain is no joke, my darlings! But then I popped into a cozy little café for some delicious chocolate and found the most lovely antique book about the history of ballet, just perfect for my tutu archives! And as luck would have it, the weather has finally cleared. I can almost feel the thrill of the stage, just as if I was standing centre stage under the Paris Opera House's grand chandelier, tutu twirling under the spotlight... oh, to be a dancer for a day! 💕
However, you don't need to travel to the most famous theaters in the world to feel the magic of ballet. Remember, you can wear a tutu ANYWHERE! Don't be shy, go for it! It’s all about finding your inner ballerina, expressing yourself, and feeling fabulous. 💖
My friends at home in Derbyshire, are you ready for my next big Tutu Project? We're starting a Tutu Tea Party - imagine dainty teacups and saucers with pink cupcakes, and, of course, all in the best pink tutus, naturally! More news about the Tutu Tea Party coming soon! 🍵
For now, I hope this post has sparked your imagination! Remember, we’re all on a journey to inspire the world to embrace the tutu, one twirl at a time! Remember to stay curious about ballet history, and I'll see you next #TutuTuesday for more amazing fashion, ballet, and, of course, tutus!
Bisous! 💕
Emma
P.S. I’m obsessed with Paris! Don't forget to follow my Instagram for even more fashion and travel snaps: @pinktutu.paris 💕
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #ParisianDreams #TutuLove #DanceLikeNobodyIsWatching #RomanticTutu #PinkTutu #Coppélia #EmmaTutu
