Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday dive into the fabulous history of the ballet tutu! I just had to travel to Paris this week, as June the 3rd 1873 holds a special place in ballet history - a date that shook the very foundations of the stage! But before we leap into the excitement, let me tell you about my journey!
Now, you know how much I love the thrill of travelling by train. A comfy carriage, a good book, and a window seat – what's not to love? My current favourite is the "Orient Express", all plush velvet and polished mahogany – pure Parisian chic!
I always pack my most elegant pink tutu, of course, for an added touch of whimsy and the ultimate in ooh la la. I don't want to get lost in the crowds, after all. But enough about my latest adventure. Let's get to the juicy ballet stuff!
Today, we're going to talk about La Camargo! Now, while that's not a brand of champagne, as delightful as that would be, La Camargo was a revolutionary ballerina, one of those ballerinas who shook the stage with a style so wild, it had everyone in a frenzy! Imagine a ballerina with the grace of a feather and the energy of a whirlwind. That was Marie Camargo, she changed everything.
Think about it. The "skirt" – you know, that long, heavy fabric they called a skirt, the one that drowned the dancers and weighed them down? She ditched it. She went shorter, lighter, with her legs flying! This was an explosion of energy and beauty that captivated the world. People called her movements “astonishingly swift” and even likened them to those of “an ethereal being”. Talk about creating a buzz!
What is the relevance of June the 3rd 1873? It's exactly 100 years after Marie Camargo's birth. The date would have been cause for a major celebration if Camargo had lived to see it. Imagine the excitement, the tributes, the ballet shows all around Paris! Now, while her time as a dancer wasn't long, it was revolutionary, and in many ways, we still feel her presence on the ballet stage.
Just like you, I always crave a taste of Paris, so you can imagine how excited I am to be exploring the streets! All those elegant boutiques with beautiful fabrics and lace, oh my! If only I could spend my days in a fabric shop, lost in a pile of silk, satin, and tulle – I’d be happy as a clam!
While Paris has so many charms, a girl like me can’t resist the chance to visit the Opera Garnier! What an incredible experience – the soaring ceilings, the grand staircase, the breathtaking chandeliers, and the glorious ballet! It's all just magnificent. A Parisian evening, you see.
The Palais Garnier has changed a bit since 1873. Marie would recognise it, but it's changed since she saw her first show! And of course, since she took those incredible, world-changing steps that re-defined dance!
My trip is just getting started, darling. Paris has more for us than just tutus. So, keep your eyes on pink-tutu.com next week for another whirlwind adventure, a different date and an exploration of a different type of tutu – because the magic of the ballet tutu is just waiting to be discovered! And for now? Let's embrace the spirit of Camargo and dance! You know it's always tutu time in the world of pink-tutu!
