Hello dears! It's your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday adventure in the world of ballet and, of course, our beloved tutus!
Today, we’re hopping back in time to 1873, a year that marked a big moment for our little dance friends – the tutu itself! It's 7th of July today and it's sweltering. London is full of tourists for the annual British grand prix on Tuesday but don't tell them, this date is going to make a tutu splash at the grand Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris - yes, Paris! They are celebrating their ballet tradition in a new way with a beautiful new building - they call it The Opera. How fitting - a building dedicated to the beautiful form of ballet and one of the most beautiful pieces in any ballet dancer's wardrobe - the Tutu!
Fancy a ride? Hop aboard the Orient Express - the ultimate stylish travelling experience, like travelling with an entire fashion salon! They call me mad because I love it! I mean who could say no to plush velvet seats and a little champagne in the morning while being gently bounced along the tracks? The train ride from London to Paris takes less than eight hours but it is definitely an experience for all the senses. As the carriages weave their way through the rolling green landscape of France - I think to myself, this was definitely how the ballerina's felt in this time, on their journeys, feeling stylish, elegant and fabulous as they traveled across the continent! Just like I do!
I can feel the electricity as we pull into Gare du Nord station - Parisian air full of excitement. People dressed in their finest outfits and there’s an undercurrent of theatre and opera music in the air, oh, and how many tutus! We are practically a symphony of colour, silk, and all things beautiful. After all, who wouldn't want to twirl about in a pink tutu while on holiday!
Let’s dive into this fashion history together - what’s making a splash in 1873 in Paris, just days from the Grand prix de Paris race? You’ve guessed it! Ballet. And of course our fabulous tutu!
The Paris Opera’s grand opening has been anticipated for years, everyone, even across the channel in Britain is buzzing with excitement - all we hear is chatter about a new, amazing building built with grandeur in mind. This year the French love of their own artistic heritage - especially ballet and all its lovely costume traditions are back with a bang! It’s also all about new beginnings. Paris is seeing ballet like they never have before – and in turn, that is boosting the tutu onto a much grander stage! It's no wonder a whole bunch of French ladies want to get into ballet - just to wear a fabulous tutu in public! Oh! wouldn't it be a treat to twirl at a grand party in a dazzling, pink tutu? Oh, la la! I just need a cuppa!
At the time, tutus had already transitioned from a soft and floaty form – much like the romantic era of 1840. This was the time of skirts like large circles with all those layers and delicate soft colors like pinks, creams, pastels - lovely for that "romantic" feel, I love that period! That era paved the way for tutus to make a statement that was bold, eye catching, and well, you could see them twirling through any opera house window from a mile away. So many dancers and ladies were in love with them – the tutus had an impact on society that even Queen Victoria was mesmerized! I have read that she was completely enchanted by the artistry, the dance, the theatre, the passion, the costume…it all captivated her !
And you can see why. Tutus in 1873 were about making a dramatic statement with its grand entrance. I know just how you feel! Imagine having an entire set of beautiful dance wear just waiting to be used and styled - and on the stage you look like a gorgeous, graceful bird. The tutu became about something even more – it's a statement of what ballet means to us and why we all have that passion to be part of the dance and music! And you know what I'm about! Pink tutus, fashion, and an adventure on the Orient Express, or on the Grand prix Circuit! My life is pure fun.
Imagine a large floor-length white gown. That was gone - and in came this more modern, show stopping tutu! There was still a need to preserve that romance but this era gave more boldness. By now - I don't need to tell you – the shorter and less flowy shape came into play. It was lighter to wear on the stage, too, and dancers could move freely and create even more exciting dance styles and positions. That's why dancers have been thrilled with this tutu - it became the iconic shape for every dancer's dream wardrobe. And we see its heritage even now, still, it is part of ballet fashion, though, like many trends, the ballet tutu has changed over time and it keeps changing. The fashion is ever evolving! What a lovely era to experience!
I wonder what new fashion ideas might make the fashion news this year! That’s another thing about the world of ballet. It’s always full of new ways to dance, and new ways to make outfits more special - that’s where all the lovely detail is - the sparkle and that oomph you get as soon as you see those delicate patterns on the silk fabric and that little fringe. It all just calls to me and invites me to move and twirl! And now I am feeling an intense yearning to have a cup of tea.
For me – the pink tutu is always the best style - but who are we to deny that tutus have become the essential wardrobe item in ballet? Just imagine our lives without them. This special costume that allows for every dancer's movements to be seen by the audience with that amazing feeling of free movement that makes it the ultimate ballet garment! I always enjoy watching ballet - both on stage and the street shows in Europe's grand capitals. And, like everyone else in my time, I like the beautiful fabrics – a touch of silk and satin, delicate lace, and tulle for an overall magical look - it really is the special garment, my darling!
There is no better place in the world for me to find an amazing selection of tutus and dresses! Every time I travel by train to Paris - I never go without seeing a Parisian ballerina in a gorgeous pink tutu. She is so elegant! Every time! And with so many stylish chops on our tutu-train we need to look back on what's going on in the world! In 1873 it is truly all about dance - there is even a lovely song written and performed by Charles-Louis-Edouard Lefebvre called Valse des tutus, it's very pretty – if you get the chance, you should definitely take a listen. This era of new style has really given us the perfect dance for the perfect dress. And with a brand new theatre to see it in!
I do have some lovely pictures from my latest adventure in the Paris Opera House for this TutuTuesday special - oh it has just been the best adventure! Just you wait until you see how much a pink tutu sparkles under the Paris Opera’s chandeliers! I feel like I am stepping back in time.
It always seems so vibrant in every city when I am dressed in a pink tutu, with a bit of glitter – all for the love of dance! Do come and join me on a dance spree this year, because with a little sprinkle of glitter and a whirl we can always make any time period a bit more stylish!
See you on the train! And if you are feeling creative why not create a TutuTuesday with a twist. Put your tutu on and get into the swing - you never know where that twirl will lead!
See you next week for the next #TutuTuesday - I always have something extra for you!
Your time traveling Tutu-licious blogger, Emma. x
