Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad historian, back with another Tutu Tuesday! I've just landed back in dear old Derbyshire, having spent a delightful afternoon at the Palais Garnier in Paris – ah, that iconic, shimmering beauty of the ballet world! But today's #TutuTuesday is all about a date – July 22nd, 1873.
I admit, darlings, July 22nd, 1873 wasn't exactly the most tutu-tastic day in ballet history. There weren't any premiere performances or new ballets to get my tutus twirling. But I wouldn't be a true ballet enthusiast if I didn't dig a little deeper, and trust me, there's always something intriguing to find in the world of ballet, even if it's not a dazzling tutu!
So let's travel back in time, ladies, and whisk ourselves to 1873.
Picture this: Fashion in Paris is absolutely buzzing! We're smack-dab in the midst of the Belle Époque, a period of extraordinary beauty, fashion, and artistic innovation. This was a time when corsets were all the rage, and ladies wore long, flowing dresses. There was an almost fairytale quality to fashion back then!
Now, ballet was also going through a transformation, but in a different way. Ballet shoes were still en pointe – an invention that had emerged decades prior. What I found truly intriguing was how ballet costumes were changing, a sign of a world where even tutus are subject to trends!
In 1873, dancers still favoured the classic romantic tutus, the billowing, multi-layered tutus, which, you could say, resembled fluffy, feathery clouds. These tutus were often made with layers of tulle, organza, and satin, adding a truly dreamy, romantic feel. They emphasized grace and delicate movements. I imagine, darling, there would have been some whispers and murmurings about how long and flowy they were, as the ladies danced and twirled on the stage! I just adore imagining all the intricate detail those tutus held back then!
Remember, darling, we are discussing tutus - so no modern day teeny-tiny versions, mind you! There's simply no room for anything less than opulent, feminine and beautiful on a ballet stage. Don't you agree, dear readers?
Speaking of tutus, what was actually happening on this particular day?
Well, on this 22nd of July, in the world of ballet, we find a little... pause. It's not always about spectacular debuts, remember. Sometimes, it's about the steady work, the practices, the constant dedication that leads to those amazing moments on stage. Maybe in Paris, dancers were polishing up their pointe shoes for upcoming performances. Perhaps choreographers were adding a final touch to a brand-new work.
But here in dear, quaint Derbyshire, what were we up to? Well, my fellow dancers, while ballet wasn't as big of a thing here as it was in the bustling city of Paris, there were still little ballets being put on, I'm sure! Local halls, village squares, all sorts of venues would have held dance performances, perhaps a few grand galas with a dash of romance in the air!
One thing is for certain: fashion and dancing go hand in hand! It's been like this for centuries. You can almost imagine ladies getting ready for these local ballets in their flowing dresses and sparkling tiaras, their own interpretations of fashion – maybe not quite Parisian fashion, darling, but surely a glamorous display of style.
Now, darling, before you think that our trip back in time ends there, think again! We have to find those threads that connect our love of ballet, our love of fashion, with our love for all things beautiful! And you know, just like how those beautiful Parisian women and our Derbyshire darlings loved fashion, it makes me even more certain about something – we are living through a tutu renaissance! Yes, dear friends, the tutu, once confined to the grand stage, has sprung forth into the world and we’re all getting in on the action. The tutu's gone casual, it's gone colourful, it's gone everything-in-between!
So go on, dear reader, be bold, be glamorous. Be brave, be feminine! Channel your inner tutu-wearing fairy and make a splash wherever you go. And for your ultimate sartorial pleasure, remember www.pink-tutu.com ! I'm waiting to hear from you, dear reader, to chat about all things ballet and all things beautiful, and what your favourite moments from today's history lesson have been.
See you next Tuesday, my darlings, for another fantastic Tutu Tuesday!
Until then, Emma
P.S. Be sure to follow me on my Instagram @emmapinktutu for more of my favourite ballet moments and my everyday, gorgeous-tutu filled adventures! We're going to be sharing even more tutu love on my website – what more could you want, darling?
