Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller Emma here, ready to whisk you away to a magical time, February 17th, 1874, in the very heart of Paris, the capital of fashion and dance. Today we're on a whirlwind journey exploring the ballet world, delving deep into the history of tutus, the very garments that bring all our favourite dancers to life!
Remember, darlings, pink is my passion. I truly believe it's a colour for everyone, it whispers of happiness and excitement, just like ballet itself! And if you're like me, you can never have enough tutus.
This week's #TutuTuesday takes us back to the 19th century. Now, imagine a Parisian theatre in February. A blizzard has whipped up outside, but inside, it's a whirlwind of movement and grace. A captivating melody fills the air, while beautiful ballerinas whirl and leap in their stunning tutus, their graceful figures silhouetted by the soft stage lighting. It's an experience that makes your heart sing!
Tutus In the 19th Century:
The late 1800s were a golden era for ballet. Marie Taglioni, a legend in her time, is credited with shaping the romantic ballerina image. You see, prior to Taglioni's emergence, the ballet dress wasn’t even recognisable as a tutu!
Imagine! Can you picture ballerinas dancing in floor-length, bulky garments? Shudders It must have felt so heavy, almost impossible to execute those effortless leaps and pirouettes we love. Thankfully, Marie came along, her graceful performances were matched by a more functional, shorter, and elegant dress, made for freedom of movement, and thus, the tutu was born.
So what's special about February 17th, 1874? Well, this day marks the date of one of the most celebrated ballets, *"La Sylphide." *
"La Sylphide," created by August Bournonville, tells the story of a Scottish Highlander who falls in love with a mysterious sylph. The tutus used in this iconic ballet feature that graceful romantic design, a longer, whimsical tutu, and these gorgeous pieces are still danced in today's world.
A Tutu Through the Ages
Now, this era, the Romantic period in Ballet, is where tutus really started to flourish! They were a visual spectacle, showcasing the dancers’ ethereal grace and movement.
Imagine layers upon layers of tulle, often embroidered or even decorated with beads and pearls! And guess what, these exquisite creations, sometimes known as the * *"Romantic tutu," *were designed for all body types. Think full, voluminous tutus for those *dancers who wanted to seem grander, and a smaller, shorter tutu *for those who wanted to seem more nimble. Isn’t it wonderful that the tutu is a dress for everyone, regardless of their build or personal style!
My Travels In Time, and How To Find Me!
I recently travelled to a Parisian department store - imagine my delight, tutus everywhere! My most recent performance was at a grand ballet theatre in London. It was thrilling! My latest find, a 19th century Romantic tutu, with intricate floral embroidery - perfect for my pink tutu collection.
Remember, if you want to find me, I often pop up in ballet shops and theatres! You might even find me in a lovely Parisien coffee shop or the French capital’s best clothing boutiques. After all, I am the pink-tutu clad time traveller who loves to shop! But don’t forget, I also love travelling by train! I have first-class seats and the occasional carriage where I have room for all my beautiful pink tutus!
Where can I buy one?
These tutus, with their romantic, flowing design are a timeless classic and still highly desirable for any fashion-forward ballet fanatic, even you, my darling reader. Luckily for us, these exquisite designs have returned and are available at almost all professional ballet dance suppliers today. The best part? Some even come in the most fabulous shades of pink, making my heart thrill.
And my mission...to have everyone wearing a pink tutu!
Keep shining, my dear readers, and join me for the next instalment of #TutuTuesday! See you soon on *www.pink-tutu.com *for your weekly dose of history and tutu-spiration!
Yours in tutus,
Emma
*P.S. * Tell me, which pink tutu would you choose, darlings? I would love to hear from you on social media! #PinkTutuTimeTravel #EmmaTravels
