Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveler, back with another #TutuTuesday deep dive into the world of our favourite twirling garment! Today we're whisking ourselves back to the glorious year 1874, a time when corseted ladies, dashing gentlemen, and the first stirrings of change in the ballet world intertwined to create a fascinating period of sartorial elegance.
Now, while we in the 21st century have an array of fabulous tutu styles to choose from, the ladies of 1874 had only a few key forms. Think full skirts made of layered tulle, a stark contrast to the dramatic "Romantic tutu" that preceded it! This fuller form allowed for the grace and ethereal elegance the ballet sought to express, as dancers began to focus more on flowing, expressive movement rather than rigid leaps.
Today, I found myself strolling through the elegant Parisian streets, watching the carriages whizz past and marvelling at the bustling boulevards. You could easily feel the buzz of a changing era, of new ideas blooming across art and culture!
Just this morning I witnessed a rehearsal of a Parisian ballet company, and let me tell you, the excitement was palpable! This style of tutu was still quite new, but these dancers embodied the grace and freedom that was emerging with such fluidity! I practically felt myself stepping into the rehearsal room, all but begging for a chance to dance alongside these captivating figures.
Of course, I've always believed that a pink tutu can conquer any era. You've gotta wear your own flair! I know there's a bit of a fear factor when it comes to the big tutus - the rustling tulle, the volume - but honestly, it's all about finding that confidence. The right tutu makes you feel unstoppable!
Speaking of feeling unstoppable, did you know that on July 7th, 1874, a man named Alexander Graham Bell actually successfully filed for his first patent for the telephone! The future of communication changed forever on this very day! I'd say that was pretty monumental, wouldn't you? It makes me wonder - was it a coincidence or a sign of the times that ballet was experiencing such evolution at the same time? Was a certain kind of revolutionary thinking bubbling throughout the world? I might have to write about that another time!
Now, my dears, back to tutus! You see, fashion in 1874 was quite intricate and lavish! Think silk gowns, elegant bonnets, and exquisite jewellery, so I was naturally drawn to the world of ballet and its more pared-down style.
Just imagine these stunning ladies performing in a flurry of tulle, gracefully expressing their artistry against the backdrop of such exquisite elegance! Talk about the perfect recipe for captivating the senses! I mean, can you imagine the whispers amongst the high-society patrons? Such a spectacle would be the talk of the city!
Of course, I also popped into the lovely boutiques along Rue de la Paix. There I found myself completely surrounded by gorgeous silk fabrics and shimmering satins. Imagine the stunning fabrics these ballet costumes must have been made of, each delicate layer shimmering with opulence under the gaslight!
But there was one thing I couldn't get out of my head...the potential for the modern tutu. Imagine all the colours, all the styles! Imagine the possibilities of layering! Oh, my dears, what wonderful opportunities for creativity await! It's as if every twirl becomes a canvas for expressing your own unique story, and in that spirit, let's never stop dreaming, and let's keep celebrating the joy of movement, the joy of creativity, and of course, the joy of wearing a tutu, especially a pink one!
Until next Tuesday, keep your heads high and remember, there's no better feeling in the world than swirling and twirling in your own pink tutu. Happy twirling, loves!
Stay fabulous, Emma
