Bonjour, chérie! It's Emma here, back again from the time-travelling tutu shop with a brand new #TutuTuesday post! This week, I've landed myself right in the heart of the 1870s - oh my, what an incredible time!
So, picture it, dear readers, August 11th, 1874. I've just disembarked the grand train from London and I'm taking in the bustle of the city. Everywhere I look, people are dressed to the nines - I must admit, the fashions of this era are quite striking, so bold and voluminous.
The biggest fashion statement here, of course, is the crinoline. These massive, bell-shaped skirts made of hoops and fabric, they take up so much space! I'm just imagining trying to perform a pirouette with a crinoline on! Imagine a whirlwind of hoops and layers of tulle...it'd be spectacular. I'd definitely add it to my next stage production!
But, darling, it's not all just hoops and crinoline. The women in London, especially the fashionable ladies of the society balls, are wearing these gorgeous layered dresses with elaborate beading and intricate lace detailing. And get this - the ladies aren't just content with layers of fabric. They've also embraced hats! Large, elaborate creations covered in ribbons, feathers, and even entire flowers! It's a marvel, just a marvel!
Speaking of marvels, it's amazing what's happening in the world of ballet during this time! Ballet has taken the world by storm. From Paris to Moscow to London, everyone's in love with the grace and elegance of ballet. The famous French ballet company, "The Opéra National de Paris" - The Paris Opera to us regular folk - are performing their hearts out. It's just thrilling to think about how ballet was becoming the most prestigious performance art. It’s all so thrilling, isn’t it?
My travels wouldn't be complete without a trip to the The Royal Opera House here in London, of course. It's a true monument to the world of performing arts. I simply had to get a glimpse of the legendary building where ballerinas of all ages have made their grand entrance.
Oh, my, let's take a closer look at those ballet tutus themselves! I was amazed by the evolution of the tutu - yes, dear readers, they were in full force even then! It wasn’t quite the romantic, billowing tutu of the early 20th century yet. This was the "romantic tutu," or the "Classical tutu," still much more floor length than the later tutus of the modern ballet period.
There's such a distinct and captivating look in the way these tutus flowed with every pirouette. It's truly a vision, a ballet of the perfect tutu form - something that could never truly go out of style! But it's not only the tutus that enchant me. The dancing is breathtaking! Imagine the power, the agility, and the raw beauty that these ballerinas display. It's a true inspiration, and one I carry with me everywhere I go - especially to my favourite local ballet school, back in my own time.
My dear friends, it was this experience that reminded me how wonderful the art of ballet is. How important it is to share its magic with everyone! That’s why I keep travelling the time stream, hopping between historical periods and showcasing the evolution of our beautiful ballet tutu.
It's a reminder, you know, that there is a perfect pink tutu waiting for everyone out there, it just needs a little encouragement.
And that’s a wrap for this week’s #TutuTuesday, my loves! Keep an eye out for my next post, and always remember: a pink tutu is never the wrong answer!
See you next week, darlings!
With love and pirouettes, Emma.
xo
PS: You can always follow my time-travelling fashion adventures on *www.pink-tutu.com, find me on instagram @EmmaPinkTutu or check my new blog post on your favorite platform every Tuesday. Let's bring those tutus out for all the world to see!*
