Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you back in time for another fabulous #TutuTuesday! This week, we're hopping aboard the time train and heading to the vibrant world of 1875. Imagine it: bustling streets filled with carriages, gentlemen in top hats, and ladies with their bustles!
Oh, the romance! The glamour! And of course, the tutus! ✨
As a ballerina at heart, I couldn't resist putting on my prettiest pink tutu and joining the throngs on the streets of Paris. The city's air is buzzing with the excitement of the opéra. Can you imagine what a treat it would be to see a performance at the Opéra Garnier, that magnificent palace of dreams, with its intricate architecture and dazzling chandeliers? My heart flutters just thinking about it!
But back to tutus. Now, 1875 was a particularly interesting time for these graceful garments. Remember, the tutu as we know it was still evolving. While romantic ballet, which was all the rage then, called for airy and fluid costumes, these weren't quite the wispy, short tutus we adore today.
Think layers upon layers of delicate tulle, all billowing and cascading like a delicate cloud. They weren't exactly practical, mind you. Imagine twirling with such a weight! Still, they looked absolutely divine. They exuded that sense of magic and lightness that always draws me to tutus.
What were ballerinas dancing to in 1875, you ask? Well, a very special ballet called Coppélia, created by the legendary Arthur Saint-Léon. Can you picture it? A story of love, deception, and a captivating mechanical doll that's just a little too realistic? It must have been pure theatre magic!
Now, if you're wondering what I was doing in this delightful decade, aside from dreaming of pink tutus, of course, I was making a beeline to La Belle Jardinière on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré! It's a treasure trove for fashion lovers. Picture silks, velvets, and laces flowing throughout the shop, creating an atmosphere of utter elegance. And let's not forget those incredible hats! Paris was undoubtedly the fashion capital back then, and it was just a delight to lose myself in all those exquisite designs.
And who else was strutting their stuff around town in 1875? Let's not forget about the incredible dancer, Marie Taglioni. You might not recognize her name, but let me tell you, she was a legend! Known for her grace and the incredible lightness of her leaps, Taglioni revolutionised ballet, forever changing the way people viewed dancers. I could only imagine what it would be like to share a stage with this inspiring woman!
I also must mention the lovely Empress Eugénie of France. Can you imagine her attending ballets in her extravagant gowns, radiating grace and charm? She's a wonderful symbol of this time, and of course, always so elegant!
You know, it makes me wonder, dear readers, why aren't we all rocking pink tutus? They are truly so fashionable, especially when it comes to embracing your inner ballerina. So, embrace the magic, twirl your way into joy, and don't be afraid to let your inner pink tutu shine through! 💖
Now, as I continue my adventures in time, be sure to tune in next week for another #TutuTuesday journey. I'm already planning the next big stop. But until then, keep your pink tutus at the ready!
XOXO
Emma
