Hello, darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-touting time-travelling fashionista, and Iām thrilled to be whisking you back to the romantic, lace-laden world of July 6th, 1875. Today weāre stepping back into a world where the waltz reigned supreme and ballet was every bit as fashionable as a perfectly-fitted hat!
This Tuesdayās trip is taking me right to the heart of the ballet world - Paris, France. I have a feeling the OpĆ©ra Garnier is about to get a little extra sparkle with me in attendance, because Iāve just snagged tickets to a performance of āGiselleā starring the incomparable Fanny Cerrito.
Ooh la la! Thatās right, ladies! Fanny is an absolute icon, the ballerina every other ballerina dreams to be. Iām positively giddy! Now, letās travel back in time a little bit, shall we?
1875: A World of Romanticism
Imagine this: gaslight flickering softly on an opulent stage, plush red velvet seats whispering under your skirts. The air crackles with anticipation as the curtain rises on a breathtaking world where love and sorrow intertwine. This, my darlings, is the essence of ballet in 1875 - a world where stories were told not just with words, but with the poetry of movement, the grace of pointe shoes, and the flutter of a perfectly-cut tulle skirt.
Tututude Transformation
The tutu itself is quite a sight in 1875, darling! Weāre not quite in the realm of the long, flowing romantic tutus of the late 19th century yet, but even back then the design is nothing short of a triumph. The tutu was considered a symbol of delicate femininity and pure artistry, embodying the balletās emphasis on light and ethereal movement. Think layered ruffles of silk and tulle, flowing down in cascades of ethereal beauty. I mean, just picture me twirling in the Garnier! It's practically begging for an Instagram post!
Fanny Cerrito, Ballet Icon
Now, this Fanny Cerrito is no mere ballerina; sheās a ballet queen! Youāre probably wondering how such an iconic star became so successful, and that's a story we need to delve into! You see, the world of ballet was dominated by ballerinas who pushed the boundaries of movement and technical skill. Fanny was all that and more - a fearless pioneer, she brought innovation to her performances with intricate, lyrical steps that took the audience's breath away. Her beauty and captivating stage presence combined with impeccable skill and talent - she really was a woman of substance.
A Dresser's Dream:
And while we're talking about this golden era, darling, I just had to share a little detail that made my heart skip a beat: a typical ballerina wardrobe in 1875 included 4-5 performance dresses! It's a dream, right?! They were always stunning and elegant - crafted from fine fabrics like satin and lace, decorated with the most delicate embroidery, and adorned with opulent bows and ribbons. Oh my! I can almost smell the silk! I must say, they are all giving me serious "Marie Antoinette" vibes - and in the best way possible!
A Touch of Derbyshire in Paris
Of course, as a proud Derbyshire lass, I couldn't resist slipping a touch of our English countryside charm into my Parisian escapade! I paired a vibrant, pink, vintage-inspired tutu with a delicate lace bodice and a flowing silk shawl, the epitome of refined Victorian fashion with a cheeky twist. After all, darling, why settle for simply fitting in when you can stand out with a pop of pink? I added a touch of Derbyshire lace and, dare I say, a tiny sprig of heather to my hair - a subtle nod to my roots, wouldnāt you agree?
From Tulle to Tickets, a Tale of Travel
Now, hereās a secret for you - funding all my time-travel escapades takes a little ingenuity! My dear, itās a busy schedule ā all this shopping, waltzing and historical sightseeing. My trusty time-travelling device is a rather delicate machine (and not terribly keen on petrol fumes!), so you'll never catch me zipping through time in a fancy car! Oh, dear me! My travels are strictly by train - quite romantic really, all those compartment carriages filled with swirling skirts and twinkling conversation. The aroma of pipe smoke and vintage perfumesā¦ Oh, bliss!
A Pink Tutu Paradise:
Remember my lifelong mission, my dear readers? My dream is to get everyone to embrace a little pink tutu magic. Now, that can't happen overnight, but by taking inspiration from the elegant dancewear of 1875, we can embrace the joy, grace, and pure unadulterated femininity of the ballet world.
So, my darling readers, as the curtain falls on another dazzling night in the theatre, I'll leave you with this:
Don't be afraid to twirl in your own unique way, with your own personal flair! Whether it's a vibrant, vintage-inspired pink tutu or just a splash of pink in your outfit, celebrate the beautiful artistry of movement, and above all, remember to always have a twinkle in your eye.
Till next Tuesday, when Iāll be spinning you a tale from a different time and place!
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #TimeTravel #BalletHistory #FashionInspiration #1875 #FannyCerrito #Paris
