Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-loving, time-travelling ballet historian! I'm so excited to whisk you back to 19th October 1875, for a delightful journey into the evolution of the most glorious garment of all - the tutu!
Today, I've just arrived at the Palais Garnier in Paris, darling! The city of lights is aglow with elegance and fashion, just the way I like it. 🥂 It's positively buzzing with anticipation for tonight's performance - I'm here to see La Source by Léo Delibes, a masterpiece of romantic ballet, so I had to get dressed for the occasion! I'm in a blush pink tutu, paired with a billowing silk blouse, a delightful satin shawl, and pearl earrings. A splash of colour in a world full of drama!
This is a special date in ballet history, lovelies! Today, in 1875, La Source had its grand premiere! And I'm so thrilled to be experiencing it firsthand. It was during this period, darlings, that the tutu really took flight! The Romantic ballet was blossoming, and dancers were seeking a new, lighter way to express themselves. It's hard to imagine our elegant tutus today without this moment!
While I may not be twirling on stage, I'm just as happy dancing in the streets, taking in all the gorgeous shops and charming cafes, indulging in some fabulous French pastries and, of course, stopping by all the beautiful boutiques! There are a plethora of pretty fabrics available! Do you know, there's a whole street just for haberdashery! It's enough to make any tutu enthusiast go absolutely bonkers! 💖
But let's return to the tutu's journey! You see, darlings, in 1875, the tutu à la française was still very much the go-to. Imagine flowing skirts, billowing in graceful waves. It's incredibly romantic, much like my darling Paris!
Before we delve further into the tutus of the late 19th century, allow me to introduce you to my travel funds! My lovely pink tutu-loving fans will be glad to know that this week's trip is sponsored by an absolute darling ballet performance in the English countryside. I was a smash at that performance! There wasn't a dry eye in the house. I performed my special “Dancing Daisy” number in a breathtaking pink floral tutu with matching butterfly hair clips. 🦋 Such a sweet crowd, my darlings! It’s almost time for the curtain to rise on La Source and it is, dare I say, going to be extraordinary!
This romantic, billowing tutu style reflected the passion and delicate emotions of the Romantic period. It truly celebrated the female form. And don't even get me started on the stunning colours - shades of dreamy pinks and lavender, pale greens and blues, with accents of the richest golds. It's absolute heaven! But alas, fashion - like the dance - always seeks to evolve. In the next few years, you'll see that the tutu à la française begins to take a turn towards the more fitted, tutu à la hongroise
Can't wait to tell you all about it next Tuesday, lovelies! But before I head to my seat to watch La Source, let me answer your most frequently asked question this week!
Q: “Emma, why do you only blog about tutu history once a week?"
This is a fantastic question! The answer, darlings, lies with the power of the train. While time travel has its advantages, navigating the rail network can be a challenge! You see, a train to Paris will take me two days each way. It's a time-consuming, but oh-so-charming! I'm lucky that in the 19th century, steam engines were quite fashionable, but even I have to accept a limit on time. 🚂💕
However, once a week, on a Tutu Tuesday, it is all about tutus! A journey into fashion history, lovelies! And it doesn't have to end there, darling. Once you return home, do put on your pinkest, most fabulous tutu, take a photo, and add the hashtag #TutuTuesday!
I would be thrilled to share your fashion adventure with my lovely readers, just as I share my journeys with you!
Okay, lovelies, I must rush to my seat, as La Source is about to start. Stay tuned for a more in-depth exploration of the tutu à la française and the rise of the tutu à la hongroise, which will, quite frankly, be positively revolutionary! 💖
Until next Tuesday, I hope you all are embracing your own pink tutu spirit! 💖
Yours in tulle and glitter, Emma
P.S. Just saw the most stunning carriage pass by, darling! It’s all white with gilded details and topped with the most delightful feathery plumes! Talk about a romantic look. carriage. And in case you're looking for a bit of inspiration, darling, my dear friend from Derby has designed some fabulous tutus for evening wear! They’re the most beautiful combination of elegant silk and sheer netting. So darling! If you’d like to see her latest designs, let me know. And don’t forget, a tutu can be a whole outfit! The ballet is coming home to Derbyshire and I just love all those pink dresses - ballet doesn't have to be all tutus! Let’s make some fashion history darlings! 💖
