Bonjour mes chéries! It’s Emma here, back again with another tantalising #TutuTuesday delve into the dreamy world of ballet tutus! Today, my darling readers, we're travelling back in time to 25th January 1876! It’s the most magical of journeys! You’re ready? Hold on to your tiaras because we’re going for a whirl!
I’ve landed in the grand, glittering, most elegant of capitals - Paris, France, a veritable paradise for tutus. This is the heart of the ballet world and the birthplace of so many famous dancers. The air feels different, buzzing with excitement! I think this might be the time period for me to introduce my fabulous new pink sequined bag! Yes, you heard right – this sparkly wonder comes with me on all my adventures! It's the perfect companion for storing my rouge compact, some powder puffs, and even a spare ballet slipper (you never know!).
And, talking about excitement! It’s not just a Tuesday, but a most spectacular Tuesday – the day a legend of the stage takes centre stage! It's none other than the legendary French ballerina, Marie Taglioni. Can you believe it? I am absolutely thrilled, she's so exquisite in the softest of tutus, and the Parisian public, well, they’re quite literally swooning! The elegance of her dance is just exquisite. She’s the epitome of the Romantic Ballet and, just to give you an idea, I have been lucky enough to see her on stage for the third time tonight. The crowds simply adored her - a frenzy of applause after the curtain fell! A truly unforgettable evening. And oh, let's not forget the fashion! The Parisian women, my loves, they’re wearing gowns, some even with lace and some frills, but of course not a tutu in sight! sniff, sniff, still I couldn't be more enchanted, these evenings are a dream come true!
Anyway, back to our #TutuTuesday journey. We're in the 19th century, which for ballet was a glorious period - a time of exquisite dance and dazzling tutus! Now, let’s talk about the most stunning of them all, the Romantic tutu! It's light, delicate, and, as they say, so Romantic! Think flowing tulle, often a beautiful, elegant pink, like the one I'm wearing right now!
If you could imagine dancing under chandeliers in a stunning French theatre – I tell you, it's nothing short of magical. The Romantic tutu, it really makes the dancer float, like a delicate feather drifting on a breeze. You see it wasn't always so delicate, though! A hundred years or so before, a tutu wasn't light and airy, but heavy and structured. The dance itself was quite different back then – think a heavy silk skirt, very much resembling a bell! Now you're just imagining the incredible contrast. I dare say, those old heavy dresses would be most tiring for dancing! But, luckily, it didn't stop there – ballet went through quite a few wonderful changes!
The Romantic tutu came on the scene to add even more beauty, fluidity and even more of an enchanting romantic atmosphere to the stage, it changed the very nature of ballet - giving the dancers freedom to leap, twirl and fly like little birds.
Oh, imagine! A grand room, and every lady, well, not just dancing, but living in a pink tutu! A beautiful idea. A true Parisian dream, it would have to have the most delicate feathers – like delicate, fluttery butterflies. How wonderful to just float around, it's truly breathtaking to think of! But it seems a long way away, back in Derby. Still I remain determined! My tutu vision must be fulfilled - you must get all your lovely friends to put on a pink tutu and dance! Yes!
Just then, I hear a train whistle – and oh dear! The railway's beckoning and so much more to see - like the wonderful shops!
Stay tuned to my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, to follow me on this amazing, and utterly magical adventure through time and of course, through the captivating world of tutus!
See you soon! Don't forget to spread your tutu wings!
Yours, always,
Emma
P.S. Tell me, what tutu adventures would you like to experience with me in 1876? What should I wear on my journey through Paris? Tell me in the comments!
And as always, I’m counting on you all, yes you, dear reader! The world will soon be dancing with tutus, so do spread the message!
