#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1876-08-08

Bonjour, darling readers! It’s Emma, your trusty Tutu-time Traveller, back with another dazzling #TutuTuesday dive into the fabulous world of ballet history! Today, I’m whisking you back to August 8th, 1876. Can you imagine? Tutues! Trains! And, oh, so much fashion! I’m right here in Paris, where fashion reigns supreme and tutus take centre stage. I must tell you, it’s an absolute delight!

Oh, the glorious bustle! I'm seated comfortably at Café de la Paix, watching the world go by. Paris is alive with colour and life, just like a swirling ballet, and what's more, the tutu has already made its grand entrance. While they might not have the big, fluffy romantic tutus we adore today, the first glimpse of what we recognise as the iconic ballerina outfit is here in the 1870s. Imagine, delicate layers of tulle, flowing like a gentle breeze – absolutely heavenly! And the most wonderful thing? They’re coming in a riot of colours, not just the pale pink we all love so much, though those shades are certainly starting to become more popular! It's a complete ballet fashion explosion, my dear friends!

Speaking of tutus, have you noticed? There are more tutus on the street than ever before! A lovely Frenchwoman wearing a full length tutu and feather boa walks past, her chic ensemble complete with a hat trimmed with lace, a delightful vision of style! Even the elegant ladies in carriages and men in their fine suits are taking inspiration from the elegance of the stage. Fashion is clearly borrowing from the grace and elegance of the ballet. My heart is doing a little pirouette just thinking about it!

And just imagine what else was going on back in August 1876! Oh, darling, let me tell you, it’s absolutely brimming with excitement. First and foremost, there's the exquisite Opera Garnier! You know, that stunning architectural masterpiece with the breathtaking staircases and gilded interior, where the Parisian ballet world dazzles everyone with their grace and artistry. And on this particular date, you wouldn't want to miss a performance of "La Jolie Fille de Perth" - the opera’s new favourite! It’s like a ballet performance in an operatic setting, all with beautifully choreographed scenes of dancing and singing. Talk about a perfect match!

While the opera has a firm hold on the stage, fashion still takes center stage! I can’t resist, dear readers, a little jaunt to the elegant department stores on Boulevard Haussmann, where my eyes are treated to an incredible display of hats, gloves, and the most amazing fabrics. Honestly, I could spend a fortune there! But let’s talk trains for a moment - that most romantic mode of transport for any ballerina, wouldn't you say? You could almost call the train a fashion accessory for fashionable ladies going about their day. But here's the thing, darling, there is also talk of the steam train arriving at Paris’ Gare du Nord, bringing with it a whole new world of possibilities! Talk about exciting! Imagine, darling, a speedy train journey, arriving right at the heart of Paris to see the ballet, that's simply fantastic!

And who can forget the magic of the fun fairs! My, oh, my, I do love a good fair, with their whirling rides and dazzling colours, the delicious aroma of sugared almonds and the delightful laughter of happy families. Imagine, a spinning carousel, full of delightful, whimsical horses. The music from the brass band fills the air, it’s a magical mix of excitement and joy, just like a dazzling tutu. Ah, but let’s not forget those fabulous parades, a veritable whirl of colour, energy, and sheer joyful mayhem. The whole city seems to dance in the street, their costumes creating a kaleidoscope of dazzling delight, like a grand ballet for all!

But let’s talk more about Paris itself. Oh, I am utterly smitten with the city! Every cobbled street whispers of romantic intrigue and Parisian charm, every building seems to boast architectural flourishes like intricate lace embroidery. As a ballerina who absolutely adores fashion, you simply must see the boutiques with their luxurious windows, each one vying for your attention with its displays of the most elegant gowns, each one designed to turn you into a belle of the ball, a beautiful ballerina. You see darling, that’s how I envision the world: a whirlwind of fabulous fashion!

The most fascinating thing I’ve discovered today is the shift happening in the world of ballet itself. As if right from the page of a fairy tale, dancers are taking their shows to a wider audience – into grand theatres and elegant salons! It's almost as though the ballet is awakening to a new audience, stepping off the stage and into the world with their graceful movements, just as they were once welcomed into royal courts. They’re breaking through those beautiful walls of privilege, my darlings, making ballet a dance for everyone! How fabulous is that? And my personal aim, you see, is to make wearing a pink tutu just as commonplace, a fashionable choice, something that takes ballet beyond the stage and into everyday life, into the bustling streets and busy squares. And I must admit, I'm starting to think that this may just be possible!

This entire trip has sparked so many ideas for my own ballet and fashion adventures. In fact, just this morning, I was inspired to visit a fabulous milliner who had created an elaborate headdress of tulle, plumes, and cascading ribbons. Talk about a grand statement piece for any ballerina, or any fashionable woman! My own wardrobe has a few more new additions, darling. What's more, I have the best designs sketched in my notebook – tutu inspirations for my upcoming line, "Emma's Ballet Bling."

Don’t forget to join me next week for more delightful insights into the world of ballet history, dear readers. Until then, stay fabulous, and don’t forget to wear your tutu with pride! I believe we all have a ballerina within.