Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballet blogger, Emma, here, ready to take you on another fabulous journey through the history of the tutu! It’s #TutuTuesday, so naturally, I’ve been scouring my trusty history books (and my super secret time-travel device!) to bring you the latest and greatest on all things tutu!
This week, my adventures have brought me to the captivating world of Paris in 1877! As the snow falls and the wind whistles a merry tune through the streets, the world of ballet is abuzz with exciting news – but more about that in a bit!
Firstly, I must confess, darling readers, I simply adore Paris! It’s like a dreamland for a tutu-loving gal like me. Imagine, darling, a city where tutus are just as fashionable on the street as on the stage! I found myself browsing in the most fabulous shops on the Rue de la Paix, with all sorts of amazing tutus on display! You can’t even imagine the variety and exquisite craftsmanship – we’re talking silks and velvets, feathers and lace, all swirling together in a beautiful ballet of fashion! And who could resist the temptation to don a stunning pink tutu in such an alluring environment?
This week, I wanted to take you back in time, dear readers, and talk about what life would have been like in the ballet world back in 1877. In this time, you might have caught a performance of La Fille Mal Gardée at the Paris Opera. A story full of fun and youthful charm! It is just the sort of ballet that could capture your heart, leaving you feeling light as a feather and ready to dance the night away!
Imagine, darlings, stepping into a theatre filled with gaslight and the elegant swish of gowns. You’d see the ballerinas gracefully gliding across the stage in their exquisite, slightly shorter tutus, revealing more of their calves, all the rage in the late 19th century. They would be showing off their exceptional skills, creating breathtaking formations with such a joyful grace! And the music! The melodies would sweep you away, transporting you to a world of elegance and romance.
Oh, and speaking of exciting news, this year at the Paris Opera, they debuted a beautiful new ballet called The Nutcracker. The story, so sweet and enchanting, was so different from what people had grown accustomed to! They took inspiration from fairy tales, incorporating magic and wonder in every dance step! I could practically smell the pine needles and sugared almonds. I can only imagine how absolutely splendid this must have been!
Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without indulging in a bit of indulgence, wouldn’t you agree, dearies? I found myself stopping by Ladurée, a charming little patisserie with the most exquisite macarons! Just imagine, darling, a tiny masterpiece of pink sugar, delicately nestled on a dainty paper case, melting in your mouth with every bite.
And you know what? I have a confession: the fashion and the charm aren’t the only things I love about this era. As a time traveler, I appreciate the evolution of the tutu, the development of technique, and the evolution of storytelling in the world of ballet. The 19th century marked a significant shift, embracing the delicate and lyrical approach that we now call the Romantic era. A period of incredible creativity and expression, shaping the very foundation of ballet as we know it!
Now, darling readers, let’s not forget our mission: spreading the joy of tutus far and wide! Remember, you don’t have to be a professional ballerina to embrace the magical world of tutus! Put on your prettiest pink tutu, go for a spin, twirl your way through the day, and remember, anything is possible if you believe!
Stay tuned for more exciting journeys in time as I unveil the history of tutus, and join me next week for another fabulous installment of #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! Don't forget to leave me a comment, darlings! And remember to share your favourite pink tutu moments! Until next time!
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