Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's Tutu Tuesday, which means it's time to take a trip through time to explore the wonderful world of ballet and tutus. Today we're stepping back to January 23rd, 1877. Can you imagine? Think horse-drawn carriages, gaslights, and the sheer excitement of the latest can-can dance craze sweeping Paris!
Now, you might think tutus were already a standard fixture in the dance world back then, but you'd be mistaken, my dears! It was actually still quite early in the tutu's reign, and while the "Romantic Tutu," those billowing, airy creations, were becoming quite the rage in opera and ballet, they were still considered quite scandalous by some!
Just imagine, imagine trying to explain to someone in 1877 that it would one day be considered normal to see dancers prancing around in their undergarments – quite the daring and shocking notion, wouldn’t you agree? I, personally, would have absolutely adored a world like that!
Anyway, this particular day in 1877 was a real treat for ballet lovers. A dazzling new production of La Esmeralda, with a ravishing new version of the famous “Gypsies' Dance,” premiered at the Paris Opera! Can you imagine? It must have been a complete spectacle.
Think flaming red dresses, billowing black skirts, and a burst of rhythmic movement. The “Gypsies' Dance” really changed the landscape of ballet - imagine a whole company of ballerinas on pointe with their gorgeous, short Romantic tutus, performing graceful, thrilling movements that were unheard of at the time. Now that’s what I call inspiring.
This day was particularly special for the talented ballerine, Marie Taglioni, known for her stunning performances in tutus and delicate, airy, ethereal, delicate movements. The fact that the "Romantic Tutu" even existed by 1877 was, in large part, down to Marie herself. Imagine - a dancer's design influencing the world!
Today’s tutus are influenced by Marie, in a huge way, and I truly believe we owe her a huge thank you for pioneering these creations! We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? Now, we have tutus in every shade of the rainbow - and don't get me started on the fabrics! From lace to chiffon to even sequins - what an age of glorious design and beauty we live in!
But remember, these revolutionary little creations were only born in a place of boldness, breaking away from convention! It was so daring, yet beautiful! We all owe Marie a lot – especially me! You can’t forget, I’ve just had a lovely time in Paris this week - in every ballet shop and costume boutique, browsing all the different tulle and feather varieties, as you would!
I’m absolutely obsessed with Parisian shops! Everything about Paris seems so grand, and every performance just feels like stepping into a dream - with exquisite dancers, their stunning outfits and of course, those beautiful, glorious tutus! And, can we please have a moment for the incredible costumes?! Each costume is just an amazing work of art – all the lace, feathers, and colours, they really complete the whole beautiful vision!
As my latest travelling adventure has taken me across Europe and now to Paris, you bet I’m going to make the most of the shopping. After all, Paris is a magical haven of tutu styles for any taste – think everything from those soft, Romantic tutus to those more structured “classic” ones. I mean, can you imagine being one of the ballerinas in Paris, performing on stage, just like Marie did, all in the most incredible costume? So stylish and majestic. It truly is magic.
Now, to stay true to my own tradition, let me reveal what's been in my wardrobe lately. Imagine layers of shimmering pink tulle. Just a little sparkle, nothing too crazy. But with pink, always go big or go home, as they say. I’m so excited to share with you the amazing pair of ruby red ballet pumps I found too - they match my fabulous, sparkling tutu perfectly. It’s all about the confidence to take the stage – a confidence I absolutely love inspiring, my lovelies!
Let me know what your favourite ballet style is! I want to see your amazing ballet adventures, so please don't forget to share photos of your tutus and experiences on Instagram and use #TutuTuesday and tag me! Now off I go, on the hunt for the next tutu wonder! Ta ta!
