Hello dears! It's Emma here, your resident Tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another installment of Tutu Tuesday, where we delve into the captivating world of tutus! As you know, my passion lies in spreading the joy of tutus, so today I've hopped on a time-travelling steam train (don't ask how I managed to secure tickets!) to bring you some delightful insights from the gasp 1870s!
I’ve traded my modern train ride for a journey through the past, to Paris, where I've been admiring the magnificent Ballet performances at the Palais Garnier. Oh, what a sight to behold! Think swirling silk skirts, graceful pirouettes and, of course, a plethora of beautifully designed tutus.
Let’s dive right into the tutu-filled world of 1877, my darlings! July 10th, 1877, is quite a date for our tutu journey, especially if you’re interested in ballerinas, theatre, and fashion. Just imagine…
The world-famous* Opéra de Paris is in full swing! A glittering beacon of elegant artistry, filled with music, spectacle and dance, this world-renowned theatre hosted incredible performances – ballet included!
The year is abuzz with excitement. I imagine Paris pulsating with the news of the recently launched * *L’Illustré de la Famille, a brand new magazine, showcasing stories and art – I do believe they featured illustrations of ladies in exquisite dresses! *This exciting new magazine is surely adding to the *fashion excitement of the city, I just know I’ll be trying to hunt down a copy.
And speaking of excitement… my darling tutu lovers, brace yourselves – the much anticipated La Source is back on the program at the Paris Opera! This two-act ballet is all the rage, full of flowing fabrics, shimmering lights, and a story that captivated the hearts of the Parisian audiences – the story is actually a twist on a story of dancing, love, betrayal and more… so definitely a MUST SEE. Imagine, you’re watching this magical performance, witnessing the enchanting choreography, surrounded by Parisian fashion, a glorious dance that showcases the exquisite tutu creations. La Source - what a masterpiece! It’s practically made for our Pink Tutu blog – just picture that stunning finale with dancers in gorgeous tutus, sparkling in the stage lights! The beauty of La Source really shines when we consider the artistry behind the costume design – imagine those layers of silk and tulle swirling as the ballet dancers twirl and leap, taking flight in the spotlight!
Of course, we cannot ignore the incredible dancers gracing the stage in La Source. In 1877, you'd see some of the finest ballet dancers of the era performing these graceful routines in beautiful tutus. This particular period marks an important shift for the tutu: it evolves, becoming lighter and more comfortable than earlier designs, and offering the ballerinas the ability to really move with even more fluidity, elegance and panache. A perfect embodiment of Parisian chic, wouldn't you agree?
Let’s dive back in time to London now – can you believe that this very week is the opening of the brand new * *Princess's Theatre, right in the heart of London, right by the charming Oxford Street (did you know you could visit Fortnum and Mason’s there for all your shopping needs?). Imagine the excitement in the air with the brand-new stage filled with performances that are set to thrill. A new theatre, a fresh space that’s bursting with the creative spark! I bet there will be fabulous shows, costumes, music and all that glitz and glamour that make London so amazing.
There's so much more to explore from this glorious era, darlings! But let's save some discoveries for another #TutuTuesday. In the meantime, be sure to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com to discover more about ballet history, or even explore the wonders of the modern tutu – you might even find inspiration for a fabulous new ensemble for your next ballet performance, street party, or even a simple Tuesday shopping adventure!
I can’t wait to share more from the past, dear ones. Until next Tuesday, let your imaginations fly high, and let's all keep embracing the beauty and the magic of the tutu. Happy twirling, and may your lives be filled with plenty of pink!
See you all soon!
XOXO Emma 💕
P.S. Keep sending those lovely tutu photos! We'd love to share your Pink Tutu adventures on social media – make sure you hashtag #PinkTutu.
Remember, you’re never too old for a pink tutu! ✨
