Hello lovelies! Emma here, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday for you. I've been on a bit of a time-travelling spree lately, and let me tell you, it's exhausting but SO rewarding! You wouldn't believe the fantastic tutus they have in different periods! Today, we're stepping back in time, way back to the 6th of November, 1877, to explore the evolution of our beloved tutu. Hold onto your tiaras, darling, this one's a real ride!
This week, my journey took me straight to the heart of ballet’s beating heart, Paris, the city that whispers "chic" and dances to the rhythm of twirls. The air itself felt positively charged with creativity. But darling, the tutus! They were a far cry from the streamlined designs we see today. Back in 1877, the tutu was still very much in its "experimental" stage, evolving rapidly to accentuate the movements of these talented dancers. Imagine swirling layers of tulle, each one a cloud of romantic elegance! They were often layered and full, a complete contrast to the sleek, more form-fitting styles of today. It's fascinating to think about how fashion and dance have gone hand-in-hand, evolving together!
Now, imagine a little ballet darling, say about 15 years old (for every stage, age is such a clue!), who dreamed of swirling on stage in that grand, multi-layered tulle creation! It was all the rage, darling! There's just something utterly enchanting about seeing layers upon layers of ethereal tulle, shimmering like moonlight on a summer's night.
For me, there's nothing more magical than the ballet theatre itself. It's a world where imagination takes centre stage. Think of it like this: imagine the soft lights, the opulent decor, the whisper of anticipation in the air. Suddenly, the stage bursts with colour and energy, and there they are - these exquisite dancers! In tutus of course! They bring stories to life through their movements - it’s so elegant and enchanting! I just adore watching their graceful spins and leaps, their expressive faces, the incredible stories they tell without even uttering a word! And, of course, I get completely lost in the breathtaking costumes - especially the tutus!
The best thing is, these beauties weren’t just confined to the stage. That's right! Tutuland extended beyond the stage! The beautiful pink and white colour palettes of these dance costumes, with their intricate ribbons and details, were seeping into fashion. Just picture ladies strolling down the grand avenues of Paris, sporting charming variations of the dancewear. This is how we know the history of the tutu isn't just confined to the ballet studio – it's a reflection of culture, society, and of course, style!
While we're here in the city of light, let's take a detour into the fashion scene. There’s an extraordinary vintage shop just around the corner, and I absolutely had to investigate. And guess what? There were actual tutu-inspired pieces in the shop windows! From swirling tulle skirts to delicate embellishments, these outfits embodied that whimsical romance we love about ballet. They were all perfectly paired with ruffled blouses, hats with dramatic bows, and naturally, loads of ribbons - this era certainly knew how to put the "fashion" into "fashion show!" And darling, just like that, I bought a vintage shawl that perfectly embodied the beauty and charm of the era.
The fun doesn't end there, darling! We can even enjoy music from this era! Just the mention of the waltz brings a swirling and romantic vibe to our day! Imagine elegant figures dancing in elegant ballroom tutus to romantic tunes in the moonlight… doesn't that sound heavenly?! Oh la la, my sweet friends, what an elegant era it was!
However, for those who think fashion was strictly confined to a certain style, let’s have a moment of silence for the ladies of the 1870s. Their spirit of creativity didn't stop at tutus! Just picture a whole world brimming with extravagant hats, frilled dresses, flowing sleeves – talk about effortless elegance! And of course they sported all the accessories – gloves, parasols, and intricate fans - oh la la! I find myself gravitating towards the romance of this time and I just can't help thinking about how we might add a touch of it into our everyday looks. You know, a twirl here, a touch of frill there. Let’s inject that extra bit of sparkle and fun! After all, we can all bring a bit of the elegant dance spirit to our outfits, wouldn't you agree?
It’s time to wrap up our whirlwind trip through history, but before we go, remember, style and creativity have no limitations! They constantly adapt, evolve and re-invent themselves. The same way we are, with all our beautiful twirls and whirls! Whether we're on stage, at the ball, or simply going about our day, every day can be a new chance to embrace the whimsical world of the tutu. Remember, it's not just about fashion - it's about an attitude!
And I’ll tell you, my little darlings, you know where to find the perfect accessory for that?! That’s right - a pink tutu of course! It'll make every outfit even more extraordinary, from your walk down the street to your fancy evening out. We must be bolder! Embrace that joyful side and never, ever, let anyone tell you it’s wrong. After all, it’s our passion and love for dance that gives life its most beautiful expression! Until next week my little darlings, remember, be daring! And if anyone asks why you’re wearing your pink tutu, just tell them...
"Because Pink Is The New Black, my sweet! And you know what they say: it’s a fairytale world out there!* Now go out there and *twi-twi-twirl into the weekend! I’ll be back next week with another historical #TutuTuesday adventure for all you lovely ballet aficionados. See you all then!**
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
