Hello, my lovely tutus! It's Emma, your time-traveling, tutu-loving friend, back with another edition of Tutu Tuesday! Today we're pirouetting back to a delightfully fashionable era - 9th April 1878!
Buckle your ballet shoes and hold onto your tutus because we're about to embark on a journey to a time when ballet was truly the most glamorous art form.
I know you might think that tutu history is all about the grand costumes, but darling, there's more to it than just that. It's about the story of women finding their voice and their movement - a revolution in what was deemed feminine and fashionable.
I travelled to Paris this week, darling! The journey was quite charming, especially seeing the countryside through the train window. I confess to falling a bit in love with the Parisian cafes - such a charming atmosphere.
The excitement surrounding the Paris Opera House, however, took the cake! It's all about the elegance and grandiosity. This, darling, is where my tutu obsession first got a little bit…addictive!
Now, back to our historical highlight. The 9th of April 1878 - did you know this was the day of La Belle Hélène? A whole operetta dedicated to beauty! Can you believe the sheer decadence?
This glamorous, captivating musical piece - written by Jacques Offenbach - is the reason why I love my trip to this period so much. And what a masterpiece of an operetta it is! The ballet within the operetta, in all its Parisian grandeur, was enough to inspire me to write a whole blog post!
So, what did people wear for ballet back in 1878?
Firstly, there was an air of romance and drama about ballet outfits that has faded a little in modern ballet - think full romantic tutus and gorgeous flowing chiffon and satin dresses. There's just something about those romantic era styles that gives the performances a unique charm.
The tutus at this time - they were a little different to what we see today, dear. Imagine an expansive, tiered tutu made with silk or tulle. And of course, they would be beautifully adorned with flowers and jewels - the grander the better. I imagine being the ballerina - the feeling of floating around the stage, feeling the ruffles and silk move around me as I danced. * Pure joy, pure freedom!*
We must also pay homage to the talented ballerina - the ballet mistress, you could say - Caroline Legrand who graced the Paris Opera House at this very time! The world witnessed a talent like no other - imagine the grace and beauty that filled those rooms. Just a true inspiration!
Speaking of elegance, I’m off to try on a new blush pink satin ballet slipper! I just can't resist a little retail therapy after a journey back through time - it always inspires me with new design ideas.
And what a perfect inspiration to end this blog post, isn't it? Let's get all those twirls going, my dear tutus! Embrace the beauty, the elegance, the freedom that comes with wearing a tutu. I hope to see all of you twirling your way to a magical and stylish day!
And remember: If you need a dose of elegance, joy and pure inspiration – join the pink tutu movement. Every Tuesday, visit www.pink-tutu.com and delve into the enchanting world of Tutu Tuesday with me!
See you next week, my dearest tutus!
Yours in Pink, Emma.
(The images displayed in the original post would showcase pictures from the ballet, vintage photographs of the time, images of the grand Paris Opera House, ballet dancers in their opulent attire, and Emma wearing her favourite pink tutu.)
