Hello my darlings, and welcome to another thrilling installment of #TutuTuesday, where we're diving into the captivating world of ballet tutus, one fabulous frock at a time! As a Derbyshire girl with a penchant for the pretty and a deep-rooted passion for twirling, I simply adore travelling through time to explore the evolution of this magical garment! And believe me, this week's journey is a real treat.
Let's hop aboard the Orient Express (my preferred method of time travel, especially when the compartments boast luxurious velvet seats and dainty lace curtains!) and whisk ourselves to the year 1878, to the glorious city of Paris, the capital of fashion and elegance.
Today's date, 30th April, 1878, is quite special as it marks a key moment in ballet history! Imagine the thrill of attending the premiere of "La Source" at the prestigious Opéra de Paris that evening!
For those of you unfamiliar with "La Source", it's a truly romantic ballet in three acts, a masterpiece of beautiful melodies, intricate storytelling, and stunning costumes. The piece is overflowing with flowing chiffon, exquisite corsetry, and oh-so-many tulle layers. Can you imagine? The tutu was front and centre on the stage!
Of course, we're focusing on those ethereal, breathtaking tutus, right? They are truly the stars of the show! At this time, ballet tutus were taking on a different character. While the "La Sylphide" skirt of the early 1800s still had its charm, by 1878 the ballerina's skirt was undergoing a transformation.
Think layers, layers, and more layers! It was the age of romanticism, with the graceful movements and artistry of ballerinas accentuated by the fullness of the tutu. We see layers upon layers of delicate netting forming a stunning cloud-like effect. The skirt became lighter, airier, with graceful movement as it floated about the stage, reflecting the elegant movements of the ballerina. Think of graceful, airy fairy sprites, light as a feather as they dance through the forest.
The fabrics are all soft, sheer, and billowy, adding to the lightness and airiness of the dance, almost as though the dancer is taking flight! It's as though the tutus are the very air the ballerinas breathe. They move and flow, just as graceful and fluid as the dancers themselves.
This transition from the classic shape of the "La Sylphide" to the fuller, more layered tutus was an important step for the ballet world. It allowed for the dancer to move more freely, and showed off the athleticism and the artistry of the ballerina in ways that were previously unseen. Imagine the joy of twirling and dancing, those exquisite costumes contributing to a whole world of emotions being shared on the stage.
To bring back a touch of that 1878 romance, I suggest you find yourself a tutu, preferably in a delicate pink hue, a perfect colour to symbolise the heart and soul of the time. Then put on your best, most feminine frock, tie a beautiful satin ribbon around your neck, and dance, twirl and dream! Remember, every girl deserves to wear a pink tutu! This is the perfect look to channel the charm and glamour of this era!
I've been scouring the streets of London and Paris (both, naturally, my favourite cities!) for my latest tutu treasures. A delicate silk tutu with floral accents from an enchanting shop in Soho, and an exquisite vintage white tulle tutu from a tiny boutique tucked away in a cobbled Parisian backstreet. I love discovering vintage treasures and giving them a new life! The older tutus tell stories of dance, laughter, and moments frozen in time, and to wear them, it's like stepping back in time! And of course, a bit of a pink splash on the original colour goes a long way towards the modern tutu look. I may even have discovered the secrets to my favourite shop owner's special, secret recipe for getting those vibrant pink hues! I promise to spill the secrets next week!
So, whether you're watching a ballet at the Opera de Paris, taking classes at the Royal Opera House, or simply having a twirl in your living room, embrace the beauty of the tutu!
Don't forget to share your own #TutuTuesday photos on social media and tag me! I adore seeing your beautiful tutu creations! Until next week, darling, let's all go forth and dance, twirling with delight and happiness as we keep the tutu spirit alive.
Remember: Wear pink, be fabulous, and never stop dreaming!
P.S. I've just been informed that the London School of Ballet is offering free workshops! Isn't that exciting?! The opportunity to learn a few ballet moves right here in my own neighbourhood. Oh, how I love the possibilities that life throws my way! And with my tutu collection ever growing, I can now put together outfits that make me look like I'm a dancing queen, ready for the stage, all the time!
Don't forget to head to my website www.pink-tutu.com to see all the lovely pink tutu outfits, ballet and theatre outfits and fashion recommendations, and be sure to come back next Tuesday for another thrilling journey through #TutuTuesday! xx
