Bonjour mes amies! Welcome back to my humble corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme, and pink is the only colour that matters. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another exciting journey through the history of our beloved ballet tutus!
This week, I'm hopping onto the trusty Orient Express and travelling back in time to June 11th, 1878. The air is thick with the sweet scent of lilac, and I can practically hear the waltz playing in the background. It’s a magical time to be alive, and I'm sure you're all wondering what incredible tutu-related fashion is happening in this Parisian haven of elegance.
But before I get into all that, let me tell you, darling, that getting here has been quite an adventure! Imagine me, standing on the platform in Derbyshire, all ready for another grand tutu-tastic adventure, wearing a sparkling pink tutu that would put a blush on the face of a blushing rose, and boarding the grand train. As usual, I travelled in style – it's all part of the fun of time travelling, isn't it? A good train journey is almost as satisfying as a new pair of ballet shoes!
So, we've landed ourselves in the bustling streets of Paris. Picture this: elegant horse-drawn carriages clopping by, men in dapper top hats, ladies in sumptuous gowns – a real scene straight out of a ballet! And what about the ballerinas, you ask? They are quite the sight, ladies!
For one, in 1878, we are on the brink of what we call "the Romantic Era". This period brought some revolutionary changes to ballet. Picture long, flowing skirts in ethereal shades, perfectly designed to catch the light and flutter in every twirl. Ballet, you see, wasn't just a performance back then; it was an experience – a theatrical display of grace and storytelling.
And what is better at conveying such delicate stories than a magnificent tulle creation? This era was about delicate beauty, intricate design, and a bit of flouncy fun. Think layers and layers of soft, airy tulle. Think intricate embroidery and beautiful trims. These were the days when tutus were truly works of art.
You might be surprised, but tutus weren't called tutus back then, darlings! In fact, this adorable name didn't come around until about 1945! Imagine, calling it a "tutu" instead of the very poetic term used back then: "the skirt." Fancy!
What about ballet shoes? They were pretty exquisite, I tell you. It was a time of soft, delicate ballet slippers made of satin - the epitome of elegant footwear! The shoe-makers were experts at crafting them, and ballet slippers back then weren't just for dancing, they were a symbol of grace and style. Imagine a little bit of magic wrapped around each foot. How perfect, darling!
Let's talk about fashion, for, of course, fashion is essential for any grand Parisian outing. For my adventures through time, my pink tutu is a constant companion. Imagine it - it sparkles in the afternoon sunshine! And my attire wouldn't be complete without a luxurious velvet jacket. It’s elegant, stylish, and I simply adore how the smooth fabric moves when I waltz. It adds that little something extra, that extra je ne sais quoi, wouldn't you say?
Today, I plan to spend my afternoon at the ballet, a ritual that is as much a necessity for my sanity as a delicious slice of strawberry tart! I'll be catching the latest production of “La Bayadère,” which promises a dazzling spectacle. It’s sure to feature some showstopping tutus, no doubt with a hint of pink in their design, of course! This iconic ballet tells the story of Nikiya, a temple dancer, and her tragic love story. Imagine! All this romance and drama wrapped up in elegant tutus – what’s not to love?
The best part of it all, dear readers, is that after the ballet performance, I have my heart set on exploring the beautiful shops in Paris. I simply can’t resist a little vintage ballet shoe hunt. And let me tell you, with all this historical inspiration swirling around me, my mind is bursting with new design ideas for my #PinkTutu collection. Perhaps some intricate embroidery inspired by the ballerinas' shimmering skirts, or a delightful silk fabric that feels like a gentle breeze? The possibilities are endless, darlings!
It’s truly a magical time to be a ballerina, and a pink tutu-lover, that is. The world is swirling around me with elegance and grace. If only I could take these gorgeous creations, these stories, and these incredible moments back home with me!
So, until next week, my lovelies, may your lives be as pink and twirling as your hearts desire!
Emma x
P.S.: Don't forget to check out my #PinkTutuCollection at www.pink-tutu.com, where you can find the perfect tutu to embrace your inner ballerina!
P.P.S.: Share your love for all things tutu-related with the hashtag #PinkTutu and #TutuTuesday and I might just share your inspiring picture on my social media!
