Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu-tastic time traveller! It’s Tuesday which means, yes, you guessed it - another fabulous #TutuTuesday post, just for you.
Oh my goodness, you won’t believe where I’ve been this time! I took a little trip to Paris, which is, of course, the centre of all things chic and stylish. It’s always such a treat to be there, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying all the fabulous fashion and food.
Today’s blog post is all about the glorious tutu, naturally. This week, I’ve landed in November 1878! It was a gloriously sunny day and, yes, I did have my trusty pink tutu on! You see, even in this time, the tutu remains the ultimate symbol of grace and femininity, so much so that I didn't cause a stir! It blended in beautifully amongst the elegant Parisians as I went exploring.
But let’s get down to business, shall we? I wanted to take you back in time and have a little chat about the evolution of the tutu. Let’s step into our little time machine and explore the fascinating story of this ballet favourite…
A Glimpse into Ballet’s History
Back in 1878, the world of ballet was evolving at an incredible pace. Imagine ladies in flowing skirts dancing, attempting some pretty basic pirouettes and gracefully hopping about the stage - it was all a far cry from the gravity-defying leaps and dizzying turns that would come later! Ballet had really started gaining traction across Europe - in places like Italy and France, but it wasn’t quite the refined art form we know today.
At the start, the skirts were longer and looser, but dancers were already trying to figure out ways to create movement with a little less fabric, which meant more graceful and precise movement! Can you imagine all the work it must have taken for those ladies? Honestly, those pioneer ballerinas are absolute legends in my book.
The Emergence of the Tutu
I’ll tell you a little secret – those loose-fitting dresses did actually start to get a little less loose as the century went on. I'm talking about the mid-19th century, mind you. In the 1840s, skirts were still flowing, yes, but starting to get shorter and tighter - that’s when the tutu began to make an appearance.
Then, it happened! The iconic, oh-so-fabulous, tutu came about – it's not something I can explain, really! I just know that when I see one on stage, it takes my breath away! You can see why the Parisian ballet dancers are totally smitten with it – it was the invention of a French ballet dancer, Marius Petipa (I believe we must send him a thank you for all time) who just wanted his ballerinas to be more, dare I say, "free", during their performances.
There’s been some discussion over who exactly deserves the credit. Some say Marie Taglioni, the “Goddess of Dance", introduced a sort of tutuy-type thing that was really quite revolutionary at the time – short, floaty, and full of elegance. She really was an inspiration to dancers and the fashion industry – that's the power of the tutu right there.
The tutus of the 1870s and 1880s – let me tell you, these things were simply heavenly! Imagine billowing tulle in all sorts of shades – imagine, white, delicate pink and blue, sometimes decorated with sparkles! These were the types of tutus that took the stage by storm. You’ll hear people talking about “Romantic tutus”, “classic tutus” and a “tutu de point”. These types of tutus - with a lovely, soft shape - they just capture the graceful elegance of that era so perfectly!
And then there were the "Romantic tutu's", the very first real tutu's, which, by the way, look completely amazing even to us 100+ years later. It was a wonderful blend of beauty, femininity, and an opportunity to move with much more freedom. This was the dawn of ballet in the form we know it today, I do believe.
A Trip to the Theatre!
Honestly, my lovelies, when you’re ever in Paris (you know I’ve had so many great trips here already!) - it's a must to pop to the Opera Garnier - or Palais Garnier as it's also known - and treat yourself to a little trip back in time. The history is almost tangible – that grand old building has witnessed so much dancing brilliance, such style!
You know, back then - I believe the most well-known ballerina would have been "La Carlotta", better known as Carlotta Grisi! Now, there's a name that deserves some recognition - a proper dancing star who was well-known for being both talented and stylish! As I made my way through the Opera Garnier I kept thinking about how amazing that experience must have been! Just being able to sit and watch all those ladies move in their stunning tutus... Just as incredible as seeing a performance today.
While we're at it, what would a good Tuesday post be without some shopping advice? And with the tutus making a major splash on stage in the 1870s, Paris was the place for designers to be creating beautiful fabrics for them. What are tutus without gorgeous fabrics, after all? The most popular place would have been the beautiful boutiques near the Palais Royal! I found a lovely silk scarf while I was there - it made my tutu look even better and the design looked straight from the early days of ballet - divine.
Paris, My Love
Paris is simply bursting with elegance. From the chic clothes boutiques on the Rue de la Paix to the enchanting Opera Garnier, this city just embodies a certain “je ne sais quoi”! It is truly one of the best cities in the world!
But even in Derbyshire, England, you'll still find all the beauty, the style and the joy of tutus - everywhere! I was just back in the Peak District the other week. I took some lovely pictures in a gorgeous ballet tutu in a little town there - the people are just lovely. It reminded me that we can always find beauty in the unexpected places. Even in small towns, beauty and dance are everywhere!
Don't you agree my lovely tutu lovers?
Well, that’s me for today! I hope you enjoyed this trip to the past and to the city of lights! Now, remember, you don't need to travel to Paris to experience ballet magic, all you need is a gorgeous tutu! Find that amazing tutu that will have you dancing your way through life with happiness.
Until next time, may your tutus twirl beautifully,
Emma
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all your tutu needs! And share your own #TutuTuesday adventures! Let's all spread the joy and grace of the tutu.
P.S. Did you know that on 5 November 1878, the 11th International Medical Congress began in Geneva? A momentous occasion, and I'm sure it inspired a whole new level of fashion in the medical community - just imagine! You know I have some new tutu inspiration just waiting to be explored - think I'll take it on my next trip to Geneva.
