Bonjour, my darling tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back for another #TutuTuesday journey into the fascinating world of ballet history.
This week, we’re whisking ourselves back to the 10th of December 1878. I'm currently twirling in a stunning theatre in the heart of Paris. This enchanting city has a very special place in my heart, particularly for its undeniable love of ballet! It's been the centre of the dance world for centuries and, believe me, this is one fabulous trip I'm not wanting to leave!
Stepping back to 1878 is rather thrilling! Think of the excitement of horse-drawn carriages clinking past as you sashay your way to the opera house - just as elegant and timeless as ever! I have been browsing through antique shops all day, admiring the magnificent gowns and exquisite corsetry – the craftsmanship is breathtaking. My suitcase is already bursting with gorgeous antique laces and velvet to make my own stunning, vintage inspired pink tutu!
It's just fabulous being transported back to a time when dance and fashion truly went hand in hand. Today, I'm going to the Opéra Garnier. If you ever find yourselves in Paris, you must take a peek inside! This architectural marvel, with its grand marble staircases and magnificent crystal chandeliers, truly sets the scene for a breathtaking performance.
Speaking of performances, today we're in for a treat – a performance by the Paris Opera Ballet. I can’t wait to see these talented dancers flit across the stage in their tutus – they look incredible! Now, I am in absolute awe of the Ballet of the Paris Opera, with its magnificent dancers. They are the pinnacle of grace, precision, and poise. Just seeing the ballet, is the fuel to my soul and the most delicious, sweet, inspiration! I get a delicious shiver of delight watching the most gorgeous performers move with so much fluidity and beauty.
Now, to my dear followers, as a time traveler, the biggest joy for me is bringing some of this past style and flair to the present! As I journey through time, I can't help but imagine those talented ballerinas of 1878 twirling away in the elegance of their classic, but rather plain tutus – no bright colours, no dazzling rhinestones. It’s the start of a fantastic era for tutus, even if their beauty was mostly found in their exquisite craftsmanship.
However, let's rewind a bit – imagine this! Today in the grand opera houses of France, we are talking full length tutus with bouffant, fluffy, tulle skirts - these are the forerunners of the tutus that will sweep the stage for decades to come. While in England, my home country, we're just starting to experience the ballet's magic. And who knows? Maybe we're about to have a a glorious English ballerina, who will enchant us all!
And the future is bright, isn't it? Just imagine a little bit of your time traveling girl in 1878. It's still just the very beginning for tutus in the wider world! It’s almost a bit of a shame we couldn’t have our little pink-tutu revolution then! Who knows how many gorgeous little tutu wearers there might have been all around the world!
Back in 1878, there's a real excitement for ballet. The Opéra Garnier was a hotbed for this captivating world of dance, showcasing a new breed of creative ballet, with stories that moved audiences just as the dances themselves did! So, if you ever travel back in time to the 10th of December, 1878, put on your very best frock (you never know if you might bump into Marie Taglioni, the iconic dancer!)
Just for you darling tutu-lovers, I've picked out a couple of must-see historical highlights from today’s date:
- The Royal Opera House opens its doors in Covent Garden. While it's not in France, it was definitely a time when grand architecture became a true playground for all the art and fashion that made this time so glorious! I wonder how many tutu-clad ballerinas made this special landmark one of the places to be?
- It's the start of something pretty special - the world is ready for Sarah Bernhardt, a talented actress whose name has a beautiful melody! And I bet it’s only a matter of time before a very glamorous actress puts on her own fabulous ballet shoes to add her own stardust.
So there you have it, tutu lovers, another slice of history served with a dash of my favorite colour - pink! Now, I have to rush to catch a horse-drawn carriage and go see those Paris ballerinas - they’re sure to take my breath away! Remember, a world filled with pink tutus is a world filled with happiness, so get your twinkle toes tapping and don’t forget to wear your tutu!
Until next time, happy twirling!
Emma xoxo(For your info... * Marie Taglioni is known for 'La Sylphide', a landmark work of ballet history and also for the innovation of her tutus with short and full tutus replacing longer versions!)
