Post number 2539 - www.pink-tutu.com
Bonjour mes chères! Happy Tutu Tuesday! As usual, I'm channeling my inner time traveller and diving into the enchanting world of ballet tutus. Today we're whizzing back to August 24th, 1880. Grab a cuppa, my darlings, and let's travel together, pink tutus in tow!
The scent of lavender and the rumble of the train carrying me from Derbyshire, England to Paris. This time travel life keeps me hopping around Europe and my bank balance relies on a healthy dose of those stunning ballet performances, whether it's in a beautiful Parisian theatre or a dusty little provincial hall. You just can't beat the romance of the theatre!
1880! A time when tutus were still evolving their shape. In those days, the 'Romantic Era' was in full swing and imagine a tutu – voluminous, sweeping, and graceful like a cloud in the sky, dancing and swirling as the ballerina floats on stage. Think layers and layers of tulle, like a delicate confection, each one fluttering like a whispered promise. The shorter tutus of today – not yet. They were still long and flowing, adding an element of ethereal charm to every performance.
This Tuesday takes us right to the heart of Parisian fashion, my darlings. 1880 was the era of opulence. Ladies with feathered bonnets, voluminous dresses, and even more voluminous petticoats (my darling, it’s not so different today. There is a definite Victorian feel with the corsetry style clothing at the moment! ). So think bold, sweeping silhouettes for everyone!
And speaking of tutus, what were dancers wearing for those performances that have captured our imaginations for centuries? I was in for a treat today - a truly glamorous ballet at the Paris Opera Ballet. The leading ballerina - she was like a swan, absolutely captivating in her billowing, graceful white tutu. It flowed around her as she danced, a testament to the ethereal, dreamlike quality that ballet sought to capture. The stage lights glistened off the tulle – simply divine.
My, oh my! That Parisian crowd was utterly entranced, gasping with delight at every twist and twirl.
But fashion isn't just for the theatre, right? Even the 'everyday' styles of 1880 reflected a sense of sophistication and elegance. Imagine layers of fabrics, silk ribbons, and lace. Imagine delicate hand-painted silk patterns on a delicate, long tutu – just perfect for strolling down a Parisian boulevard, don’t you think? The beauty of tutus – they can take you anywhere!
Now I must admit, dear readers, you won't catch me rocking an 1880s street-wear tutu…too long! Just imagine it – the billowing tulle, swirling in the breeze and dragging on the pavements. Oh the chaos! Not that it would stop me from strutting! Just wouldn't be quite practical… or wouldn't it?!
*But my dear followers, we can absolutely channel this Victorian, theatrical aesthetic into our own wardrobe, adding a little tutusphere wherever we go. Imagine it! Think full, voluminous skirts – a mini tutusphere to dance around in your daily life, like a little swirl of fashion history. *
Just like back in 1880, Paris is the centre of fashion for me, too! As I said, today I was treated to a real treat: a day shopping for some new outfits. The stores were a sea of colours and textures, with a delightful combination of vintage elegance and modern flair. Imagine flowing velvets and elegant lace – you could almost feel the history breathing around you.
Of course, I indulged in some stunning Parisian accessories, too. Imagine my delight at finding an intricately-designed feathered fan – so perfect for fanning myself as I gracefully glide through the streets, with a billowing pink tutu swirling around my feet, you know. I imagine it in shades of lilac, rose, and blush. A little taste of French couture, if you will.
And dear reader, I couldn’t resist snapping up a tiny pink, silk pocket-sized tutu – you know for those spontaneous ballet dance performances we get in those busy train carriages or queuing for a croissant!
And speaking of dancing, can you believe that, on the 24th of August 1880, Marie Taglioni’s iconic La Sylphide was just starting to gain popularity? Now imagine those graceful leaps, the intricate choreography, and the way she seemingly glided across the stage, almost as if she were defying gravity, with that delicate white tutu swaying with her every move. Absolutely enthralling!
So, dear readers, as we embark on a sartorial voyage back through time, remember this: it's about more than just fashion, it’s a reflection of a timeless spirit. It’s about the joy of movement, the grace, the elegance, the beautiful storytelling of dance, and most importantly, the joy of expression, which is a key part of wearing a tutu!
Just as those ladies of the 1880s made bold fashion statements with their exquisite silhouettes and daring embellishments, so we can do the same. Remember - even in the midst of historical trends and evolving fashions, the heart of dance and the grace of movement remain forever captivating, as do those billowing tutus! So let's keep those tutus twirling!
Stay beautiful, my loves, and always remember – there's a touch of tutu magic in everyone!
Until next week’s Tutu Tuesday, my lovelies!
XOXO
Emma
