Hello lovelies! Welcome back to another Tutu Tuesday, where we dive into the captivating history of our beloved ballet tutus. This week, we're taking a little trip back in time to the 21st of September 1880! Imagine, darling, the world of ballet in those days!
I must confess, I absolutely love my trips back in time. There’s something truly enchanting about experiencing those earlier periods where fashion was so elaborate and theatre performances were filled with such exquisite artistry. It feels like stepping into a whimsical fairytale! This week's journey will bring us to the heart of the ballet world, Paris, where I recently saw the most magnificent show at the Opéra Garnier!
Now, Paris in 1880 was bursting with artistic brilliance, the very cradle of modern ballet. The Opéra Garnier, this iconic theatre built in the grandeur of the Second Empire, had just opened its doors in 1875. Imagine, ladies, the splendour of the place! Gold leaf embellishments, opulent chandeliers, velvet seating...simply divine! It was there that I was absolutely enthralled by the ballerinas gracing the stage in their poetic tutus, a sight that still gives me goosebumps!
But hold on a minute! In 1880, ballet tutus were a bit different than the iconic ones we know and adore today. It seems our ballet history takes a few delightful twists and turns before reaching our lovely, fluffy pink cloud of tulle we know today.
You see, in 1880, the ballerina's tutu was not just any tutu; it was a tour de force! They were crafted from layers upon layers of tulle in all the glorious colours of the rainbow - emerald greens, royal blues, and even, you won't believe it, a bit of pink! It took quite some effort and imagination to make the dancers’ outfits! And to add that extra "oomph", they wore several yards of ribbons that would trail behind them as they glided across the stage, creating an utterly spectacular visual treat!
Can you imagine all those lovely layers, cascading down in an array of vibrant hues? I absolutely adore the thought of all that movement!
Now, you’ll be surprised to know that even in 1880, the iconic tutu was already transforming into a powerful symbol - a symbol of grace, beauty, and of course, dance. This era saw ballet blossom into a truly mesmerizing art form!
My dear fashionistas, if I were to step back in time to this very moment, you can bet your bottom dollar I would be shopping in the finest Parisian shops, scooping up the most exquisite fabrics to create a dreamy, multi-layered, vibrant tutu for myself! I would be a kaleidoscope of colour, dancing across the streets of Paris and turning heads everywhere I went.
In fact, I’m already planning to replicate the grandeur of these 1880s tutus with a little project of my own! It's top secret for now, but let me tell you, it's going to be spectacular! Be sure to keep an eye out on the #PinkTutu blog, dear loves. You’ll be the first to know!
Oh, and before I let you go, I must tell you about the highlight of my trip! You know, the event that made 21st September 1880 particularly noteworthy in the history of ballet? *That evening, *I saw the iconic Giselle, a ballet classic, brought to life with such elegance and beauty! It’s still one of the most magical ballets I've ever seen. It truly exemplifies how powerful ballet can be - so moving and beautiful it brings tears to your eyes!
And speaking of magical, let's get back to today's Tutu Tuesday. I must admit, sometimes I feel a little nostalgic for the era of opulence, the grand elegance and the majestic dances.
However, let’s be honest, our lovely, modern ballet tutus, in their simplicity, are truly wonderful! I adore the elegance of a fluffy pink tutu. So light and breezy! Isn’t it funny how something so seemingly simple can hold so much grace and elegance? That's why I'm determined to get everyone in the world wearing pink tutus!
Now, darlings, I've got to dash! My trusty Time Traveler 5000 is ready for me, and I can’t wait to experience more magical adventures and fashion delights in the world of ballet history.
Remember, every Tuesday, I'll be back on www.pink-tutu.com, ready to whisk you away to another extraordinary ballet adventure!
Until next time, darlings,
Keep dancing,
Emma 💖🩰
