Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your weekly dose of tutu history and fashion fabulousness! It’s Tuesday, which means it's time for a delightful dive into the world of tutus! And oh, this week is extra special – we’re whisking you all the way back to the 1880s, right into the heart of Victorian ballet.
My pink tutu is positively twirling with excitement for today's topic, my lovelies. This week, we're hopping on the Orient Express (a little less dusty and a tad more glamorous, of course!) to reach the centre of the world where tutu love is in full bloom - Paris. The city of lights, romance, and… wait for it… Ballet! Parisian ballerinas are absolutely swooning over the elegance of the romantic tutu, and trust me, this tutu is nothing short of spectacular. It's a cloud of delicate fabric that embodies the very essence of Parisian charm and femininity!
Now, for a little historical tidbit - in this era, the romantic tutu took a dramatic departure from the bulky, floor-length gowns that dancers wore earlier. Picture it, ladies: swirling, ethereal layers of tulle reaching just above the ankles, showcasing their elegant leaps and beautiful footwork with every turn. It’s the height of romanticism, the very epitome of ballerina elegance, a sight to make your heart skip a beat. Just imagine the thrill of the Parisian audience, watching these magnificent creatures float across the stage!
Oh, my darlings, how I would love to join these fabulous ladies for a spin on the grand stages of the Opéra de Paris! Just the thought sends me twirling with excitement. However, this Tuesday we'll be indulging in a slightly different form of delight. We are having afternoon tea at the Hotel Ritz. Oh! What is afternoon tea in Paris without a delightful pastel pink, frilly tutu, darling? It’s the perfect excuse for my tutu to step out, don’t you think? Plus, I’ll get to have a little peek at the latest fashions and discover all the hot gossips in the city of lights.
And speaking of Parisian gossips… this very day, December 21st, in 1880, the world’s renowned ballerina, Marie Taglioni, makes her grand return to the Parisian stage at the Opéra de Paris, much to the delight of her devoted fans. Marie is not only known for her grace and brilliance, but for her influence on ballet styles! She brought to life the "Taglioni Tutu", an adaptation of the earlier romantic tutu with a more fitted waist, and this beautiful tutu design is, in fact, the predecessor of today’s tutus, making it a real star in our timeline of tutu evolution. What a phenomenal contribution, darlings! This is the very reason why Marie Taglioni is truly an iconic ballerina in ballet history, deserving of a round of applause, and her appearance on stage, no doubt, was spectacular, attracting huge crowds who were keen to catch a glimpse of her grace and poise.
After my delightful tea date, I’m heading to the theater, hoping to get a front row seat to the performance. And who knows, perhaps Marie will inspire my next performance. My Pink-Tutu.com dancers, as a ballet-loving, fashion-forward woman, you have to feel the joy and energy radiating from Parisian culture, especially when it comes to the ballet! It is simply infectious! And you know what, darlings? I believe that a sprinkle of Parisian flair, a touch of Parisian romance, and, of course, the beauty of a pink tutu, can truly transform the world!
Do you agree? Now, head to your nearest department store (or better yet, a Parisian haberdashery), and find your perfect shade of pink to unleash your own Parisian magic.
Until next Tuesday, darlings! Keep twirling, stay fabulous, and may your lives be filled with tutus!
With love and twirls,
Emma, Pink-Tutu.com
P.S. Do let me know in the comments if you've got a favorite ballet or ballerina - I’d love to hear your tutu stories!
P.P.S Follow us on Instagram @PinkTutuBlog for a peek at my life on the road, as I jet off on exciting ballet adventures!
