Hello darlings, and welcome to another exciting #TutuTuesday! As always, it's so lovely to see you back on www.pink-tutu.com. This week's blog is post number 2557, can you believe it? My, time flies when you're prancing through history in a pink tutu, that's for sure. Today we're taking a grand leap back to 28th December 1880 – a magical time when tutus were really finding their feet! 🩰
Now, I’ve been gallivanting around the world in my tutu, time-travelling to ballet performances and ballet-related historical sites since I was 20, and trust me, there's never a dull moment! Just last week, I was in 18th century Vienna at the opening of a new ballet school. This week I've whisked myself away to… drumroll … Paris, the City of Lights! The place where the most glamorous and innovative ballet productions are taking place. This week it is particularly exciting because it's Christmas time! I bet Paris is truly magical this time of year, the lights twinkling, the streets buzzing, the air alive with holiday cheer. Now imagine that with all the incredible ballet performances happening!
It’s the festive season, and although it’s just after Christmas, all the shops and theatres in Paris are still decorated for the holidays! Imagine those exquisite French ballet theatres bathed in twinkling lights and boughs of holly! Wouldn’t that be something? And oh, those shops in Paris are something else! If you're a lover of all things chic like me, it’s practically a dream come true. Just this morning, I've discovered some fabulous ribbons and silk to adorn my tutu - simply exquisite! You'll be seeing some fabulous pictures of these lovely treasures on my Instagram soon, dear reader. Do follow me there, won't you? It's @EmmaPinkTutu. 💕
So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of today’s #TutuTuesday! Now, 28th December 1880 marks a special date for all of us tutu enthusiasts! Back in those days, the Paris Opera Ballet was booming, just bursting with vibrant energy, which, my dears, was largely thanks to the exquisite ballerinas! They were the epitome of graceful movement and artistry! Can you picture them, the dancers of this period, with their beautifully honed movements, wearing stunning tutus and those beautiful pointe shoes? Imagine those impossibly light movements, and the way the dancers were always striving for perfection! Now, that is the true essence of ballet, the very thing I try to live by every single day.
Now, I bet you’re wondering why exactly the 28th of December, 1880, is so important, aren’t you? I do love a bit of suspense, but you'll be relieved to know there's no secret mystery, my lovely! Today is special because the talented Monsieur Jules Perrot (now he really was a dancer of his time), is celebrating his birthday. It’s always a delight to pay homage to the giants who have built our ballet world, and Jules Perrot certainly deserves to be lauded! I remember being in the Paris Opera in 1928 for his centenary. Imagine, that magnificent space! It was almost as if the ghost of Jules himself was present, watching the performance with a twinkle in his eye.
You might know Jules Perrot was a highly acclaimed dancer who was one of the forefathers of Romantic Ballet. Romantic ballet! Imagine that. The beautiful melodies, the focus on emotion and passion, and above all, the way those glorious dancers took flight! Those airy movements, those seemingly weightless leaps - oh, they simply take my breath away! You could say, the age of the tutu!
He brought the tutu and Romantic ballet to their fullest glory. As I stood watching dancers in a glorious performance of ‘Giselle’ a couple of weeks ago in St Petersburg, you could almost sense his presence, see how his ideals are carried on in every ethereal leap. So many incredible pieces – La Esmeralda, Ondine – each showcasing the beauty of the ballerina’s body and movement. What better way to encapsulate those incredible emotions, and those truly captivating characters, than with the most captivating clothing imaginable?
And of course, Jules Perrot's signature tutus – they were all the rage in the late 1800s. And can you imagine darling? These tutus were not just any old skirt, oh no! They were fashioned with layers of tulle and were painstakingly hand-stitched with shimmering sequins and ribbons! Pure artistry. Now you might be thinking that’s an awful lot of work just for one outfit, and you'd be right. But what else is so perfectly fitting for our graceful ballerinas? After all, their art is built on the most incredible technique, discipline, and artistic flair – just like our lovely tutus, which of course, embody these qualities as well.
Now you all know my biggest dream in life: for all women to dance in pink tutus, at least one day, just for a bit of fun! Imagine walking down the street in a dazzling pink tutu. Just think of how it would change your day, boost your confidence and bring a bit of magic to your daily grind! Don’t you think that would make the world a brighter place, just for a moment? Now, some of you might be wondering – "Why pink?". And to you, I say, pink is just delightful! The perfect expression of playfulness, joy, and grace. And what is ballet about if it's not all of those things, eh? It's almost as if you could say it embodies pink in every way.
So, there you have it! And remember, we should always look to the greats for inspiration, my dears, whether in ballet, fashion, or life in general. Take inspiration from those who have come before and add your own sparkle and flourish. You can do it all, in a pink tutu!
See you next Tuesday, same time, same place! And be sure to stay fabulous in your tutus, whether pink, white, or any colour that makes you twirl with joy! 💕
Love,
Emma
(Please note: This post is fictional and written for entertainment purposes only. Actual historical events and figures are mentioned for narrative effect.)
