Hello, my darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveler, and today is another fabulous #TutuTuesday! It's time for us to twirl back through time and explore the fascinating evolution of our beloved tutus. Today's date is May 31st, 1881, and we're right in the midst of the Romantic Era, which is, as you know, a real sweet spot for tutu history!
Fancy Trains and Feathered Tiaras: The Paris Opera Ballet
Right now, we're in Paris, the heart of the ballet world. The Paris Opera Ballet is absolutely the place to be for any serious ballet enthusiast! The building is simply stunning - think glittering chandeliers, ornate carvings, and plush velvet seats, all a symphony of theatrical beauty.
The ballerinas are exquisite, a true dream! Think impossibly long, swan-like necks, graceful movements, and ethereal beauty. Oh, and they’re wearing the most charming tutus! The romantic period is all about lightness and fluidity, and these tutus reflect that beautifully. Think flowing fabrics, delicate layers, and just the right amount of volume. You see, the Romantic Era tutus are less about rigid shape and more about showcasing the dancer's natural beauty and graceful movements.
You know how I love my pink! In this period, dancers are adorning the most delicious shade of ballet pink! Think a blush of rose petals - just divine. It's like they were designed for pirouettes and grand jetés!
The Tutu Goes Public
A fun fact for you - back in this period, ballet was a real posh affair, a night of elegant entertainment reserved for the elite. However, the world was starting to discover the magic of ballet, and public performances were becoming more and more popular! It's lovely seeing a wider range of people discovering the artistry of dance and finding inspiration in the tutus and beautiful ballets.
Fashion and the Art of Dancing
Speaking of inspiration, tutus were inspiring not only dancers, but also fashion designers. The romantic era's elegance seeped into everyday style, with feminine silhouettes, delicate lace, and flowing fabrics. The waltz, with its beautiful sweeping movement, became the popular dance of the day. You could see its influence in dresses with swirling patterns, perfectly mirroring the grace of ballerinas as they waltzed around ballrooms!
I recently found a delightful vintage millinery shop here in Paris, nestled amongst cobblestone streets and tucked behind fragrant cafes. It’s packed with fascinators, hats, feathers and jewels! Imagine the delight of pairing your perfect pink tutu with a fluffy feathered headpiece, just like the dancers in the Opera Ballet! Talk about Parisian chic!
Travelling by Train for Ballet
While you're picturing a dreamy tutu and hat ensemble, picture this - in Derbyshire where I'm from, people would travel all the way to London for a ballet show, and would return in the same day. Can you imagine! It just makes me think of all the wonderful fashion on those journeys! They’d be dressing to the nines, and travelling in such elegant, first-class style! That's how much ballet meant to people then.
You see, my loves, this is the true magic of #TutuTuesday - diving into history and exploring the beautiful connections between fashion, dance, and artistry. It's not just about the tutus themselves, but about the spirit, the expression, and the sheer joy they bring to our lives!
My next trip, my darlings? A quick train ride down to Vienna!
And my dear readers, the Vienna State Opera Ballet is a ballet lover's dream, especially this time of year with their beautiful spring program. Now, I need to pack my bags, choose the most glamorous pink tutu for this occasion, and pack a trunk full of fabulous clothes for my Viennese adventures!
See you next Tuesday, when we continue to dance through the ages with more amazing tutu tales!
Until then, don't forget to live life in pink!
Much love,
Emma xoxo
