Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to take you on another exciting journey through the world of ballet.
This Tuesday, we’re twirling back to the 21st of June, 1881. Oh, how I wish I could have been in Paris that day! You see, darling, that very day, a magnificent ballet, La Camargo, was premiering at the Palais Garnier. Imagine the sheer spectacle, the fluttering silk, the powerful leaps! This exquisite work was created by the legendary Marius Petipa, and it featured the sublime, the divine, the one and only, Fanny Elssler!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, how did this glamorous spectacle possibly relate to the evolution of our beloved tutus?” Well, my dearest, it’s a tale of inspiration! You see, Fanny Elssler was not just a magnificent ballerina – she was also known for her utterly sensational fashion!
Elssler dared to dance in tutus that were much shorter than the conventional skirts of the time. They clung to her form, revealing her strong, lithe, perfectly toned legs, much to the gasp of the audiences! Her movement became the ultimate in fluid elegance and grace, showcasing her incredible artistry and demanding technique. Her revolutionary costumes became the inspiration for the shorter tutus we associate with ballet today, opening up the possibility of a different, freer kind of movement.
Think about it, darling: until then, ballerinas were almost entirely encased in layers of thick, cumbersome fabrics. But Fanny Elssler, a fearless trendsetter, helped push the boundaries, paving the way for tutus that became lighter, shorter, and more dynamic. What an incredible change for the art of ballet, don’t you think?
Now, my dears, while the evolution of tutus has certainly been a whirlwind journey, a little history lesson from Emma wouldn’t be complete without some insights into the wonderful fashion of the time!
You see, the 1880s were all about the feminine aesthetic – delicate silhouettes, billowing fabrics, and elaborate details. Just picture this: elegant dresses with frilled collars, corseted waists, voluminous skirts that swayed with every step, and bonnets with jaunty feathers or ribbons!
I must say, I have to admit a slight preference for the elegance of the Victorian era over the current trends, darling! Though, I confess, even a vintage dress needs a pop of colour. It simply wouldn't be a proper #TutuTuesday without a splash of pink, right?
The Perfect Parisian Stroll
After a magical ballet, the Parisian evenings called for an equally extravagant experience. Now, I may be biased, but wouldn't it have been the absolute dream to walk down the Champs-Élysées in a flowing pink gown? The lights of the shops and restaurants illuminating the night – so utterly Parisian, so absolutely romantic. One might stop for a delightful French patisserie, then perhaps find a charming bookstore and indulge in a leisurely read by candlelight.
The 1880s were about more than just spectacle and flair, darling; it was about appreciating the beauty of everyday life. Walking down a cobblestone street, listening to the music spilling from a nearby café – it’s these small, simple joys that make life feel utterly magical.
Finding Inspiration Everywhere
Now, you may think it’s a bit far-fetched to wear a pink tutu for every occasion, but don’t underestimate the power of adding a dash of joy and a splash of colour!
It doesn’t have to be full-fledged tutu-time everywhere, though I heartily recommend it! But why not embrace that touch of whimsy in everyday life? Wear a pink ribbon in your hair, tie a pretty pink scarf around your wrist, add a splash of pink nail polish. Even a delicate pink hue in your makeup can brighten the dullest day.
Finding inspiration doesn’t require travelling through time, my dears. Look around you, find those little moments of joy that spark your creativity. Because at the end of the day, fashion is about self-expression and finding that individual flair that makes you, well, you!
Next week on #TutuTuesday, we’ll be taking a trip to the grand opera houses of Vienna, Austria. I'll be telling you about the wonderful performances I’m going to see, the stunning opera houses, and, of course, the remarkable influence the era had on the dance world.
Until next time, keep your tutus at the ready, darlings! Remember to share your stories, your fashion inspiration, your tutu dreams, using the hashtag #TutuTuesday, on both Instagram and Twitter. And be sure to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for more exciting fashion discoveries!
Yours always in the pursuit of all things pink, Emma xx
