Bonjour mes chères! Welcome to this week’s edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. This week we are twirling our way back to the 14th of February, 1882. Can you imagine, my darlings? A time before electric lights, telephones, or even moving pictures! The world was a far different place, and so were our tutus, naturally.
It was a bit chilly in Paris this day, but as a girl who loves fashion, that just meant I could really layer up in my tulle. This February the Parisian boulevards were buzzing with excitement about the new Spring collections, and darling, let me tell you, the theatre scene was alive with the colour of my favourite pink! The French were very fond of colour, which always pleased my own fashion-forward eye.
Now, let’s hop back on the trusty time-travelling carriage and explore a little tutu history together! It was a Tuesday - how perfect for TutuTuesday - so naturally, I was straight off to the Paris Opera Ballet to watch a performance. Imagine, my darlings, the opera house is packed full of exquisite gowns and the most dashing gentlemen. A sea of ruffles, jewels, and of course… tutus!
I took a seat right near the stage and got a prime view of the dancers - they wore beautifully intricate tutus, in shades of powder pink and delicate cream. A little shorter than those favoured by today’s ballerinas, which just shows how styles change so much, even in the world of ballet. There was a distinct romanticism to them, echoing the elegance of the era.
Speaking of romanticism, February 14th also marked Valentine’s Day! Ah, such a lovely excuse to be surrounded by loved ones and, of course, beautiful flowers, lace, and a generous amount of chocolate. Did you know the first ever Valentine’s Day card was designed and sent in 1415, but it was only by 1850 that commercially produced Valentine’s Day cards had truly hit the mainstream. How clever! I thought to myself - I’ll bet the Parisian shops are brimming with exquisite Valentine’s gifts, such as pearl earrings, embroidered lace hankies, and of course… the finest bonbonnières brimming with love!
I did indulge in some fine bonbons after the ballet show, and later on, found myself admiring a beautiful display of hand-crafted pink roses in a local florist’s shop - of course I just had to pick out a handful to bring back to Derbyshire for my grandmother, she would adore the delicate blooms! And do you know what, the shopkeeper presented them to me in a delicate little basket made entirely out of paper lace! Such delicate attention to detail…
Now, my darlings, don't just imagine the world of 1882, experience it! Head over to a theatre for a ballet performance and take a moment to appreciate those flowing tutus in a new light. Maybe even buy yourself a lovely box of bonbons. Then come back to www.pink-tutu.com, tell me all about your journey, and share your favourite ballet-related things.
Stay happy, stay healthy, and don't forget to keep on twirling!
Your friend, Emma xx
