#2655 - 14th November 1882
Greetings, darling dears! Your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina is back, ready to take you on another adventure through the wondrous history of our beloved tutu! Today we're going to waltz right back to 14th November 1882, a date ripe with stories and snippets of the tutu's fascinating journey. Buckle up your dancing shoes, because it's time to twirl!
Paris, Mon Amour!
Where else would we start our little jaunt but the heart of fashion, the City of Lights itself - Paris! Imagine me, your Emma, standing on the cobbled streets, the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air, the clatter of carriages, the excited chatter of Parisian life... It's a ballet in itself, isn't it?
In this very year, 1882, the iconic Opéra Garnier, a dazzling architectural triumph with an opera house and ballet theatre, is the pinnacle of theatrical beauty. You can bet your bottom tulle that a flurry of tutus were gracing the stage, each dancer a delicate and enchanting blossom of grace. It’s just magical!
A Peek Behind the Curtain
I, of course, am quite the inquisitive soul and wouldn't dare visit without snooping around a bit. (Don't tell anyone, darling, but I have a way of charming my way into almost anything!).
This evening, we are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of "La Esmeralda," a classic ballet featuring a beautiful young gypsy girl. I must confess, my darling dears, this era's tutus were a far cry from the delicate, floaty confections we know and adore today. Back then, the ballet tutu was still in its formative stages. Imagine a tutu more structured, less flowing, created with tiers of fabric to create a wider, fuller look. But don't worry, this is just a springboard for the wonders we are about to discover!
Fashion's Favourite: Pink
Speaking of wonders, darling, I must talk about the colour of my heart: pink! In this era, pink wasn't merely a colour, it was a statement! In the realm of ballet, it meant elegance and femininity. Can you imagine a more captivating spectacle than a symphony of pink tutus fluttering under the stage lights? A delight, darling! A delight!
Oh, how I wish I could have had a little peek in the dressing room. What incredible patterns and textures those early ballerinas had on display!
A Bit About Myself, Love!
I'm a big fan of Victorian fashion, my dears. Imagine me in my full-length crinoline dress, a boned corset accentuating my curves and a pretty velvet bodice. And, of course, my favourite accessory, a beautiful pink tutu fluttering over all. My wardrobe is always a whirlwind of vintage elegance! I can't tell you how much I adore vintage and antique shops – treasure troves waiting to be discovered!
From Derbyshire with Love
It’s funny, darling dears, I travel all over the world for ballet, but there's something about going back home to Derbyshire, my dear county, that’s always comforting. The rolling hills, the peaceful green meadows, it's a balm to the soul after all the excitement of Paris! The lovely quaint village I call home has its very own theatre. Every summer, there’s always a lively production of a well-loved Shakespearean play. Such charm!
A Final Whirl!
So there you have it, my darlings. This Tuesday's trip has shown us that tutus, though perhaps in their more primitive form in 1882, were already enchanting the world with their beauty and grace. We've learned about the incredible artistry of Paris, Victorian fashion and my beloved pink, of course! Until next week, stay sparkling, my darlings, and keep dancing your hearts out!
Emma x
P.S.: Don't forget to check out our *#TutuTuesday page for a stunning picture from my visit to Paris! I couldn’t resist getting into character with the *Opéra Garnier as the perfect backdrop. 💖🩰 And don’t be shy, leave me your own thoughts on this week's journey! Which era are you most interested in exploring with me? Let me know!**
*P.P.S. Remember to spread the pink love and share my blog with your friends! Let's all bring the world together with our love of dance and pink tutus! ✨ *
