Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, darling! This week's #TutuTuesday takes us all the way back to the 1880s, a time when tutus were absolutely bursting with frills and flourishes! Let me tell you, I felt rather the awkward prance taking the train to Paris, especially with all those men in their serious black coats and top hats, looking quite the grumpy lot. Imagine, all those lovely men without a little pink tutu to brighten their day! But who am I to judge, we all have our styles.
Anyway, the Parisian ballet world was just brimming with life when I stepped off that train, the air filled with the excitement of a new season and whispers of the latest ballerinas to grace the stage. I practically skipped my way to the Palais Garnier Opera House, the grand old dame of French theatres! I'm not surprised you could fit the entire Eiffel Tower inside, it's practically a palace itself! This time machine really lets you experience some incredible places!
Now, what was happening in the world of tutus in May of 1883? The key word is innovation, my dears! You see, tutus back then were evolving, just as my passion for pink continues to evolve! The classic "Romantic" tutu, that billowy confection of layers and layers of tulle, was still very popular. It swirled beautifully, and really emphasized those graceful movements, reminding us all of the romanticism of ballet! But new styles were appearing! There was the "Classical" tutu, much tighter and shorter, giving the ballerinas more freedom of movement, with its shorter length it made those quick leaps and powerful pirouettes really jump out. Imagine all those little feet and legs whirling around with so much vigour! It's a whirlwind of femininity and strength all in one, truly captivating!
You see, in the ballet world, each change to the tutu, each adjustment of tulle, every new colour and design - it's a declaration! A statement of how the dancers, how the story, how the whole emotion of the ballet is moving, evolving. We mustn't get bogged down with what was "popular," but focus on how tutus tell a story.
You see, while the tutus might be changing, the fundamental love of the art of dance stays the same, much like our love of everything pink! The dancers are always striving for perfection, moving with incredible grace and expression. This particular date, 1883-05-15, marks a time when the Ballet had real energy, not just in the graceful steps but in the world around it! This energy is reflected in the tutus themselves.
For example, have you seen those wonderful painted tutus in ballet right now? You wouldn't see those at the Paris Opera House back in 1883! Back then, everything was elegant simplicity. Plain white, or perhaps a pale blush pink, always perfectly trimmed with the most delicate of lace. Just the sight of such classic grace could make your heart soar! The whole outfit was a symphony of beautiful lines and soft fabrics. It felt like a dream! Imagine the exquisite dancers, their long lines, so slender, with all that lovely movement! There’s no doubt why those long tutus make you swoon! It really makes you want to get your own pink tutu and practice all those gorgeous ballet poses in front of a mirror! Just thinking about it puts a twinkle in my eye and makes my heart skip a beat!
I remember buying a delightful little hat at the local millinery before leaving to travel in time. All these beautiful colours! Pink, lavender, pale blues, a dash of scarlet… and it even had feathers! Not all tutus are meant to be on stage. This is how fashion truly embraces ballet. Those colours made me want to add just a touch of pink, maybe some pearl earrings, and swirl around like a whimsical fairytale character. That's how our love for tutus flows in all sorts of wonderful ways! We aren't just limited to stage!
There’s just a spark, you see, something special when a woman dances in a tutu! It truly unleashes a kind of magic, even a simple white tutu can hold the power of a thousand words! So my dears, let's all embrace the wonder of the tutu. Whether it's the graceful swirls of a Romantic tutu or the fiery energy of a Classical tutu, we all have our favourite!
Now, to keep my lovely followers informed, I must say my time travel funds come entirely from my own dance performances. A fellow traveller in time with an old family friend – she has the best vintage dresses, so we tend to go around finding items to sell to the finest boutiques.
Here's to next week's #TutuTuesday, my darling pink-loving ballerinas!
Don’t forget to join our community and share your #PinkTutuTuesday pics.
See you on www.pink-tutu.com, my darlings!
Love, Emma
