Welcome back, fellow tutu enthusiasts! 🩰💖
It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another installment of my Ballet Tutu History blog. It’s Tuesday, and that means it’s #TutuTuesday here on www.pink-tutu.com! As usual, I'm about to transport you on a whirlwind trip through time, taking a look at what was going on in the world of tutus on November 20th, 1883 – the day we celebrate the birthday of the most delightful dance accessory! 🎉
Oh, you're thinking, "Emma, how can a tutu have a birthday? It's just a dress, really!" Well, I beg to differ! Just like you wouldn't wear your Sunday best to a football match, or your pyjamas to a wedding, there's a specific occasion for every outfit, and the tutu's raison d'être is for ballet, and for bringing a touch of whimsy to the world. And to me, that's an absolutely vital purpose, worthy of a birthday, if ever there was one!
So, where did we leave off on our chronological tour? Ah, yes! We've gone back in time, back, back, back… all the way to the glorious era of the Romantic Ballet in the early 1800s. A period overflowing with tutus that just about everyone was smitten with. (Remember that swoon-worthy, white, layered-tutu that graced the shoulders of Marie Taglioni in La Sylphide?) 😍 It was then, in the 1830s, that tutus became an integral part of the Ballet uniform – much to the delight of ballerinas and audience members alike.
Fast-forward to November 20th, 1883. The world has moved on a little. The romanticism has mellowed a bit. We’ve seen new movements in the art form, new styles, and yes, of course, new, delightful tutus to match! The tutus have become more compact and form-fitting than before – although still impossibly elegant, of course – and dancers are finding new ways to express themselves through these evolving dancewear pieces.
Where did this beautiful date in history lead me on my time-traveling adventures this week? Let me tell you, it was spectacular. This week, I found myself transported to the most fabulous of places: the Paris Opera. Ah, Paris! As a dancer and lover of all things elegant, Paris Opera is on the top of my bucket list – in both this timeline and mine!
Today's date was an exceptionally lucky one because it was opening night of "La Bayadère" at the Paris Opera! Oh, to have seen those dazzling dancers in their tutus! It truly was a spectacle. The grandeur of the Paris Opera House itself added a sense of magic. (Just imagine those ornate gold-leaf-detailed boxes and plush red velvet seats! Divine! 😄)
This performance took place just three years after the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, began to dance in the Paris Opera! Can you imagine the tutus she would have graced the stage in? Talk about inspirational! It truly is remarkable how far ballet has come, all the way from its humble beginnings to its contemporary form. We've come a long way!
To fully grasp what made this evening so special, one needs to understand that the Parisian stage, at this time, was considered the pinnacle of the ballet world! (Yes, you read that right! All eyes were on Paris Opera during that time!). This made the premiere of "La Bayadère" a truly landmark event.
After enjoying the exquisite dance of La Bayadère, it was on to the Parisian shops! Ooh, la, la! Parisian fashion is simply divine, don't you think? They certainly know their tutus, that's for sure! They're practically an institution in this city, you know, with their elaborate, billowing styles and stunning array of colors. If you're in the mood for some Parisian flair in your own wardrobe, be sure to pop in to the famous Madeleine et Louise, where they've got tutus that would make your dreams come true!
What I discovered is that tutus were no longer just worn on the stage in those days. No! They were taking to the streets of Paris! This era of ballet's evolution seemed to have made the tutu the fashion item du jour. Even if one wasn't attending the Opera or dancing, they were rocking a tutu as their daily attire – just think, everyday, someone's day brightened by the sight of a graceful twirling dress! Can you even imagine! 😉 It was all about the feminine, and it is truly what Parisian elegance is known for – tutus have always been a big part of it. And so you can be sure that every other fashionable lady in Paris that November was sporting a beautiful pink tulle skirt! You've gotta love the Parisian obsession with fashion, I do! 😍
This evening, however, wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a nice dinner at the chicest of Paris' restaurants, the Café Anglais. And who better to accompany me than a fellow dance-loving and tutu-obsessed Parisian socialite, Martine (who just so happened to be sporting an exquisite turquoise tutu)! I mean, you can never get too much ballet and tulle! The conversation just flowed: Parisian ballet stars, tutus, tutus, more tutus, of course, and then of course… tutus, and more tutus. 💃🩰
While I am obsessed with pink, let's be honest - a tutu's not all about the color! While I love to be surrounded by all shades of pink, as I continue to research this enchanting history of the tutu, it's clear that it was all about exuberant beauty. It was truly an extension of that "ballerina essence," the symbol of the art form itself! Whether a ballerina is soaring through the air or simply twirling in a classroom, tutus remain an enduring emblem of grace and femininity. They truly stand for the elegant expression of the art form – all around the world!
So there you have it, my dear #TutuTuesday readers! A day at the Parisian opera, followed by shopping at Madeleine et Louise, then a chic Parisian dinner at Café Anglais – it truly is a delightful journey in time. Who knew that a trip to the 1880s could be so filled with tutus, twirling, and exquisite French food? This week was proof that history is brimming with captivating tutus. I’ll be back again next Tuesday for another dive into ballet history and fashion adventures with more tales from the world of tutus! And who knows what captivating discoveries we'll find!
Now, until then, my dear readers – what’s the next #TutuTuesday date you want me to visit? Please let me know in the comments below and I’ll take your suggestions into consideration for next week’s trip! It might be in London, or Vienna, or perhaps… somewhere pink-tutu fantastical! Don't forget to join me for a twirl – it's never too late to wear a pink tutu, you know!
See you next week, my fabulous friends! ✨💖
Yours in Pink & Tulle,
Emma
