Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed time traveller, back for another #TutuTuesday journey!
Today, my dears, we're venturing back to September 16th, 1884, a time of exquisite elegance and dance! Buckle up your slippers, grab a cup of tea, and prepare to be transported!
Oh my, I must confess, the journey itself was a treat. Boarding the Orient Express in Paris - talk about travelling in style! The plush compartments, the aroma of fine tea, and the chic Parisian ladies - a perfect introduction to the era! I couldn't resist a little tres chic shopping in the Galeries Lafayette – my little pink tutu did turn heads!
As for our date, September 16th, 1884? Why, it was the opening night of the Paris Opera's new production of *Giselle!* Now, that's a performance worthy of any time traveler! Can you imagine the excitement of the Parisian elite, the swish of silken gowns and the gleam of elegant opera glasses! The whole city was abuzz with anticipation for this momentous night.
Speaking of Giselle, darlings, let's dive into the evolution of tutus! Whilst tutus in this period were far removed from the glorious, romantic pouted tulle creations we see today (I must admit, those little white pouter pigeons from Swan Lake remain a personal favourite! 💖). However, a glimpse of what we now call a “Romantic tutu" began to peek onto the stage in the early 19th century. Giselle, with its focus on the ethereal, was a key player in this development, and our favourite tutu's history takes a definite spin.
You see, prior to this period, ballerinas performed in long, restrictive skirts, hindering the expression of intricate steps and grace. Thankfully, these "tutus" were gradually being replaced with lighter, shorter, more versatile versions!
Now, imagine this - a delicate layer of tulle, softly flowing, revealing the dancer's graceful movements, echoing the flutter of a bird's wings! I'm telling you, it's a dramatic, breathtaking evolution! Imagine watching that from a box seat in the Opera Garnier, what an absolute treat! The beauty, the artistry - simply enchanting!
While I couldn't find any pink tutus in Paris – the colour hasn’t quite entered the fashion scene yet! Perhaps I need to return to the future and bring back a handful of my own designs – sigh but what a wonderful thought to see these Parisian ballerinas in some pink tulle delights! Imagine the impact, it would simply electrify the stage! ✨
So, to summarize, the stage in 1884 saw the beautiful start of the transition away from heavier garments, giving rise to a tutu we can almost recognise - a little glimpse of the tutu that would sweep across the world and onto your favourite ballet stage today. I hope this quick visit to the past has been an enjoyable journey for you all! Don’t forget, you can share your own memories, fashion finds and favourite tutus in the comments below! And of course, stay tuned for our next Tutu Tuesday adventure! Until then, let your passion for dance, tutus, and all things fashionable blossom!
Yours in pink,
Emma x
