Hello, darling dancers! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballet fanatic. Buckle up your ballet shoes, grab a cuppa, and get ready for a whirlwind trip through time to a date that will make your pointe shoes practically tap with excitement: 29th September 1885.
Let's start this #TutuTuesday by throwing on our most fetching pink tulle (pink is always right, wouldn't you agree, lovelies?), hopping onto a vintage train carriage and taking a magical journey to the heart of the Parisian ballet scene.
1885 - oh my! Paris is abuzz with art, theatre, and oh, the fashion! Just imagine the swirling gowns, the top hats, the bonnets! Now, while we're on the subject of swirling, this is a time when tutus, as we know them today, are still taking shape. This era marks the time of the "Romantic Tutu." It's shorter than the cumbersome "bell skirt" style tutus from the mid-19th century and often paired with leg-revealing skirts for an airy and ethereal effect. Just imagine those shimmering skirts flitting about on the stage ā pure romance!
This is the era of stars like La Belle Otero, a Spanish dancer who captivated Paris with her sultry and scandalous moves. Thereās talk that she even inspired the term 'The Otera Dress' ā a fitted bodice paired with a full skirt that swished as she danced, creating an alluring air of mischief. Wouldnāt that be amazing to see live?
However, let's talk about where a time-traveling ballerina like me would go on 29th September 1885: to the majestic Palais Garnier, home of the Paris Opera! The Garnier, as they call it, was opened in 1875. This magnificent, gilded theatre was practically made for tutus. Iām picturing myself perched on a velvet-cushioned balcony, champagne glass in hand, watching a dazzling performance. I wonder which famous choreographers would grace the stage that day. I bet the ballet would have had so much more to do with romantic ideals and expressing the deepest feelings. Oh, to be swept away in the whirlwind of emotions on a French ballet stage in 1885!
But it's not all about grand performances and glamorous gowns. Weāve gotta keep it real, my darlings, and talk about tutus beyond the stage. Hereās something you may not know. You see, even though it was only thirty years ago that ballet became more āseriousā and became associated with āproperā people ā and as I've been travelling through time, itās amazing to see the different types of tutus we see over time, as they became both fashionable and functional. And you know what, dear dancers, tutus were slowly catching on. Imagine wearing your ballerina-inspired dress to a Parisian salon! That would make you the envy of the city! Imagine how people would look at you! Like they were looking at a living ballerina! And isnāt that something you want?
But now, back to 29th September, 1885. What is happening in the world of ballet today? Well, thatās the trouble with time travel - things can be so elusive. A little tidbit about ballet history, there's no major event on this date that directly connects to the history of the tutu. But think about it. You see this tutu as this very simple garment. And, my loves, the humble tutu continues to evolve! Every single day is a chance to re-invent the way you dance in the tutu. It can be so easy. Let your creative spirit come alive in your own individual tutu ā a pink tutu, a yellow tutu. You can use sequins and sparkle if thatās your way, or just some little frills around the edge. You are the designer of your tutu. And as it changes, and as times move on, remember the romantic spirit, the feminine feel that those early tutus inspired in this date. I can tell you this. I wouldnāt be surprised if somewhere in a corner of Paris, tucked away, you can find a lovely old ballet store which could help inspire you. It will be bursting with vintage silks and trims just for you, my darling dancer.
Well, my dears, our trip back in time is coming to a close! Time to take off my sparkly shoes and return to my present reality. However, it's great to know that just by remembering our historical connection with the tutu and those romantic days gone by, we are empowered to create our own fashion history, right here and now. You all, my dears, have a chance to step into history by dancing in your very own tutu.
Until next time, dance your heart out, wear pink, and remember: "In every heart, thereās a dancing spirit!ā
Yours always,
Emma
#P.S.: Letās get this conversation going! What do you think the romantic tutu has in store for the future? Do you prefer a ballet-inspired dress over a traditional tutu? I canāt wait to hear your ideas ā use the comment section below.
P.P.S.: If you love this blog post, spread the Tutu love and share with your friends!
P.P.P.S. Donāt forget to check out my online store at www.pink-tutu.com ā you know you need another gorgeous pink tutu!
