#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1885-10-13

Hello my darling dears! 🩰

It’s Emma here, back again for another edition of #TutuTuesday. My latest time-hopping adventure has landed me in the dazzling city of Paris, the very heart of the dance world in 1885. Just think: we're talking the Golden Age of Ballet, a time of incredible artistic prowess, flowing gowns, and yes, my favourite - tutus!

Oh, my loves, how I adore tutus. They're simply divine, like floating clouds of tulle. Just the very word "tutu" sparks joy, don't you think? They say tutus first came about in 1832 thanks to the visionary choreographer Marie Taglioni, and just as soon as I've learned that bit of ballet history I'm on the train to Paris for a peek at some tutus! They simply made me weak at the knees.

But let’s rewind to October 13th, 1885, the day we're focusing on for our ballet history time travel, shall we? It’s a bit chilly today, even in Paris, so I’m feeling particularly cozy in my hot pink silk blouse, my floral print wool skirt, and my darling pink silk ribbon. Don’t forget my trusty, gorgeous, softest pink tutu - a statement of pure feminine flair! It’s just the right amount of pink to put me in a bubbly mood.

The Opéra Garnier is a spectacle in itself, an embodiment of grand style, much like a magnificent, architectural tutu. On a Tuesday, like today, we can usually expect a matinee performance and that’s why I am here! I have a little pink ballet notebook with my favourite shows, performances, and dressers from all eras. So excited, oh my goodness, darling, I get to add to it!

A Parisian Spectacle

This morning, my lovelies, the programme was by the Théophile Gautier. *"La Source," *an opera with a dazzling ballet scene, and wow did I make it in time to see it! I love me a grand, well-performed and dressed, graceful ballet show, especially when the dancers twirl about in perfectly shaped, flowing tulle. Oh darling, imagine, it makes you feel so, so much a part of the story! The show itself had stunning choreography, especially the scene with a fountain that makes the ballet look like water - truly a delightful treat.

From Romantic Ballet to Beyond

While we're on the topic, we can't forget to acknowledge the change in ballet style over time. Today, it’s a departure from the Romantic Ballet of Marie Taglioni’s days, those whimsical airy performances full of beautiful, elegant movement, almost ethereal. Now, the steps have more structure, even more emphasis on power and athleticism. Just take a look at the beautiful dancers with their dramatic poses and powerful jumps, like Emma Livry and Eugène Lurac in “La Source”!

Paris, The City of Style and Dance

It's here in Paris, my dear friends, where the fashion world and the ballet world have truly intertwined! Oh how I simply love how Parisian style oozes femininity and chic sophistication. Tulle and silk and feathers have taken hold in the streets as much as the theatre! I couldn't help but pop into a few of the ateliers for a glimpse of the latest styles and fabrics - velvet for a new evening dress for the season perhaps? Oh my, my darling, that fabric will give me so much joy in a dress! Paris always has the most spectacular designs - but you can have that anywhere if you pick up the pattern books, find a shop and make your own!

Shop 'til You Drop

You see, that is why the streets around the Palais Garnier are teeming with fashion houses. They are quite a sight, I can assure you, like delicate dancers ready to perform on the catwalk, showcasing new garments to enchant every woman, and of course me, with their artistry. These are no ordinary tutus, my dears, they're creations of fine tailoring and fabric. It makes me wonder if I have space for yet more ballet dresses in my wardrobe?

The air is practically electric with excitement as elegant carriages hurry around the corner. We are spoilt, absolutely spoilt, to have access to such elegance and craftsmanship in this wonderful era. I must say I find the streets almost as elegant as the ballet.

I will have a little peep in the shops of Paris before I go back home. Paris is so fashionable - what is the latest new pink? And which new pink shall I dye my ballet tutu?

Pink Power for All

Oh darling, you know my heart beats for a pink tutu. It's an ode to joy, femininity, and that graceful, balletic flair. A pink tutu doesn’t make you any less of a person. We're all dancing through life in our own special ways, in our own tutus of courage, style, and grace! I believe we all should embrace the power of the tutu and wear it with pride - think about it darling, it's the perfect mix of playful, classy and timeless - we can embrace the fun in life! And who can resist a little sparkle? It’s always a lovely day for wearing pink! I’d even be bold and encourage everyone, even my favourite dashing chaps, to embrace this bold colour and style and don a pink tutu! Just think of the beautiful world it will make!

You know my dear, even a quick visit to Paris and a ballet has made me realize one thing... every day is an opportunity to dance! What are you going to wear today to dance to your own special beat? I’m off to a dress shop... I'm sure there’ll be something to take the world by storm in my new pink. I’d love to hear from you, tell me all about your sartorial delights and what pink has inspired you. You can leave me a comment on my latest blog!

Remember, stay graceful and enjoy your day. And oh, do put on a tutu and feel like the star of your own ballet show!

Love always,

Emma 💕