Bonjour mes amies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-traveling ballerina, ready to whisk you back to the dazzling world of 19th-century ballet, all from the comfort of your own armchair.
Today's #TutuTuesday adventure finds me waltzing into Paris, the heart of all things chic and beautiful! Now, as a ballerina, the Eiffel Tower's not really my thing, though a graceful dance across its iron frame would make for a sensational Instagram post! I'm more interested in the Parisian ballet, and particularly, their magnificent tutus. It's 8th December 1885, and you simply must imagine me – picture the scene - I’m wearing the most exquisite dusty rose tutu, and a fluffy white petticoat to make it truly floaty and whimsical! It’s simply perfect for twirling around Paris. Just you wait and see what sartorial splendours await!
I love these historical time trips! There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the grandeur and style of yesteryear, especially when it comes to ballet and fashion! For this jaunt, I’m particularly eager to see the famous Corps de Ballet at the Paris Opera House, for a sneak peek at the breathtaking tutus they’re wearing, and it’s for the ballet Giselle which, darling, was just revolutionary in its time.
As for my travels today, why, I made my way here from the little village of Darley Dale in Derbyshire, England, via steam train of course! I love those big, grand, elegant train carriages! And they offer such a comfortable platform from which to plan my adventures! The world has to know, everyone can embrace the power of a pink tutu!
But back to our history lesson, darling! You see, when I first arrive at the theatre, all in a whirl, I’m so amazed, so absolutely speechless! These women – oh, the ballerinas they have at the Corps de Ballet, and of course the famous ballerinas! The tutus – what an extravaganza, I can barely catch my breath!
If you know your history, the big event to celebrate in 1885 was the birth of little Miss Coco, born Coco Chanel! Can you believe it? How lovely! As much as we love a gorgeous tutu, even the most avid fashion fan cannot ignore such an important occasion in the world of fashion. You know, those who like their clothes a little more, let's say “down-to-earth”, can blame Mademoiselle Coco for taking fashion in a totally new direction. But me? Well, I’m still devoted to that airy-fairy floatiness, and those exquisite tutu styles – and yes, my dearest, of course a perfectly placed bit of feather trim for a little added flair!
Now back to 1885, you may have noticed that in these days the ballerina is expected to have something like the ultimate “leg-length”, to say nothing of poise and perfection! You should see the ballet dresses; all flowing tulle and satin – all made for the dancer's movement. It truly looks as if they’re made of air – but such delicate detail! That's the Paris ballet style for you, eh? Always with a little je ne sais quoi.
But let me be serious a moment. It wasn’t always this way. Back in the early 1800s, darling, ballerinas had some terribly uncomfortable contraptions they had to wear on their feet called chaussons. They would also have to wear multiple layers of thick petticoats and other cumbersome clothing, even during these demanding and vigorous dance pieces!
By 1835, that began to change – that’s a big deal, folks, big deal! Why, in the time of Romantic Ballet the beautiful dancers began to make their entrance wearing only one layer – you heard me correctly darling, one layer! That layer could have all sorts of additions of course, so let your imagination run wild – like silk sashes and garlands! Imagine if we only wore ONE layer today!
Then by 1885 – oh, we had reached the age of tulle – a glorious and much less constricting material, for dancing with grace and flow – you get it – movement – oh how the graceful dancers could dance and twirl in these new styles, so freeing, with the tulle’s layers creating all sorts of new illusions – like that feeling you get at the seaside with the soft and rippling tide coming in – the most romantic thing! Just like with those elegant and flowing Romantic-era costumes that danced across the stages. Oh yes, if we don't take the time to acknowledge this huge shift from bulky garments and multiple layers to tulle – we miss the magic and transformation that happened! It’s all those decades and generations of beautiful, talented, hard-working dancers, who dared to experiment with movement and their attire! Bravo, I say! And I hope, my darling friends, that your #TutuTuesday will inspire you too, and help you to become your own version of a ballet-inspired goddess.
Speaking of ballet goddesses, have you heard about Marie Taglioni – what a graceful performer! So lovely! – who set the scene for all future generations of ballerinas – by being, well – herself. What do you think is so brilliant? It's not a mere costume, or mere dress. It's a costume that speaks, speaks with her performance, her talent and skill, her movement – that’s a true #TutuTuesday style for you darling – making the most of what you've got and making a statement!
I have to get back to the present time now – back to England! Time to start the big #TutuTuesday search. How am I going to find another beautiful vintage piece, for the ##PinkTutu website – something elegant yet light and delicate like those Paris ballets in 1885 – yes, that's what I’ll be looking for next week, and be sure to catch my post on #PinkTutu. If I'm lucky maybe I can snag the most lovely vintage, authentic piece - but this will take time, you know! For now, I hope you have been inspired by a trip to Paris – 1885 style, and that you will always love the beauty of a tutu, even when worn by me in the colour of our heart and dreams - pink, of course! Until next Tuesday!
