Bonjour mes chƩries! Emma here, your resident tutu aficionado, back with another #TutuTuesday adventure. This week, we're hopping on the time machine and waltzing back to December 15th, 1885, for a peek into the world of the ballerina, where tutus are starting to blossom in their full glory!
This week's destination: Paris! The City of Lights has always been a hub for fashion and flair, and this is where our story unfolds. As you all know, tutus are my life, my love, my reason for living! It's no secret I dream of a world where every soul dances with a fluttery pink tutu, and Paris in the 1880s? Well, let's just say it's already a step closer to my dream!
Imagine cobbled streets echoing with the clatter of carriage wheels, elegant ladies in their finest gowns swirling through cafes, and of course, the opulent world of the ballet. In 1885, the tutu was still a relatively new creation. It had gone from being a simple knee-length skirt worn by dancers to the romantic and intricate layers we associate with today!
As a true ballerina, I am drawn to history, and believe me, there's more than just tutus to see in this era! It was the time of impressionist art, so vibrant colours are all the rage! The likes of Monet and Renoir were busy painting their landscapes with swirling brushstrokes that captured the fleeting moments of light. A visual feast, I assure you!
The ballet scene is booming with romantic ballets. Imagine delicate dancers dressed in the airy, frothy layers of tulle, pirouetting gracefully. A masterpiece of beauty and movement that transports you to another realm! It was this era that saw the rise of Marius Petipa, a master of choreography. His creations are still revered today for their delicate precision and story-telling ability.
On December 15th, 1885, in Paris, we would have found the esteemed ballet dancer, Marie Taglioni, shining on stage in her graceful artistry. She was known for her lightness and delicacy, a real epitome of a true ballerina! A master of the pointe shoe and a whirlwind in her tutus, Marieās ballets would be something to see! Just imagine her delicate leaps and graceful arabesques ā absolute magic, darling!
Speaking of footwear, you all know my love of ballet shoes! Those soft, elegant slippers are an absolute delight, and you know what? Even then, they were a big part of the story! While in today's world we know pointe shoes as a hallmark of ballet, this is only because the shoe is now a highly sophisticated garment, perfectly crafted for ballerinas to be literally, on their tippy-toes! But back then, pointe shoes were only just emerging.
But back to tutus! Now letās talk about their transformation. Imagine this, from 1830, when Marie Taglioni debuted a full-length skirt called a ātutu,ā the evolution is captivating! You've seen this in my #TutuTuesday posts - itās a progression of fashion as it embraced more and more freedom of movement, a revolution of flowing fabrics and artistic expressions. It wasn't about hiding, it was about letting the dancer move and show their artistry.
You might think the transition was straightforward. You know, short skirt to tiny skirt! But oh, there's much more to it. A journey into femininity, dare I say, with the romantic tutu becoming shorter, fuller and even more airy ā think layers of gauze and tulle! Every seamstress, every tailor, everyone creating tutus is adding their magic to make the dancer feel, graceful, strong, and expressive!
I had to mention the fashion! And oh, fashion in 1885 was certainly in full bloom! This was the height of the Victorian era, so think opulent fabrics, lace galore, corsets that cinched you in just so, and big hats that adorned elegant ladies like works of art. Fashion then, just like today, had that unique sense of creativity and flair that drew a multitude of people to Paris!
Now, speaking of Parisian flair! Have you ever seen the city bathed in the twinkling lights of night? Just imagine those warm evenings when people gather in their finest attire at theatres to witness the performances of our Parisian ballerinas in their twirling tutus. Oh darling, a dream come true!
But of course, no story of tutus is complete without talking about how they inspire. Today, our little tutus are more than just costume. Think about this: They are art, fashion, theatre, all rolled into one! Thereās nothing more magnificent, darling, than a tutu spinning on stage!
Now, this is something I love most, tutus arenāt just for ballet. Today we see tutus reinterpreted by fashion designers, seen at parties and festivals! I even saw a darling chihuahua wearing a tiny tutu! My mission to spread tutu love knows no bounds!
To celebrate #TutuTuesday in 1885, darling, I encourage you to try something new! Add a splash of pink to your wardrobe ā it's time for a little tutu-inspired chic! I adore wearing pink, especially tutus. Maybe even, for the ultimate fun, wear your favourite tutu while doing your housework? Think about it, the most wonderful things can happen when we unleash our creative and joyful spirits. And remember, every day is an opportunity to embrace your inner ballerina!
Until next week, stay fabulous, and don't forget, you can catch me twirling my way through more history at www.pink-tutu.com !
Au revoir mes chƩries!
XOXO,
Emma
