Hello lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com and another thrilling instalment of #TutuTuesday! Today, we're pirouetting back to 28th September 1886 - a date overflowing with exciting developments in the world of ballet. Oh, the drama! Oh, the excitement! And most importantly, oh, the tulle!
Time Travel Treats:
This week, my time machine whisked me away to the most exciting place on earth - Paris, darling! (Obviously, where else would I be?) The City of Lights was a kaleidoscope of fashionable flair, and the grand theatres, brimming with a buzz of anticipation, were where all the action was! I found myself strolling along the cobblestone streets, the scent of freshly baked croissants and perfumed ladies wafting around me. Oh, what I'd give for a time-travel-safe croissant right now!
Anyway, enough about the croissant. (Spoiler alert: no time travel treats this week!) It's time to dive into the delightful history of ballet and our beloved tutus!
Tutus on Tour!
1886 was a big year for ballerinas, you see! The Parisian Opera Ballet was truly flourishing, presenting captivating performances that had everyone in awe. I caught a stunning performance of "La Esmeralda" by Marius Petipa - pure magic! It was like a dream, swirling with graceful leaps and stunning artistry.
And let me tell you, those tutus were divine! So floaty, so ethereal! I’m talking wisps of silk, the softest tulle imaginable, and exquisite colours like peacock blue, cherry red and emerald green! Each tutu was a delicate masterpiece, meticulously crafted for a ballerina's graceful movements.
But did you know? The tutu story isn't always sunshine and roses!
The Rise of the "Romantic Tutu":
Around this time, ballet began a new era called "Romantic ballet," a beautiful blend of classical grace and expressive emotion. This, my lovelies, was the birth of the Romantic Tutu!
Now, remember that time travelling requires a strict "don't-mess-with-history" rule (you wouldn't want to accidentally invent the electric car before its time!). That said, I couldn't resist a little fashion intervention! I found myself discreetly suggesting to a few key figures (shall we just say a very influential costumier in Paris who shall remain nameless) that the tutu might benefit from a slight, very, very slight reduction in volume! A shorter, fuller skirt might, just maybe, highlight the graceful curves and expressive steps of the ballerinas?
This sparked a wave of innovation! It gave birth to the iconic short, bell-shaped tulle skirt we love so much today! I tell you, darling, history really does come alive in Paris, with its swirling energy and fashionable influences.
The Ballerina's Story:
Let's not forget about the ballerinas themselves! I had the pleasure of meeting La Belle Otero - a magnificent dancer who brought the theatre to life. Just her name alone is pure theatre, wouldn't you say?
Her elegant style, exquisite talent, and daring routines took Parisian audiences by storm. Imagine swirling across the stage in a bright pink tutu, feeling the lights and cheers showering down upon you... The magic is quite unbelievable!
Oh, and she loved pink too! What can I say? We have great taste!
Fashion Flair:
You bet there was more to it than ballet! My time travel was all about finding gorgeous gowns, the most dazzling hats, and those dreamy little shoes (ballet flats were just starting to appear!) And Parisian fashion was definitely ahead of its time, with its flowing dresses, romantic sleeves, and intricate details. It was a time when fashion embraced whimsy and femininity.
Think swirling silks and delicate lace, layered with ruffles and bows. It was all about highlighting a lady's grace and delicate elegance! This time, darling, I absolutely couldn't resist a little shopping intervention!
Just think, a whole new wave of fashion inspired by ballet! Imagine the bright pinks, soft peaches, and powdery blues that soon became so popular in clothing! Those lace frills, gathered necklines, and soft pleats in fabrics, all so closely connected to the ballerina’s outfits - it's absolutely enchanting!
I always say, there's no greater influence than ballet when it comes to fashion, a style icon that continues to inspire women and designers to this day. And trust me, it will continue for all eternity!
Tutu Tuesdays to come:
This week was all about Parisian delights, so next week, my darlings, we will travel to the heart of the British empire! Oh, the excitement, the fabulous attire, the beautiful ballets - all of it! We are, of course, going to Derbyshire for my hometown tour. Just a quick hop in my time machine! So stay tuned to next week's blog, lovelies, because next week is all about Britain’s ballerina history!
* Until then, remember, every day is Tutu Tuesday. Wear your heart on your sleeve (and maybe a pink tutu too!) Stay sparkling!*
Emma xox
