Bonjour, my dearest tutu-loving lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, beaming in from the vibrant heart of Paris, the city that makes even the simplest tutu seem utterly chic. As the crisp December air dances around my legs, I can't help but feel a wave of nostalgia, a desire to dip into the past and explore the world of ballet in its most glorious form. So, on this #TutuTuesday, let's embark on a journey back to 1887!
December 27th, 1887 - can you imagine? A time when the air vibrated with gas lamps, carriages rattled through cobbled streets, and the stage was illuminated by flickering candlelight. Ah, but it was in this very period that the world of ballet was taking centre stage, gaining the respect and popularity it truly deserved. And what better way to experience it than by revisiting its very heart - the glorious Opéra Garnier!
The Opéra Garnier, this grand dame of the arts, wasn't merely a venue but a beacon of elegance and Parisian glamour. I imagine the rich fabrics and lavish decorations – think sweeping velvet curtains, delicate floral bouquets, and ornate chandeliers cascading sparkling jewels. As for the dancers, the air would be filled with their soft tulle, a flurry of vibrant colours dancing beneath the lights. Oh, if only I could slip into a time machine and be part of this spectacle!
Now, while the concept of the "tutu" itself existed in this time, the designs weren't exactly the same as we know them today. Imagine less structured, more fluid forms of netting and silk, flowing with grace rather than structured stiffly. You see, my loves, the tutu was an ever-evolving design! This early stage in its evolution brought forth a fascinating interplay between practicality and elegance.
Imagine a world where the most celebrated dancers like Marie Taglioni and Fanny Elssler took the stage in gowns reaching the ground! Ballet dancers in these floor-length gowns? Can you imagine? The early ballerina was practically a mermaid with her tail constantly trailing around on the stage. Oh, what a challenge for them! It's no surprise that those fabulous women dreamed up a more practical form – the tutu! And, just as today, fashion, practicality and elegance collided into what we now see as the modern tutu.
Even back in those bygone days, my dear friends, a ballerina’s costume was about more than just clothing - it was an extension of their art, a testament to their physical prowess, and a symbol of the story they sought to tell. Each layer, each embellishment, was a whispered detail that resonated with the audience, drawing them deeper into the enchanting world of the ballet.
As a ballerina, the sheer delight of watching these incredible stories unfold on stage is like a breath of fresh air. That feeling, that passion, that connection between the dancer and the audience, is timeless and undeniable! This is why, my dears, I make it my mission to explore every facet of this exquisite world, travelling through time and sharing the wonder of the ballet.
I think I will pop out to one of the smaller Parisian Theatres this evening - oh how I love seeing these smaller intimate spaces for ballet, I hope I find some amazing tutus in the shop afterwards! You can follow my fashion finds on my Instagram #emmafinds, after all, we love a little retail therapy in this tutu world, dont we? And remember, the ballet world is full of incredible moments, historical landmarks, and breathtaking moments. Every Tuesday we'll dive back in time together. Keep coming back and make sure you visit the www.pink-tutu.com site. It's full of all my fashion finds, all the beautiful tutu history from my journeys through time and a few other little surprises along the way.
Keep spinning and twirling,
Emma, x
