#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - March 13th, 1888 (Post #2933)
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another blast from the past for your weekly #TutuTuesday! Buckle up, because this week we're whisking you back to a time of frills, flourishing, andā¦ well, slightly less forgiving fashion choices! We're heading to 1888, specifically to the 13th of March!
A Waltz Through Time!
This time, Iāve landed in the heart of Paris, a city thatās positively dripping in artistic and fashion inspiration. Honestly, if youāre a tutu-lover, Paris in the late 19th century is your absolute dream! I mean, youāve got the Paris Opera House, that beautiful building all aglow with chandeliers, and every theatre absolutely bustling with elegant society folk all adorned in their best frocks and cravats.
But you know what truly captured my eye today? The ballet tutus! Even with my years of experience exploring different eras, the ballet tutu of this period continues to leave me simply breathless. Picture this: an elaborate flurry of delicate tulle layers, so beautifully crafted with delicate embroidery and delicate, romantic floral motifs. The ladies wore these magnificent masterpieces with pride, their movements gliding gracefully on the stage, captivating audiences with every graceful twirl. Oh, and did I mention the beautiful satin ribbons?
The Romantic Era in a Tutu:
Honestly, Iām rather tempted to buy one of these delightful Victorian-era tutus for my own collection! But, since Iām travelling through time and not yet quite mastered the art of ābuying time-period clothingā, I'll have to admire these treasures from afar. The tutu back then is a symphony of ethereal lightness, just as graceful as the dance they are meant for.
You see, these early tutus are like a gentle whisper from the Romantic era of ballet. This period, so heavy on love, sorrow, and dreamy tales, is woven into the fabric of these beautiful tutus. Just a whisper of it, the gentle ruffles and the beautiful floral embroidery - each telling a story about their era and the power of artistry.
What was happening on the 13th of March, 1888?
Oh, well! I am so pleased to find myself in Paris today! Why? Well, my dear fashion-forward friends, we are here during Paris Fashion Week! The āSalon de la Haute Couture" took place at the time and all the beautiful, high-society ladies were busy finding their next must-have pieces from the season's collections! Talk about good timing, donāt you think? And imagine, perhaps my lovely readers have their very own ancestor amongst the crowd of excited Parisians!
That said, I confess my time-travel budget doesnāt always allow for me to indulge in the more luxurious side of the Parisian life, but fear not! My favourite past-time has always been spotting these Parisian fashion trends filtering down through the social strata. Today, itās the streets, the bakeries, and the markets where Iām seeing this romantic Parisian style manifest in all its glorious detail! Think ruffled blouses, a dash of lace here and there, and perhaps even a hint of a ballet-inspired ribbon tied at the wrist! Just delightful!
So, what are you waiting for?
This Tuesday, put on your own most fetching tutu - pink, of course - and step into the elegant world of the romantic tutu! Try spinning in front of the mirror, maybe a little grand jetĆ© if you feel brave. Itās all about capturing that magical feeling, even if itās just for a fleeting moment.
As always, donāt forget to tag me in your own tutu-inspired snaps with #TutuTuesday! Itās truly my joy to see all your inspiring creations. And please, dear readers, donāt forget to check in next week, as weāll be whisking you off to another ballet history treasure in my time machine.
Until then, happy tutuing!
Emma x