Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, and it's #TutuTuesday, which means we're taking a journey through time, exploring the wonderful world of ballet and its glorious tutus.
This week, we're stepping back to 8th May 1888. Can you imagine? The Queen Victoria reigned supreme, the world was abuzz with inventions, and gaslights were the only thing lighting the cobblestone streets. Just a whisper of a moment ago compared to today, right?
Today's #TutuTuesday is particularly special because, darling, I just hopped off a train straight from a Parisian soirée! And let me tell you, Paris was practically bursting with excitement over the "La Belle Époque", the most beautiful era! Imagine shimmering salons, decadent balls, and of course, the theatre buzzing with ballets and operas.
So, where was I exactly? I happened to catch a performance at the Opera Garnier – such a gorgeous venue! Think grand staircases, intricate decorations, and a plush red velvet interior. Talk about a proper royal treat!
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, because I can’t just sit here gushing about Paris. (Although, I can honestly tell you, Paris never fails to amaze me!). Today's #TutuTuesday is all about tutus, right?
The 1880s, as I’m sure you know, were a real turning point for ballet. That's when tutus were really coming into their own! They were shorter, fluffier, and so much more fun than their predecessor – the romantische skirt – with its cumbersome lengths and heavy fabric. Think flowing, dreamy silk and airy tulle, perfect for those impressive pirouettes and graceful leaps.
While this is a period before tutu lengths became impossibly short (because, my dears, that was to come much later!) – think the glorious pouf, a little fuller and more gathered around the hips.
The stars of the show in Paris this time were none other than Isadora Duncan and Anna Pavlova. Now, these ballerinas didn't wear traditional tutus. Instead, they danced barefoot, with loose Grecian tunics flowing around their limbs, expressing themselves in a more free and expressive way. It was almost revolutionary! But remember, we are in an era of change. We’re going to see much more innovation!
It's a little harder to get an insight into what people wore outside of the theatre in this time period. Let's just say, everything was a bit more elaborate! Corsets were absolutely the go-to piece for women, with elaborate hats, fur trimmed cloaks and big, big bustles to emphasize their shape. But, as a fashion enthusiast, my advice? Keep things playful and lighthearted. If you're daring, try a bright colour! Don't be afraid to break some boundaries with bold details and statement accessories. It’s all about embracing a little bit of freedom.
If you really want to embrace that Parisian vibe – get a pair of boots, think long skirts with soft frills, or if you feel like rocking it a little, maybe even a jacket in a contrasting colour. Just remember, you’ll definitely want to try a tulle or lace embellishment if you want to look chic.
Even if it’s a day at the park, a visit to the shops or simply a cuppa at the cafe, embrace those elegant moments and channel your inner 1888 fashionista. You can find the latest Paris fashion trends at the high-end stores or at the fashionable boutique in the neighbourhood! It's a perfect way to have some fun, stand out from the crowd, and embrace your inner creative. And of course, a beautiful pink tutu goes perfectly with any 1880s fashion choice. It’s that elegant touch of fun that we love here at Pink Tutu!
That's it from me this week. Be sure to check in for next week’s blog, and tell your friends and family to visit the site too. Maybe we'll convince them all to embrace a bit of pink tutu fun!
Have a fantastic week, and I’ll catch you on #TutuTuesday next time.
Lots of love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
Post No. 2941Remember to keep sharing your fashion with me using #PinkTutu, I would love to see your style choices!
Next week’s #TutuTuesday: Where Did the Tutu Come From?
We’ve talked a lot about tutus, and you know we all love them, so I’m planning to delve a little deeper next time, taking you back to the first ever tutu, when things began, so get ready! I’ve found some really cool and quite unexpected info that I think you will just love!
