Bonjour, chères amies!
It's a Tuesday, which means it's time for another delve into the enchanting world of ballet history, and this week I've got something really exciting to share. I’ve just hopped back in my time machine (trust me, I got a great deal on a refurbished model – very economical!) and landed in Paris on this very date, January 8th, 1889! Now, can you believe this was over a hundred years ago? I bet you can’t picture Paris without its charming cafés, the Eiffel Tower, or even a pink tutu, but hold your thoughts for a moment, darlings, I’m about to give you a real dose of vintage fashion history!
It’s a Fashion Frenzy!
Imagine walking into the glittering Opéra Garnier. That's where we're heading today, chérie! Can you see it – the plush velvet seats, the golden chandeliers sparkling in the air? I'm sitting there, giddy with excitement, waiting to see La Bayadère (I know you know it, darling!). It's a masterpiece! And what are the dancers wearing? You guessed it! Tutus! They are definitely making a splash.
While you probably picture these ballerinas in the romantic tutus we wear today, back then the fashion was all about drama! Imagine cascading tulle layers reaching all the way to the floor, and delicate floral details in pale shades – you know, that pretty-pretty look we adore today! Just gorgeous! And, let’s not forget the head-turning costumes for the soloists! We're talking feathers, lace, beads...the lot!
The dancers’ costumes were simply divine. I felt the urge to step into one myself (perhaps that’s why I wear pink tutus every chance I get!) - you wouldn't catch a ballerina in anything less than elegance. Just like our chic, stylish Parisian society in the 1880s. They are true icons!
A Night to Remember!
Now, imagine a grand theatre where everyone is dressed up in their finest gowns and top hats. Imagine an evening where every corner buzzes with chatter about the ballet, about the performance, about the gorgeous dancing. Imagine the sense of magic and beauty! And guess what else?
That was just part of it, dear reader! That very same evening, the Exposition Universelle, or the World Fair, opened. The Eiffel Tower, you know that icon we adore now? Well, that’s where this beautiful fair took place. I tell you, this Parisian winter was packed with magic. Can’t you just picture all the exciting happenings, all the wonders they’d be enjoying in the city?
I’m trying to get some time travelling friends to meet up for a tea party at that Exposition someday, perhaps to watch a fashion show together! Think of all the chic hats, elegant gowns and maybe even a pink tutu or two. Wouldn't it be divine?
Just a Little Bit of Ballet History.
And speaking of divine, the history of the tutu is simply captivating, don't you agree? Back in those early days, ballet took shape, evolving into a much more dynamic style, and that needed practical costumes. We owe it all to Marie Taglioni, a magnificent Italian ballerina known for her ethereal grace. In her time, they even wore panniers, large cage-like structures underneath their dresses! Imagine those dancers pirouetting in a pannier!
Anyway, back to the story, these skirts started becoming more and more comfortable and easier to move in – it had to happen! – allowing those beautiful ballet moves to be revealed with all their elegant beauty. And that’s why we have the tutu today! All those romantic swishes, elegant leaps and delicate jumps, just wouldn’t look the same without that perfect outfit.
Pink, Oh Pink!
You know, I can just imagine this whole look in the glorious hue of pink, the favourite colour of any true ballerina! I love pink – it’s elegant, it’s chic, and oh, how I adore how it brightens up any Parisian ballroom, let alone a stage in this enchanting city.
What would be your favourite shade? I’m torn between that soft, sweet blush pink and the bold, confident, show-stopping fuchsia! Both, you say? Oh, so many choices! I suppose I’ll just wear my pink tutu in both shades and make a grand entrance, I have a feeling they’ll make an excellent pair together! What a charming pairing, no?
Well, darlings, I must fly off. This tutu history blog has really started to take shape – and as you know, it’s time for me to pack my little pink ballet bag with some lovely ballet things – I adore going through Parisian vintage stores, searching for lovely shoes and those delightful tutus! I'll see you on my blog, in my lovely pink tutu, soon for a special, brand new post!
Until next week,
Your devoted ballet aficionado,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Follow me on social media!
- Instagram: @pinktutublogger
- Twitter: @PinkTutuEmma
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Post Note: The blog www.pink-tutu.com features a wealth of information about ballet, and especially tutus, along with travel tips. There are plenty of ballet shows listed with schedules, news on ballerinas, new ballet classes to try, as well as places to see ballet around the world. Emma, as the name suggests, travels to a new place each week and describes the city. Each of her posts is beautifully written with some humour to attract fans and give a fresh take on the world of ballet. There is also the possibility to visit other areas of the blog, to purchase lovely, pink tutus, and to sign up for ‘Pink Tutu Tours’. As always, her main goal is to encourage everyone to love tutus, with a particular focus on the pink kind.
This is only part one, as this would be 3000+ words for one post! If you like to learn more about Emma’s adventures you are welcome to comment with what would like to hear more about.
