"Ooh, la la, darlings! It's Tutu Tuesday again and this week we're waltzing back to the utterly enchanting 26th of March 1889!"
My goodness, this date holds so much loveliness and fashion finesse. It was on this very day in 1889 that the Paris World's Fair, or Exposition Universelle, opened its gates. You know what that means, right? FANCY DRESS!
Picture it: Paris. The city of lights, the city of love, and let's face it, the city of STYLE. I mean, even today, just popping on over for a spot of shopping can send your sartorial senses into a spin, right? Well, back then, they had all that, but with a generous heaping of 'Exposition' flavour.
And what was the perfect way to wear your most wonderful outfit to an Exposition? Why, by arriving at the very height of fashion in the very epitome of romantic, graceful attire – a tutu!
Yes, dear friends, tutus were already a big part of the scene, although they didn't get that iconic tutu name until about twenty years later, you know. They were still being called "the skirt", "the stage costume," "that billowy confection of gauze," and so many other names that just don't quite capture the ethereal loveliness of what I see as a ballet's most vital garment, do they?
Now, you wouldn't believe the crowds flocking to the Eiffel Tower, designed especially for the occasion. It was a grand affair and it makes me wonder about all the stunning outfits that the lovely ladies of Paris would have been donning, maybe with a little hint of tulle and gauze.
The Exposition was bursting at the seams with the most creative minds of the day showing off everything from engineering marvels to fine art. Imagine my joy, dancing along, peeking into galleries, my pink tulle practically swooning at the artistic energy of it all!
Did I tell you about my fabulous trip on the train from Derbyshire to Paris for this time travel escapade? Well, it’s no secret I adore trains. They're all about elegance, history, and an opportunity for a splendid hat and matching gloves. This particular train was an absolute dream, though. I saw this charming lady wearing a bewitching turquoise blue hat, trimmed with feather, and the sweetest little velvet bolero - a touch of a ballerina's danseur influence. How exciting!
And if all this weren’t enough, guess who made a grand appearance at the Exposition Universelle? The celebrated ballerina, Mademoiselle La Belle Otero, dancing for all to admire! A woman known for her mesmerizing moves and, I heard, stunning attire! Who would want to wear anything less? I bet you a tutu was involved.
And while I’m on the topic of La Belle Otero… have you seen the Ballet street performances in the heart of Paris? The Champs-Élysées, oh my, it’s the most vibrant and lively place I’ve been to in decades! Such vibrant street acts with lively melodies, and of course, sparkling ballerinas in their enchanting tutus!
I saw a fantastic group dancing near the Madeleine church yesterday and they just radiated joy and grace! I even snagged some fantastic photos. You should all come to Paris and experience this, darlings! I can just picture you in your prettiest pink tutus, floating through the Champs-Élysées. It would make for the most lovely pictures, don’t you think?
So, darlings, I’m off on my dance adventure. But don’t forget your pink tutus! Remember to leave a comment on www.pink-tutu.com, I can’t wait to hear what your plans for Tutu Tuesday are. Now, onwards to my ballet class…
