Hello lovelies!
It's Emma here, back with another exciting #TutuTuesday, taking us on a twirling journey through the captivating world of ballet tutus! And oh, this week's story is particularly dazzling.
I'm writing this post from Paris, my dearest darlings, which is absolutely bursting with a captivating energy today. Just stepping onto the cobblestones in this enchanting city sets my heart aflutter with anticipation. You just can’t beat Paris in July for the buzz, the joie de vivre, and of course, the utterly stunning fashion!
I’m standing in front of the Opéra Garnier with its grandiose architecture and iconic status as the stage for so many mesmerising ballet performances. Paris is just the right place to find exquisite and lavishly adorned tutus that make the dancers look like ethereal beings. Today’s #TutuTuesday post takes us to a time when fashion was evolving at an exciting rate, creating a space for a very particular ballet costume – the tutu!
It's 2 July 1889, and the air is crackling with excitement. There’s a reason for this, of course. Today we are celebrating a significant historical event. This very date marks the unveiling of the remarkable Eiffel Tower, a wonder of engineering that continues to be an icon of Paris, even over a century later! But my dearest lovelies, before we dive into that story of engineering and Parisian pride, we’ve got some exciting tutu tales to uncover!
Now, as you know, a Parisian day simply isn't complete without a dose of stunning fashion. It’s a part of the rhythm of Parisian life, like the fluttering of birds, the aroma of croissants fresh from the oven, or the charming little Parisian cafes that invite you to linger with a delicious glass of wine.
From The Past to the Present - Tutu Tuesday takes on a time traveler’s journey.
Just yesterday, I waltzed into the most amazing vintage boutique right in the heart of Saint Germain-des-Pres, a little street corner with an eclectic charm that seems untouched by time. The charming owner, a charming French gentleman named Claude, opened up a hidden chest brimming with antique treasures, showing me gowns, shawls, bonnets and even a couple of magnificent corsets (with intricate designs that I found surprisingly chic!).
The star of the show, however, was this stunningly detailed, intricately crafted tulle tutu. Oh, the delicate layers, the subtle embroidery, it was like a vision in ethereal pastel shades, like a little wisp of pink silk swirling around your fingertips! I knew immediately that I simply had to take it home with me and show you lovelies what a ballerina might have worn for a performance in this glorious era.
In those days, ballerinas, instead of the modern, fitted, minimalist, and slightly shorter styles of the early 20th century, were dancing with some impressive tulle and embellishment on their legs, which had to move gracefully, a feat worthy of a seasoned performer. I can just imagine myself on the grand stage of the Opéra Garnier, dancing amongst the elite of French ballet, as the curtain rises and everyone falls silent! It was almost as impressive a feat of engineering as the Eiffel Tower!
You see, fashion, just like the ballet itself, has this magical way of blending artistry, elegance, and precision into a single exquisite performance. It takes skill, talent, and passion to create that perfect dance between form and function.
*It's a captivating time capsule we are peering into! *
In this 1880s time period, women's fashion has made a notable shift. I noticed so many wonderful gowns at Claude’s little shop in the Saint Germain district, each one like a masterpiece of intricately embroidered silk, with intricate and elaborate details. I spent almost two hours marveling at the delicate handiwork, so incredibly detailed and painstaking. I learned from Claude that the fashions of the period were becoming a bit less exaggerated, compared to the extreme styles of the 1860s like the infamous Crinoline, a massive cage structure worn under the skirts of women. They are so dramatic they make tutus look very demure. I mean, what on earth would have happened if you tried to dance in one? They are absolutely huge and a real fashion spectacle, just perfect for parades or evening soirees!
The tutus of this era - 1880’s-1890’s, to be precise, and the start of the ‘Golden Age’ of the ballerina, a movement toward greater natural movement on stage – began to take on more subtle yet beautiful designs to make every movement more fluid, with more delicate layers and exquisite trims.
Imagine it – a swirl of shimmering tulle swirling about your ankles, creating a magical trail of glittering movement as the dancers spin and glide effortlessly! Isn't it just enchanting?
But speaking of graceful movement and elegant flow, let's take a closer look at the Eiffel Tower and its construction. This breathtaking marvel, one of the Art Nouveau icons of Paris for its delicate intricate metal filigree, designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also created the statue of Liberty in New York, has, as they say, taken the world by storm. It’s said that 'the audacity to dream' was the essence behind this wonder of architecture. This metal construction with its impressive dimensions, height, and engineering brilliance, stood a little like a tutu-clad ballerina poised gracefully in the Paris skyline, drawing the eye and captivating the gaze. It stands even today as a celebration of ingenuity, determination, and Parisian ingenuity.
My Top Tip For a Ballet Performance:
After seeing all of these captivating performances of the ballet here in Paris, let me give you a few tips that will enhance your ballet experience to the utmost:
Choose your performance wisely: Be sure to check the calendar of events and explore what shows are playing.
Don your finest tutu for the occasion: No need for extravagant designs – even a little sprinkle of tulle or a cute tutu ribbon will add an extra twirl to your experience!
A pair of comfortable yet stylish ballet shoes are a must: Ballet is all about dancing – even in the audience!
A glamorous outfit is always welcome! You want to be seen. You’ll stand out from the crowd in your chic ballet style.
And finally, Have the best time ever, darling!
Because you know what, it's not just about the dancing. It's about the sheer joy of getting lost in a world of creativity, elegance, and artistry – and most of all, it's about celebrating the beauty and magic that is, ballet!
Now, if you'll excuse me, my darlings, I must make haste to the Galeries Lafayette. With my darling Parisian friends, I’m going to make the most of the day! Until next week, darling lovelies! Until then, let the music carry you away!
Emma xxx
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletLove #BalletHistory #ParisFashion #EiffelTower #FrenchFashion #ArtNouveau #TheGoldenAgeOfBallerinas #TravelAndFashion #VintageStyle
* [Emma's Ballet Tutu History blog post number 3001]*
* www.pink-tutu.com*
