Bonjour, mes amies! Emma here, back again from my travels in time, straight from the streets of Paris. It's #TutuTuesday, and today we're taking a peek at the glorious world of tutus in the year 1889!
I arrived in Paris, a swirl of excitement and bustle, to catch the unveiling of the most extraordinary structure: the Eiffel Tower. Can you believe it, darlings? A monument to the modern world! Now, that Eiffel Tower just screams for a pink tutu to twirl beneath, don't you think? I can practically picture myself waltzing across its wrought iron, a confection of pink tulle in the Parisian sky!
Now, 1889 in the world of dance... it's a time of great change, much like the era in which we live now, only without those fabulous smartphones! We see the rise of ballerinas as the new stars of the stage, their elegance and athleticism dazzling audiences everywhere. Think graceful figures like the famed La Belle Otero, a queen of the stage with legs for days, performing the "can-can" in Parisian cabarets.
But back to tutus. In 1889, the classical tutu, a symbol of ballet grace, was firmly established in the dance world. You see, tutus, just like a beautiful pink silk dress, are all about exposing the line of the body; each plié, each grand jeté, all showcased beautifully in a skirt of airy tulle. I bet those Parisian ladies, looking oh-so chic with their parasols and gloves, would have swooned at the sight!
In the theaters, they weren't quite seeing tutus quite as we know them now. There were the "tutu-style" romantic tutus, crafted from a single layer of tulle and falling softly to the knee, which offered more movement for the ballerinas, rather than those huge, impressive layers you see today. It’s almost like a ballerina gown, quite romantic in their simplicity. Oh, but even those simpler romantic tutus just beckon me to dance, don't you think?
Speaking of movement, this era in Paris was abuzz with activity. The city hosted the Universal Exposition, a grand display of innovation and invention from all over the world. Imagine the energy, the atmosphere of excitement! Now, can you picture all the delightful performances and exciting fashion happening in between those amazing exhibitions? Talk about a ballet lover’s dream! I bet there were so many beautiful fabrics, colours, and designs inspiring everyone to waltz.
For me, darling, Paris is just bursting with charm! And, to bring out your own inner Parisian, just put on a pink tutu and head to the local bakery! Think fresh croissants, creamy coffee, and, of course, a charming waltz to celebrate a beautiful Parisian day. Oh, to be swirling on the boulevards, feeling the wind beneath my tulle, as I let my inner ballerina shine.
And what better way to explore those fascinating streets than on a charming horse-drawn carriage, perhaps wearing my prettiest pink tutu, and then a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, surrounded by vibrant artistry and enchanting cafes? Just imagine!
But before you whisk off to Paris to follow your tutu dreams, I have a question for you, darlings. Have you ever seen a ballet show? Have you ever felt the magic of those pirouettes and jetés under the theater lights? Tell me, have you lived the Parisian spirit of joie de vivre? I think you might find a pink tutu helps you to truly do that.
Till next Tuesday, when I’ll be exploring another time in the amazing world of tutus. And until then, keep twirling!
Warmly,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
