Hello, darlings! Emma here, back again from my latest time-travelling escapade. This week, we're waltzing back to March the 4th, 1890, and let me tell you, it's quite the trip! My oh my, just imagine...the carriages, the grand balls, the exquisite dresses! Oh, but most importantly, the burgeoning beauty of ballet in this era. I landed right in the heart of Paris, where tutus were just beginning to take centre stage. Ahem, pardon the pun.
It's amazing how the evolution of the tutu goes hand-in-hand with the history of dance. You see, up until this point, ballet was often seen as a frivolous, courtly affair. It wasn't about powerful movement, or dramatic leaps – it was all about dainty steps and elaborate costumes. But this was all about to change, with a shift towards athleticism and artistry.
Now, 1890...this is right at the beginning of the Romantic era of ballet. Imagine ballerinas dressed in glorious layers of tulle and silk, floating around the stage, just like beautiful little fairies! It was truly enchanting! Remember the story of "Sleeping Beauty" with Aurora's grand waltz in that fabulous billowing pink tutu? Yep, you can imagine just how it came about! This period is so utterly inspiring! I mean, the stories, the music, the dancing, and of course, the tutus. It was all just so perfectly put together!
And talking of perfectly put together, just a wee peek into my Parisian fashion finds...let's just say I found myself in the heart of haute couture on Rue de la Paix. And oh darling, the shops! It was like stepping into a fairytale! I simply had to have the most divine white silk gloves – I mean, I couldn't go into a grand salon or the Opera house with bare hands now, could I? Imagine!
I do have to say, my travelling companions were not thrilled with my latest purchase. I did accidentally lightly spend a bit much in the millinery department on a truly magnificent feather-trimmed hat, that matches my pink tulle skirt perfectly, and you know I have to travel in style. Oh, and let’s not forget the tiny floral print pink and ivory and emerald green ensemble... (that might perhaps just have ended up as another new travel piece!). It wouldn't be fair to let a trip pass by without a few souvenirs from a shopping spree, now, would it? My time travel colleagues don’t quite understand my style choices... sigh. But anyway, back to the historical timeline.
Of course, with the evolution of ballet, there came an evolution of the tutu. Think classic, voluminous tulle skirts – they truly created the enchanting illusion of a dancer floating on air! They gave an air of whimsical grace that was utterly captivating.
But let's not forget about the shoes, darling! Point shoes were starting to make their mark – now that's what I call elegance! That pointework really brought out the ballerina's grace and flexibility – truly mesmerising to see. It all began with a ballet slipper design that was innovative in itself, just think of it – soft leather that molded to the foot for maximum control and pointework to showcase those long graceful lines... the ballet world has really come a long way!
Now, just imagine how magnificent those ballrooms would be – the shimmering crystal chandeliers reflecting light upon the sparkling silk dresses of the audience. A truly fabulous scene for an elegant soirée! All topped off by brilliant ballerinas in their magnificent tutus dancing like nothing else in the world!
Just so you know, there's something truly magical about watching ballet in this era. The sense of tradition, the incredible costumes, the music…it's an absolute dream! Oh, the feeling of being carried away in a wave of sheer emotion – you're on the edge of your seat, transported to another world.
As always, darling, a trip back in time really reinforces my love for tutus and all things pretty! It's been wonderful to share my journey with you, and as always, I'm so excited to continue learning more about the beautiful history of ballet and its enchanting, swirling tutu tradition! I can't wait to show you my next discovery on #TutuTuesday.
Oh, before I go, if you fancy popping over to www.pink-tutu.com, feel free to share your tutu tales too!
Happy dancing, darlings!
Until next time, stay beautiful, and remember to embrace the magic of the tutu!
