Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-travelling fashionista. Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, the blog where we explore the history of this iconic piece of dancewear and how it’s shaped the world of ballet!
Today’s date, April 15th, 1890, might seem unremarkable at first glance. But trust me, dear readers, it’s a day full of hidden ballet gems that we’re about to unravel!
Whizzing Back in Time: The Parisian Glamour
After a delightful train journey across the Channel (yes, I'm a bit of a rail enthusiast – it's much more glamorous than the time-machine!), I find myself in the very heart of Paris. This is the world of the Paris Opéra, where the ballet scene is simply bursting with creativity and elegance! Imagine, swirling silks, sparkling chandeliers, and tutus, oh so many tutus! It's a dream!
A Day at the Opéra: An Afternoon Delight
My mission for today? To absorb all the fashion and ballet goodness Paris has to offer. This afternoon I’ll be gracing the grand old theatre, soaking up a spectacular performance, and then off to the elegant shops to see what gorgeous gowns and bonnets are gracing the windows this season. Maybe I’ll find a beautiful new hat to compliment my pink tutu!
The Tutu's Triumphant Reign
In this time period, the tutu is already a star. Think shorter skirts, layers of tulle, a dash of romanticism – all the essentials of a true ballerina dream! But, even then, this charming little garment had its own little revolution going on!
Imagine this: the famous 'Romantic era' (that period full of beautiful fairies, ballerinas on their tiptoes, and a yearning for all things ethereal) is starting to shift. Gone are the full, pannier-like skirts, making way for the elegant, flowing lines of the "Romantic tutu". You know, those beautiful skirts that flutter like a fairy’s wings! It’s like a whisper of pure loveliness!
What About the Colours?
Now, you might be wondering, “Emma, was there much pink in ballet in 1890?” Well, yes and no! It’s the late 19th century and ballet dancers are all about pastel hues: soft pinks, delicate blues, a hint of buttercup yellow – think watercolour dreams! But in 1890, white reigns supreme for tutus. I suspect, however, a little blush of pink wouldn’t be too outlandish on the grand stages of Paris, especially amongst the grand ballrooms and boudoirs of the social scene. Pink is, after all, the colour of elegance and feminine charm!
But… Emma, You Promised History!
Don’t worry, I haven't forgotten about that! So, while I'm mesmerized by all the beautiful things swirling around me, here's a little history tidbit for you. Today marks the opening night of Le Roi malgré lui by the great Camille Saint-Saëns! It's an opera buffa full of witty humour and heartfelt music! I can only imagine the glorious tutus dancing under the chandeliers during the ballet sequences! A definite reason to put on your own tutu and have a whirl around the room, don’t you think?
And remember, darlings, my #TutuTuesday adventures continue every week right here at www.pink-tutu.com! Make sure you keep coming back to discover more historical fun facts and share the beauty of ballet and the enchanting world of the tutu! Don't forget, my darling, it’s always a good day for a pink tutu! 💖
This is my post number #3042, and I have a feeling it's just the beginning of many more fabulous adventures!
See you next week!
Emma
P.S. What do you love most about tutus? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below! 💖
I hope you enjoyed this fun and informative blog post! Let me know if you have any other ideas for blog posts about the history of tutus. 😊
