Welcome, my darlings, to the 3054th instalment of my Pink Tutu blog! It's #TutuTuesday, which means we're delving into the fascinating history of the tutu! And this week, we're taking a trip to… drumroll please… Paris, darling! 🇫🇷
Paris is, of course, the undisputed Queen of Fashion, the heart of la mode, and this time period is a truly magnifique moment in history for our beloved tutu. It's 1890, and the dance world is buzzing with innovation, artistry, and… well, more tutus.
As your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-clad time traveller, let me tell you, getting around Paris is a joy! The Parisian metro is charming, with beautiful tiling and intricate wrought-iron work. I recently found myself sitting across from a gentleman with a captivating moustache who offered me his seat – so courteous, truly. I made a point of showing off my magnifique pink tutu to him – a whimsical confection with layers upon layers of tulle – just a touch of British flair in the heart of the City of Lights!
Anyway, where were we? Oh, yes! The tutus! I absolutely adore Paris in this era. The late 1800s are simply bursting with inspiration when it comes to the tutu. You see, darling, it was just around this time that the Romantic era of ballet was starting to give way to a new style. The tutus, which used to be long and flowing, became increasingly shorter, revealing the dancers' legs in a dramatic and alluring way. This is a fantastic evolution, darling, as you can imagine! More legs = more tutus! It was practically revolutionary.
Think about it, my dears. It’s not just a matter of revealing, but also of highlighting those beautiful limbs in motion. Can you imagine the sheer spectacle? The grace? The freedom! Imagine spinning like a delicate flower, your movements punctuated by the soft swish of tulle and the shimmering, catching sunlight on your silk shoes!
Speaking of spinning, dear readers, did you know the Grand Pas de Deux, or “grand step of two,” from the ballet Swan Lake, was debuted around this very time? I know! What an extraordinary achievement, and so beautifully iconic! I even had the chance to attend a performance at the Paris Opera last night. It was a real treat! The entire performance had me utterly captivated – such grace and beauty on display! My, it had me swooning! I must admit, I did tear up when the prima ballerina emerged, a perfect vision in white, gliding and twirling across the stage. It's simply sublime!
But let's return to our subject! What other tutu news from 1890 might pique our fancy? Well, the tutu wasn't just about being seen, it was about how you were seen! And it truly revolutionised the world of ballet. For example, the designers of the era began to embrace a new and bold palette! I'm talking sparkling, dazzling jewels in vibrant hues like cerulean blue, emeraude green, and rose quartz! I even caught sight of a lavendar tutu with matching bows! It's so exciting! Imagine the artistry on display! The detail! Glimmering sequins and intricate embroidery, truly the statement piece of any ballerina’s wardrobe! And of course, my darling, it just begs for a pink accent, right? 😉
Now, if you want to step back into that magical 1890s Paris, there are only a couple of ways to achieve this (as far as I’m aware). One: you could do it my way! My dear mother used to say, "if you want to change the world, you can either protest on the streets or design the next big fashion trend!” That’s where my dear darling Tutu-licious adventures begin! 🩰 It’s all quite an extravagant lifestyle, let me tell you, but luckily, the joy of my Tutu-licious performances pays for my tickets and luggage. It’s a small price to pay for time travelling in my ultimate wardrobe.
If you are slightly less adventurous and prefer staying put, I suggest a fabulous visit to a ballet museum! Just make sure they have a nice, comfy cafe for a delightful cup of tea! (Because what better accompaniment to historical ballet research than a delectable English biscuit and cuppa, my darlings?) And then… get to creating your own tutu story! You can design a masterpiece, maybe an 1890s inspired number to recreate at your next ballet class? That would be divine, don’t you think?
But whatever your choice, darling, never forget: Life is about creating beautiful moments! And you’ll never regret wearing a tutu, that’s my guarantee. Remember that it’s a symbol of art, of beauty, of imagination! It is truly a symbol of our shared love for dance! Now, go forth, my dears! Put on your tutu, feel your spirit soar, and make every day a little bit more beautiful, one tutu twirl at a time!
💖 🩰 💕
This post is just for your personal entertainment, please do not attempt time travel. A Pink Tutu blogger does not endorse attempting to make one.
