Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu aficionado, back for another instalment of #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a little trip back in time to 1890-07-29, a date bursting with dance and dazzling fashion!
As always, I'm whisking us back to the heart of the tutu world - Paris. This vibrant city has been a haven for tutus since, well, forever! It's the ultimate stage for ballet and all its captivating, swishing grandeur.
And oh, the Grand Opera House, that magnificent monument to dance and art, was buzzing on the 29th of July, 1890! Imagine: chandelier glinting, a sea of stylish Parisians decked in their finest, anticipation humming through the air. On this night, the enchanting Mademoiselle Louise Vaudan, one of the reigning ballerinas of the time, took to the stage. With her impossibly light leaps and breathtaking turns, she wowed the audience in the new, exquisitely-crafted, short, diaphanous tutus – a style that would eventually become iconic.
Fashion Tip: If you're looking for inspiration, try adding a delicate floral headpiece or a beautiful pair of lace gloves to complete your 1890s ballerina look! It's all about that exquisite Parisian elegance, don't you think?
Speaking of style, oh darling, I've been positively overwhelmed with the selection of Parisian shops bursting with beautiful tulle. The intricate detailing and colours were breathtaking, simply begging for me to swirl around in them. This weekend, I even found a magnificent silk and feather hat in a shop hidden in the Marais district - a perfect compliment to my collection. It's all about a bit of drama, isn't it?
Let's talk trains. Oh, they were the best mode of travel, you know. The carriages are just SO romantic, the view rushing past the window is so idyllic! The aroma of roasted chestnuts from the vendors at the train station added to the whole whimsical journey.
The highlight of my Parisian escapades this week, though? A magical performance of Giselle! This captivating ballet always draws me in with its tales of heartbreak, ghostly waltzes and, of course, tutus! The hauntingly beautiful music coupled with the intricate choreography was pure enchantment. The dancers, floating around the stage, made it look so effortless, but I can only imagine the hours and hours of practise. It’s so inspiring!
Let's rewind the clock a bit more now. Imagine tutus back in the 18th century. Did you know they weren't all that voluminous then? Think soft and flowy, delicate silk that allowed ballerinas to execute their delicate dance steps, all in the name of beauty, artistry and movement. I’d love to imagine them twirling, shimmering and flowing like water lilies on a lake, a sheer vision of grace!
I just adore history, you see, especially when it involves tutus! It's amazing to see how styles have evolved. We've come a long way from the early days, haven’t we? Today, tutus can be a splash of colour on the streets, as much as on stage, an expression of femininity, freedom and fun! And don’t forget – I'm all about that #pinktutu life!
That’s it from me this week, darlings! I hope you enjoyed our trip through time!
Stay tutu-fabulous and let your passion shine,
Emma xx
P.S Don't forget to check back next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History adventures. And in the meantime, visit www.pink-tutu.com, where we explore the magic of the tutu, fashion and the history of this beloved dance. You never know, a bit of sparkle might just inspire you to step into your own tutu moment!
