Hello my dearest Tutu-lovers! Emma here, your time-travelling, tutu-wearing guide to the glorious history of dance. I've just hopped off the train (a rather grand carriage, with plush velvet seating, mind you) from a trip back to Paris.
Oh, Paris in 1891, the city of lights, love, and... believe it or not, ballet! Can you believe it, dear readers? We might think of ballet as the dance form today, but back then, it was still evolving, and taking some giant leaps forward.
I just have to tell you all about my visit! The streets were alive with music and colour, just waiting for a ballerina like myself to twirl through! You know, one of my favourite things about time-traveling is exploring the clothes. They do tend to favour layers back in 1891. Thankfully, we see a touch of that "new" woman era in the outfits, with the shorter skirts and those gorgeous, frilled blouses that have a little more freedom of movement than those heavy petticoats that made their ancestors move so slowly!
Today is 17th November 1891, and Paris is buzzing! The Theatre de la Gaieté, an incredible palace of gilded plaster and velvet seats, hosted Le Petit Diable, a ballet full of fantastical tales and playful characters. It's always so inspiring to watch how dancers of that era used their bodies, and to see the stunning costumes! It wasn't a "tutu" like we think of them today - more like a little skirt, very tight and very revealing, which for 1891, was a scandalous notion! But it gave those dancers the movement to whirl and twirl in a way that left me breathless.
The World of Tutus is Changing:
One of the most fascinating things about my trip was seeing how much the "tutu" is evolving. It wasn't just a stage costume anymore; it was becoming a symbol of femininity and grace. Imagine my delight when I found an elegant, if rather impractical, silk and tulle outfit being sold in the Rue de Rivoli! I almost snatched it up, but my poor, 2023 suitcase just couldn't accommodate it, sadly.
So many designers are working on the tutu! One in particular, Madame Rosina, seems to be making quite a name for herself, although my French isn't up to snuff yet, so I just have to hope I heard correctly about her innovative ideas. Apparently, she uses all sorts of different fabrics - lace, silk, even feather trims - in all manner of colours, just like the flamboyant dresses that my belle époque Parisian ladies adore. They even have pink tutus in these ateliers! It's thrilling to see pink being embraced, I’m certain pink is destined for a fashion revolution!
Where Does Ballet Go Next?
And to think, it's only been about 100 years since ballerinas even wore the tutu as we know it today! And only about 30 years since tutus really started to feature in ballets at all. There's such an incredible energy around dance and music in Paris today! So much invention and ambition! My journey back to 2023 is tinged with a little sadness, but I'll make sure I share all my inspiration in my next tutu-blog.
I’m sure Paris will only become more exciting as time moves on, and we, the ballerinas of the future, will be right there in the midst of it all. We may never truly see our world become a pink tutu fantasy land, but one can dream! And, who knows what kind of delightful, amazing, pink tulle marvels we will see on stages and in our streets as we travel through the years!
Until next week, my dear tutulettes, may your tutus twirl high, and your days be filled with beauty and grace!
Love,
Emma
xx
