Bonjour, my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, back with another dose of pink-tinted history, landing straight into the heart of Parisian fashion, specifically June 7th, 1892. Buckle up, dear reader, as we take a waltz through the world of tutus as it was just over a century ago.
Letâs start with my journey, which, of course, involves a bit of theatrics. I arrived in Paris by train, the most delightful way to travel! (You must all try it, if you get the chance.) Paris station is always so lively - the sound of carriages clattering, vendors calling out their wares, and that intoxicating air of excitement, as if every passenger carries with them the hope of adventure.
My arrival in the city meant that a bit of shopping was in order! The Boulevard des Capucines, ah, it was simply dazzling. Imagine my delight as I saw the most exquisite fashions, every colour under the sun! I, of course, went for something bright, cheerful, and very, very pink. Now, imagine my utter joy when I discovered a beautiful pink satin fabric with delicate lace trim. A perfect foundation for my Parisian tutu!
You may be wondering, my dears, what's special about today? Well, dear reader, today, right now, on the 7th of June, 1892, the glorious Théùtre de l'Opéra Garnier in Paris is celebrating a special performance! You wouldn't believe it, but it's none other than La Esmeralda, a ballet based on the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and starring the renowned prima ballerina, Isadora Duncan. (Oh, Isadora! A true icon! You must all see her dance when you can.)
Now, picture this, my darlings. Itâs Paris, 1892, the lights of the city are glittering, the air hums with anticipation. Isadora is about to take the stage, and let me tell you, sheâs got on the most glorious pink tutu. Itâs more than just a dance outfit; itâs a statement, a symphony of fabric and grace. Sheâs radiating pinkness! The whole theatre is practically bouncing with pinkness!
But before I go too far and tell you everything, let me give you some âtutuesqueâ historical trivia:
- This year, in 1892, ballet tutus have come a long way, my dears! Imagine this â those pouffy, romantic ballet dresses, the ones with tons of layers of tulle â thatâs the legacy of this period.
- Though tutus have already found their place in the dance world, we still havenât quite gotten to that impossibly light, barely-there look. These tutus, whilst stunning, still had some weight. Can you imagine being on stage for hours with layers and layers of fabric? Not for me!
- However, the fabric and shape were starting to change! As youâll see when you catch a performance (do go!), these early tutus are starting to become more slender and graceful, with lighter fabrics â almost like a feather, yes? - hugging the ballerinaâs legs.
Can you imagine the magic of being surrounded by that breathtaking atmosphere of an 1892 ballet performance? You can almost feel it, right? That feeling of anticipation, that quiet gasp from the audience, the sound of violins, the ballerina taking centre stage⊠The air just feels different, my dears, because something wonderful is about to happen. And the secret of all of it? The beautiful, iconic, wonderful⊠pink tutu.
Hereâs how you can âliveâ the tutuesque moment, my dears, and embrace the TutuTuesday energy of the day!
- Go out to a ballet, naturally! A trip to the ballet is an adventure, not just a show, and always guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted.
- Find an antique store or online marketplace and look for beautiful fabrics or trims from this period!
- Go on a dress hunt! Search for an outfit to embrace that graceful, elegant 1890s era - we could use more beautiful dresses in the world! Donât be shy!
- Most importantly, wear a tutu! A tutu doesn't have to be made of layers of tulle - why not grab a vibrant pink skirt or something with tulle ruffles - it's all about spreading joy, and tutus definitely do just that! (Especially in pink!)
Do tell me what youâre wearing today, darlings! Don't forget to join in with the #TutuTuesday fun! Letâs show the world how amazing a tutu can be! Oh, and tell me how much youâd love to be transported back to 1892 for the most beautiful pink tutus and all the delightful French charm that this city has to offer! Remember, darlings, embrace your pinkness and dance your heart out!
Until next Tuesday, keep spreading that #TutuTuesday sparkle! Iâll see you soon!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
