Greetings from your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma!
It’s another gloriously sunny Tuesday and I’m back with a brand-new Ballet Tutu History blog post just for you, my dearest readers! I hope you’re ready to grab your pink tulle, ladies, because today, we’re venturing back in time, to 13th September 1892.
You know me, always on the hunt for new tutus and exquisite ballet stories to share, so let's journey to Paris!
Ah, Paris - the City of Lights! Such a fabulous city for any ballet enthusiast! It just bursts with a breathtaking Parisian flair and a dazzling artistic spirit. We’ll be exploring the charming, bustling boulevards, savouring delicious macarons at the Patisserie and taking in a breath-taking performance at the Opéra Garnier, of course!
My, oh my, 1892 was a year brimming with excitement! Imagine this: exquisite silks and lace, flamboyant opera singers, and ballerinas performing those enchanting leaps and turns with grace and agility! It truly was a period of undeniable artistry and style.
I know what you’re thinking - “What’s happening on the 13th September 1892?" Well, let me tell you! It’s a Tuesday, just like today!
The Palais Garnier - oh, the sheer majesty! The opera house with its grand staircase, gilded balconies and sumptuous velvet seating, is a visual feast. It was the perfect place for those unforgettable evenings of grand ballet, with its dramatic staging and spectacular costumes - it just calls for an extravagant, twirling tutu, wouldn’t you say?
Of course, the Ballet Russe has taken the world by storm and we’re absolutely loving their theatrical ballets! The La Bayadère ballet by Marius Petipa is especially exciting right now. A tale of love, sacrifice, and temple dancers - the choreography, the costumes, the music, everything is just simply exquisite. Imagine those dazzling Indian-inspired tutus with shimmering sequins! They're pure glamour.
Now, we can’t forget fashion in all its glory! I absolutely adore those flowing polka-dot gowns so popular at this time! With its dainty polka-dots and cascading ribbons, the gowns are perfectly complemented by those adorable straw boater hats, I've just got to have one. Oh, and remember the crinoline! I am so thrilled about that resurgence, and it's so much fun for dancing too, my dear readers! A ballerina never has to worry about restricting fabrics – the crinoline allows freedom of movement for any graceful twirl!
While we’re exploring Paris, can we also take a minute to acknowledge those beautiful horse-drawn carriages? Talk about a touch of timeless romance! It’s simply magical to watch those beautiful creatures prance down the cobblestones, gracefully pulling luxurious carriages filled with fashionably dressed ladies.
I simply must hop aboard a train back to England this week! Of course, my dearest readers, you know I adore taking the train. Such an exciting way to journey back in time, gazing out at the passing scenery, dreaming up my next ballet adventure. It’s perfect for getting inspired for a new dance routine!
I have a feeling this week’s ballet show is going to be divine, featuring some of the most fabulous tutus imaginable. You know, when you see a truly wonderful tutu, it’s simply a magical experience, isn’t it? Just looking at those flowing, feathered costumes gives you a boost, a sense of joy - a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your lips. I just can't wait for a proper pirouette in this stunning period, darling!
As always, my lovely readers, thank you so much for joining me on my ballet-inspired adventure through time!
*I'd absolutely love to hear from you, and I do hope you will share your own memories or adventures with tutus. Leave a comment below and don’t forget to pop over to *www.pink-tutu.com ** to share your #TutuTuesday adventures.
And, of course, don’t forget to wear a pink tutu wherever you go. It’s a good rule, isn't it? Until next week, ladies!
Stay sparkling,
Emma
P.S. I am also loving La Sylphide these days! Another stunning spectacle that celebrates the beauty of classical ballet and the enchanting costumes of that period. The choreography and the storytelling in La Sylphide just sweeps you off your feet, leaving you feeling like you’re soaring through the air, just like a Sylphide!
P.P.S. It’s absolutely pouring with rain this week! What better way to stay warm and cozy than by having a cup of tea, reading your favourite ballet book, and dancing in your fluffiest, most pinkest tutu! Now that’s my kind of Tuesday evening.
P.P.P.S. I must tell you about the lovely tea shop in Kensington I discovered yesterday! They had such beautiful lace tablecloths and delicate teacups! Such lovely decor, they even had pink tablecloths, can you imagine?! I bought an exquisite teacup that will perfectly compliment my new, very, very, very pink tutu. Sigh. So happy about that.
