Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident Tutu enthusiast, bringing you the latest from my travels through time in search of the captivating history of the ballet tutu. And guess what? Today's trip took me to Paris, the City of Lights and the beating heart of all things elegant and fabulous, February 7th, 1893, to be precise. Just the sound of that date evokes images of billowing silk, romantic flounces, and the mesmerising magic of ballet!
This week's post is extra special, reaching #3189 on my little corner of the internet. (Can you believe it?!) It's my 3189th journey back in time! This makes me so happy - thank you all for your wonderful support and encouragement on this journey. Every Tuesday I get to delve deeper into the dazzling world of the tutu and its evolution – you can join me, darlings, on my website www.pink-tutu.com – just be sure to tune in each Tuesday!
Now, where were we? Ah, yes, Paris, 1893. Let’s step into a time machine and zoom through the swirling mist and smoky train tracks (because darling, wouldn't you know it, this little ballerina LOVES a good train journey).
Arriving at the magnificent Palais Garnier, home of the Paris Opera Ballet, we're greeted by the most stunning grand dame of theatres – opulent, elaborate and a touch on the decadent side. But oh, the magic inside! The heart of the ballet, the very centre of it all. The stage. The curtain rises…
Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself! Imagine arriving at this spectacular venue on this particular day. I mean, just picture it: the grand entrance, a sea of exquisite ladies all draped in satin and lace. The gentle rustle of silk, a scent of the finest perfume and an intoxicating feeling of anticipation! The music rises. The lights dim…
Can you picture the anticipation bubbling in your chest? In a place so alive and teeming with artistry, what kind of ballet would be taking centre stage on this very special day in history?
Let’s step into the realm of time-traveling imagination together. February 7th, 1893, and we're being ushered into the opulence and grandeur of the Paris Opera House.
The stars are the dancers – gracefully moving, effortlessly graceful. All eyes on their delicate steps, their mesmerizing formations, the exquisite beauty and artistry that takes our breath away. What will the dancers be wearing? Let’s peer through the velvet curtain together.
Remember, at this time in history, tutus had taken their very first, delightful steps on to the world's stages! A vision of airy flounces, billowing silk and carefully constructed fabric. In this day and age, the ballerina is free! They're spinning with delight.
Imagine the thrill! A ballet full of ethereal beauty. A ballerina is lifted high in a grand arabesque, swirling fabric a kaleidoscope of movement. And the tutus… they’re a delight!
They're light as a feather. It's a stunning dance! What a show it must have been! Oh, how I would have loved to see that production. Just the thought of seeing the elegance of those 1890s tutus gives me goosebumps!
Imagine, if you will, delicate layers of fine tulle. Imagine, too, the shimmering colours, all a shimmering dream in pink, ivory, and blush hues. I am imagining a tutu that moves effortlessly, billowing like clouds, a dancer a feather dancing on a summer breeze.
Oh my darlings, just the thought sends me reeling with joy and delight! What an experience that must have been. I wish so much I could turn back the clock, be part of it all and stand amidst that swirling, breathtaking energy. I could happily spend days dreaming of these incredible experiences, of ballet's past.
But you know what, darlings? While we cannot travel back to those golden days, we can bring the essence of those magnificent days, that wonderful time when ballet took flight in all its splendour and grace into today's world.
Because here's a little secret I want to share with you, my lovely, pink tutu loving darlings. Even though the world of tutus in those days was so special, so uniquely magnificent, the story is just beginning. Because those days of the late nineteenth century were a time of exciting innovation and revolution when the way we dress was dramatically changing - with great panache, and the ballet world with its grace, beauty and dazzling glamour was at the very forefront of this fashion movement.
So, every time you look at a ballet tutu - and for your information darlings, the best place to be in 1893 to see those incredible tutu creations was in Paris. They were at their most breathtaking, light, dainty and airy here - Remember those details! It will make a big difference when you next buy yourself a tutu (and who doesn't want another tutu?) – just try and picture it - a magnificent piece of history wrapped around your legs!
Just remember what a fantastic fashion evolution we've all witnessed.
If you look at those ballet costumes of today, from the romantic tutu, through the romantic tutu with a neoclassical, almost daring vibe, to the even more contemporary designs, all in wonderful hues, that create something amazing with just fabric, movement, and artistry, and add the stunning choreography - It’s just sublime. Ballet costumes are magnificent.
Oh! My lovelies, look! A peek at our calendar, what an exciting time ahead: There’s the magical production of La Bayadère coming to The Royal Opera House – this has been one of the longest running productions, ever since those lovely Parisian stages that first presented it all the way back to the 1870s – I think I shall get myself tickets for a matinee. How lovely it is, to see so many ballerinas gracing the stage and performing, all decked out in magnificent costumes! And yes, tutus, oh those beautiful tutus. They’re the icing on the cake. The epitome of ballerina beauty and elegance, all in perfect sync with their dance movements.
If you don’t want to miss out on this spectacular dance show, be sure to look out for my Instagram blog: I'll be giving my take on ballet outfits and of course, all the delightful tutus we will see on stage.
Oh, the tutus are truly remarkable. Every time, those dancers take a plié in a stunning costume it makes you remember - these costumes aren't just a costume; they are a powerful part of the art form.
So many magnificent tutus in the past, in the present. Don’t you agree? What do you say darlings, are we going to embrace this amazing evolution and find our perfect pink tutus? Maybe you'll find one in pink…or if that's not quite your shade, why not embrace the whole colour spectrum? I believe every day can be #TutuTuesday and a ballet can take place everywhere you walk.
So there you have it, my darlings, the evolution of a sartorial wonder. Don’t forget to join me next week on #TutuTuesday when I'll take a closer look at those enchanting costumes of the Romantic ballet era – be sure to pop back to this blog next week.
Let's all celebrate, embrace, and cherish the enduring beauty and history of the ballets that grace us every day, the ballerinas, the costumes, the dancers, the beauty and grace, oh yes! And remember that most vital element, our beloved tutus!
With ballet loving hugs, Emma, xx
