Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your very own pink-loving, tutu-clad time traveller, reporting live from the fascinating year of 1893! I've just arrived in Paris, and oh my, the sights, the smells, the sheer je ne sais quoi is enough to send me twirling! But before I head off to admire the stunning architectural wonders, I'm here to talk about something very special: tutus!
This week's Tutu Tuesday is all about the magical world of 1893. Think grand ballrooms, ladies in elaborate gowns, and a very specific vision of the "ballet" tutu. Forget the flowing, billowing tutus you see today! Back then, they were more structured, a bit stiffer, with a touch of the dramatic.
Imagine, if you will, delicate silk in shades of ivory and pale blush, hand-stitched with tiny pearls and beads. Think rows of tulle layers meticulously layered, creating a kind of miniature, almost bell-shaped, silhouette. It was all about the dramatic flourish, the grandeur of movement, a whimsical echo of the majestic costumes of the courts of the time.
As I'm typing, the echo of a Strauss waltz from a nearby performance fills the air, adding a bit of extra magic to this moment. You see, I was fortunate to arrive on the 7th of March! It's the anniversary of one of the most famous performances ever staged at the Opera Garnier! The production of "La Bohème", written by Puccini, graced this beautiful Parisian stage, and just thinking about the grace and elegance of those movements has me itching to don a tutu and perform. Perhaps this will be the time I learn the waltz!
Paris is alive with cultural events in 1893. It’s simply breathtaking! The world of ballet, and dance, and fashion, seems to flow hand-in-hand here, just as it did in my Derbyshire home. As you can see, even my pink tutu is adorned with touches of local flair - think tiny Parisian gargoyles and a little Eiffel Tower charm. The whimsy!
So, take my word for it, my darlings! It’s not just the clothes we wear that shapes the times. The performances, the artistry, it’s the ballet! In my next post, I’ll be sharing my favourite spot for tutu-inspired tea parties – because even time-traveling ballerinas need to take time to sip tea and enjoy the magic of a good cuppa, a fancy treat, and, of course, a bit of pink. I've got my eyes peeled for some truly sensational tutus to take home to my collection – it's truly all about those vintage gems, and I've a feeling the streets of Paris are ready to offer up some truly dazzling finds.
Now, if you'll excuse me, the smell of freshly baked croissants is wafting in from the street, calling my name! And I’ve got a few shops to visit, a few performance tickets to buy, and oh, maybe a new beret to complete my 1893 Parisian ensemble!
Until next time, happy twirling!
Yours in Pink, Emma
P.S. Remember to follow www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest updates from my time-traveling tutu adventures. I'm on Instagram at @PinkTutuEmma too, so feel free to join me on a dance journey through time! Don’t forget to #TutuTuesday and tell me all about your favourite ballet moments! I'm always looking for inspiration, whether I'm time-travelling or back in my own time!
P.P.S: I'm always on the lookout for sponsors! A time machine doesn’t run on just dreams, my darlings. It's all about performance fees, tea time treats, and enough tutus to rival a ballet studio!
