Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where tutus reign supreme! It's me, Emma, your ever-so-slightly-pink-obsessed, time-travelling tutu aficionado, bringing you another dose of ballet history this fine Tuesday.
Now, grab yourselves a cuppa and a biscuit (or two!), settle in, and let's embark on a sartorial journey back to the 19th century, shall we?
Oh, and don't forget to take a peek at the magnifique pink tutu I'm sporting today, I snagged it from a lovely antique shop in Paris just before hopping on the train back to good ol' Derbyshire. The feather boa, though, that's a complete new acquisition – I picked it up in London yesterday at that amazing millinery shop on Bond Street. Can you believe they still have genuine ostrich feathers in stock? I must confess, I splurged on it – but when I look fabulous, I know it's worth it! It pairs perfectly with the colour of the tulle, don't you think?
Speaking of Paris… Ah, Paris! The birthplace of modern fashion! It's always a treat to slip into my time machine and visit, and believe me, darling, this city was buzzing in 1893! We're in the midst of a vibrant period, a glorious, decadent era where creativity seems to be spilling onto the streets as fast as a spilled bottle of champagne. And you know what else is making a big splash?
Ballet, darlings! Ballet!
For our lovely Victorian era dancers, it's not about being practical – oh, no! They're wearing long skirts, lace ruffles and lots of very dramatic embellishments. The fashion scene in Paris is all about drama and creating a theatrical illusion. It's absolutely splendid.
Now, back to the tutu! This 28th of March is particularly exciting. It's the date of the premier of the exquisite, heart-wrenching ballet La Fille Mal Gardée by the Russian choreographer Marius Petipa. He had taken on a Parisian ballet, but had transformed it to reflect Russian choreography which focused more on classical and academic elements which would then become dominant. Don't worry, it's all about passion and heartbreak, darling! There are tears, laughter, love, a slight chance of mishaps - well, who hasn't been in that situation? giggles - and the tutu?
Ah, the tutu is perfection! Think classic white tulle, meticulously layered, soft and ethereal, moving like the whispers of the wind. It's the very embodiment of innocence, even if the dancer is getting up to mischief – everyone loves a bit of slight naughtiness.
I saw La Fille Mal Gardée yesterday and it's truly a testament to the evolution of the tutu – a beautiful blending of graceful form and storytelling! It wasn't so much what she was wearing but how she was wearing it, if you know what I mean? This performance had a romantic elegance to it, as did all of the Paris performances during my time here. Ballet and the art of the tutu was reaching a new pinnacle. I also attended several other performance with beautiful tutus including The Ballet of the Bayadère, *Giselle and *Paquita all of which are becoming classic repertory. And you know I always adore a little classic!
Now, dear readers, as much as I would adore to sit here all day gushing about ballet, I have to get myself back to Derbyshire and prepare for a performance later tonight at our local opera house. I can't resist performing The Swan Lake - it's my absolute favourite ballet! However, for now, I want to share a few super exciting developments on my journey to get everyone in the world to wear a tutu, no matter the occasion, and why not even in Paris?
The Tutu Goes to the Circus! Now this, darlings, is going to make the most fabulous entrance! I've had a sneak peek at what they're planning for the new Cirque du Soleil performance coming to London next year, and it involves a whole lot of dazzling, sparkling tutus, perfectly complimenting the magic, spectacle and thrills. I mean, who needs the usual sequins and spangles when you've got layers and layers of tulle?! Oh, and get this, they are making them out of all kinds of interesting things like silks and satins, adding sparkle to those dazzling lights!
A Tutu for Everyone! I can't even tell you how excited I am for this next big one! There is a movement brewing to make the tutu fashionable outside the world of ballet – even amongst those who never considered themselves ballerinas! And get this - this time, I’m not just talking about fluffy pink tutus either ( although I adore them dearly). This movement is embracing the history and meaning of the tutu, in all its many forms, as a symbol of femininity, confidence, and imagination.
Just imagine, my darlings, stepping out in a majestic tulle number at the opera! A dramatic black tulle tutu for a night at the theater? Perhaps a sleek, shimmering tutu to make a dramatic entrance at a wedding or a festive occasion?
I know, I know, it's quite the revolution, but the tutu has such powerful energy behind it. It can take you from everyday life to an elegant occasion and make you feel as if you can fly.
So darling, what’s the verdict? Do you think a tutu is just for a ballerina or can anyone feel the joy it brings?
Next Tuesday, darling, we're taking a trip back to the 18th century! Can you imagine that?! I hear things are quite different back then – more hoops, more ruffles, and just the tiniest hint of tutu to get those ideas flowing! Make sure to stay tuned and visit my website www.pink-tutu.com. See you all next week!
Stay fabulous and always remember wear your heart on your tutu.
Your ever-so-tutu-loving friend,
Emma xx
