Bonjour from Paris, darlings!
I simply had to make a trip to Paris this week for #TutuTuesday. It’s the heart of the dance world, don’t you know? And guess what?! This date, 30th May 1893, is just bursting with tutu-licious history. So grab your favourite pink ballet shoes (and maybe a cuppa, I'm indulging in a pot of Earl Grey here in my hotel room, surrounded by shimmering fabrics!) and let’s delve into the tutu’s romantic revolution.
Before I get carried away with the grandeur of it all (oh, Paris is such an inspiration!), we must travel back in time just a smidge. Imagine, if you will, a simpler tutu. You know, like the short, knee-length skirts, that became so popular in the 1830s. Those flamboyantly short tutus set a revolutionary trend back then, freeing up our dear ballerinas from those cumbersome, long, multi-layered skirts of earlier days! It was like the dance world had discovered freedom! Think of graceful jumps and whirling pirouettes, finally not being hampered by yards and yards of restrictive fabrics.
But as you all know, we fashionistas never stand still, do we? Over time, the romantic tutus took on a life of their own. These tutus were like delicate clouds, crafted with fine tulle – soft as a whisper! This is the era where tutus first started being named as “tutus”, my darlings, and the style has become absolutely iconic.
What made this style of tutu so darned revolutionary? Let’s unpack this a bit, shall we? It wasn't just the graceful shape and movement, darling. It was the whole aura, the essence! It embraced the spirit of the Romantic era, reflecting that romantic theme perfectly. Just picture floating nymphs (it's all so incredibly magical!), like a delicate vision, dancing beneath the moonlight - it’s simply breathtaking!
You might be thinking, “but Emma, we have such amazing ballet today, surely it can’t compare to this ‘Romantic era’ of yours?” And I say to that, my sweet dears, *it’s simply *irreplaceable. This period was like nothing else, full of breathtaking, sweeping romantic ballets. You could feel the passion pulsate in the music and the dances! Think of the timeless beauty of Swan Lake, Giselle, and La Sylphide – those enchanting, romantic ballet scores and their exquisite choreographies. I’m getting a bit goosebumps just thinking about it!
And let’s not forget about the fashion! Just divine, darling! From the delicate colours to the exquisite tulle and swirling layers, every dancer, and I do mean every single one, was a vision of ethereal beauty. Think silvery-white gowns, romantic soft pinks, pastel greens and blues, all shimmering under the stage lights.
This era saw the birth of the *"petit tutu" , my love! Remember how I adore a good, puffy, pretty tutu? This was the start of the *puffy, voluminous, multi-layered tutu, the type you see all those incredible dancers wearing today! And I’m just swooning over how perfect these fluffy wonders are, don't you think?
Of course, this historical voyage doesn't stop here. My travels take me to Paris, the city where this style truly flourished. What better place than Paris to explore this dazzling history? Just imagine, my dear reader, how Paris must have thrummed with excitement back in 1893!
Today is a very special day because the renowned Paris Opera is celebrating "Le Sacre du Printemps" by Igor Stravinsky! This ballet is simply iconic, known for its wild and revolutionary energy, a striking contrast to the Romantic era's ethereal, romantic elegance.
I must admit, though I do love a good bit of "prima donna" elegance, this "Sacre" is quite thrilling! The boldness of its music and the unconventional choreography truly revolutionized the ballet world.
I shall pop along to see Le Sacre myself – after all, who can resist a Parisian adventure in tutu paradise? (Even if it means ditching my pink fluffy masterpiece for a **black-and-white affair, for the sake of historical accuracy.) I must be careful, I’ve just found myself the most enchanting, vibrant, silk pink top! It’s a shame I won't have the chance to wear it tonight with a pink tutu – perhaps next time!
Speaking of next time, my darlings, remember to join me again next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday post. Until then, please do indulge me – tell me, what’s your favourite romantic tutu era ballet? What makes it so special? Share your thoughts and comments! I simply love to hear from you lovely lot!
Until next time, may your world be filled with dancing dreams and delightful tutus!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
