Bonjour, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your weekly dose of all things twirling and fabulous! I'm your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, Emma, back from a delightful jaunt in the past and ready to share some history of the tutu with you. It's #TutuTuesday, after all!
This week we're venturing back to January 16th, 1894, and what a grand time it is to be a ballet aficionado! Think elegant theatres, plush velvet seats, and the thrilling energy of a live performance – oh, and of course, those gorgeous tutus! It's no wonder I've been pirouetting my way through 19th century Paris for the past few days!
Paris – the capital of dance! I always say, a ballerina never goes hungry in Paris! The city pulsates with the rhythm of life – cafes buzzing with artists, cobblestones echoing with carriage wheels, and a thousand whispers of creativity swirling through the air. Today is no exception – even though it's chilly outside, inside the opera house, the air is practically buzzing with anticipation! It's the night of the premiere of the legendary Marius Petipa's La Bayadère. Now, who remembers La Bayadère, darlings? Let's give a round of applause for a breathtaking spectacle! This ballet boasts a story filled with intrigue, romance, and of course, some absolutely divine dance routines. You won't be surprised to hear that the choreography showcases some of the most elaborate tutus ever seen! Think delicate lace, layers upon layers of tulle, and sparkling gemstones – absolutely fabulous, wouldn’t you agree?
Speaking of tutus… The evolution of this garment is an absolute delight. Imagine how our ancestors looked in those baggy skirts, not a wisp of tulle in sight! They couldn't imagine what they were missing! Tutus, darlings, are the epitome of ballet, a whirlwind of movement and grace that literally flies in the face of all fashion norms of the day. And let's face it, they are simply breathtaking, and there's something wonderfully empowering about their lightness and femininity.
What can be found in a shop today... But back to our fashion journey, darling! This week I’ve been enjoying a little spree in Parisian boutiques, admiring the latest trends, and let me tell you, it's an absolute sartorial dream! You'll be amazed by the sheer volume of layers we're seeing this season. Tulle, of course, remains a must-have, but lace, ribbon, and a plethora of silks are adding those much-needed romantic touches to every woman's wardrobe. It's simply divine! I found myself utterly enamoured by a dress the other day, it was a pastel pink number, perfect for an evening soirée. The cascading tulle layers floated with every move, just begging to be twirled – a true Parisian delight. I couldn’t resist adding it to my ever-growing wardrobe, of course, though I do confess to leaving my wallet considerably lighter after the transaction… but I assure you, darling, a tutu girl must always invest in the perfect dress. After all, if we're not all waltzing through life with a hint of magic, then what’s the point?
What are the fashion trends back in England? Back home in Derbyshire, England, it is slightly cooler, as I'm sure you can all imagine. But that doesn't stop my dear Derbyshire girls from adding a touch of style to their outfits. Just as the Parisians adore their layers, we're also embracing rich fabrics and textures to add warmth and luxury. Think velvet jackets, thick wools and intricate lace trims – just divine! I know we English ladies can be quite reserved with our clothing, but just like I always say, a little dash of whimsy can add magic to even the most ordinary day. Just imagine, even on the iciest of Derbyshire days, you could wear your pink tutu underneath a long, velvet coat. You can be a ballerina of the streets! The look can't be beat! And remember, darling, you can embrace your inner ballerina no matter where you live.
About this blog... It’s Tuesday and so of course we’re doing what I always do; sharing my love of history, travel and ballet through this, my fabulous #TutuTuesday ballet history blog. It's a tradition, darling! It has been quite a year – with so many captivating journeys into the past. Remember those fascinating discoveries from last week's trip to Italy? My blog archives are full of stories just waiting to be explored! If you're just discovering Pink Tutu, you can catch up on over 3237 posts on www.pink-tutu.com – you might find yourself disappearing into a time machine yourself.
I get around by traveling on train, you see! You know, the elegant and romantic train carriages filled with fascinating characters from all walks of life! And did I mention I fund my travels with my exquisite ballet performances? Well, a tutu girl has to be a little bit savvy! There is nothing better than seeing a classic ballet come to life on stage, darling, and the sheer joy of connecting with the audience - it's the fuel to my adventures! And if I can share my love of dance, style and history with you all, then that makes the journey even more worthwhile.
Until next time, darling, don't forget to wear your pink tutu with confidence!
Au revoir!
Yours, Emma
The Pink Tutu Girl
