Welcome back, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your Pink Tutu Princess, and today, we're stepping back in time once more, embarking on another whirlwind adventure through the delightful history of the tutu. Buckle your pointe shoes and prepare for a journey of elegance and inspiration!
Today’s date is September 11th, 1894, and we're whisked away to the heart of Paris, where the world of ballet is in full swing. The year is just bursting with fascinating theatrical productions and the elegant, glamorous society ladies have tutus on their minds!
As always, my trusty time machine has transported me, perfectly coordinated in a soft pink tulle tutu with delicate silver embroidery (my favourite!), right into the heart of the action. It's always an adventure! It’s quite difficult navigating cobblestone streets in my high-heeled ballet slippers. It takes a lot of practice, but worth it, I do declare!
I’m at the Opéra Garnier, the grand, opulent opera house, known as the "Palace of Opulence", in the heart of the city. The air is filled with anticipation for the performance, and I can't wait to see what ballet magic awaits. Just look at these costumes – an explosion of colours, textures, and intricate embroidery - so delightful, wouldn’t you agree? They are all inspired by the Victorian Era's opulent style, complete with flowing silhouettes and rich, velvety fabrics. It’s no surprise the world is smitten with these designs and styles!
You can imagine the excitement of attending a ballet performance at a time like this – the beautiful ladies dressed in their finery, their bonnets and feathered fans a delightful addition to their intricate, yet charming ensembles. And then the men in their formal attire! It is a spectacle. It truly is the epitome of fashion and social elegance! The haute couture of Paris never fails to amaze me.
Now, imagine my excitement! The performance tonight is La Bayadère! Oh, it's absolutely captivating! A vibrant tale of love, sacrifice, and a touch of mystical enchantment. I am in absolute heaven, and the stunning costumes? Oh my goodness! I find myself staring at those incredible, flowing, and impossibly graceful tutus - a symphony of movement in soft layers and luxurious satin. It’s inspiring – and, frankly, breathtaking! I can feel myself swept away by the magical beauty of this exquisite ballet – I know I’ll be sketching those tutu designs in my travel diary tonight – and then I'll try to make my own pink version back in my studio – that’s the exciting part of this tutu adventure – finding the best of the best from ballet history!
But wait, let's rewind a bit! You're wondering about those tutus, right? Where did this exquisite style actually originate? Well, that's where we really get to the heart of the history. This particular design wasn't just some happy accident, no! It has a truly interesting history, going back further than you might think.
If you can imagine a dancer dressed in a skirt – very stiff – with all those frills! This was the early beginnings of the tutu! Imagine how it moved – not so graceful and elegant! However, those very beginnings – yes – these started way back in the 18th century, but the elegant, more airy tutu that you see on the ballet stage in this beautiful era we're looking at, it began with the renowned ballerina Marie Taglioni! Can you imagine her!
She revolutionized the style of dance, embracing the lightweight fabric of gauze that we recognise today. She wore it on stage with great fluidity! And we know those early ballerina shoes were far less flexible than the ones we use now. This must have been very difficult but very special! We all admire how she broke the mould in those days, changing ballet dress completely! This was all thanks to the vision of Marie Taglioni – one of the most beautiful names in dance history, I do declare!
This transition to a softer, more delicate tulle was such an important shift for dance! It allowed for a much more expressive and graceful performance. In the earlier style of tutus, it just didn't seem as free – and, honestly, it’s a world of difference! The ballet performance today at the Opéra Garnier is a true testament to that beautiful shift! And my new designs are inspired by what I see, so naturally it is going to be in the same style! My new designs feature chiffon, taffeta and lace, for an intricate, elegant and, of course, pink* effect. My goal is to show off these new tutus in a stage production of my own – maybe I can do my version of La Bayadère - after my research in the Parisian theatres, that is! Now that is what I call ‘fashion’!
Now, this fascinating trip to 1894 brings me to something that is crucial for a dancer's wardrobe, that being tights! I am quite thrilled by this part of the ballet’s development. This really is something of a revelation for my wardrobe! Remember, it is just the beginning!
The first tights in the world? You may be surprised. They were introduced by the famous actress, Sarah Bernhardt, yes! You can imagine her, dancing in elegant gowns on stage. Bernhardt wore these tights as an underwear! How fantastic to see this piece of garment come alive on stage! It didn't stay in the world of stage actors though! They became quite the fashionable item to wear – it's so elegant, wouldn’t you agree! They have a place in my own personal wardrobe. After all, we all want comfort and style. As always, the ladies in Victorian England embraced fashion trends so quickly – as the saying goes, we are never too busy to indulge in something stylish!
Today, I'll continue my fashion escapade through this most magnificent era in history. I'll be visiting all my favourite shops – looking for that little bit of extra pink - I can’t have enough, you know! – and also catching up on the latest ballet gossip in the beautiful cafés here in Paris. But of course, the main excitement will be visiting the beautiful dancers backstage. Now, I have an idea for a ballet - with an entirely pink set, maybe called ‘The Pink Tutu’. It’ll take some thought, however! I have a whole team working on it right now! So I'll keep you updated. Oh, I forgot!
Of course, I won't forget about shopping for that new outfit for tonight's opera. I shall have the most fashionable gown. I may be quite a lot older than these women, but I always say, style doesn't know an age. You know it's always the most lovely time in Parisian fashion - this exquisite season! Now, the question is – which pink hat will it be?
It is the start of autumn, so that's perfect! The leaves are turning – oh, they’re such a pretty colour - and I find myself already thinking about my winter ballet outfit for my Christmas shows back in Derbyshire! You can see that I am starting to work ahead for my next season. What would life be like without ballet?! I find myself so grateful every single day for my tutus. There’s never a day I won’t be wearing one – either on the stage, in my studio, or for a special afternoon tea at one of my favourite places in Paris. You just can't go wrong! It is something every lady needs – regardless of age. There are many styles and fabrics – from silk and lace to tulle and feather-trimmed ribbons, but pink always gets the job done. There are many, many tutus that can easily be created to match almost any era. How fantastic to imagine tutus of every design and shape for every era! What a dream – pink in all its tutu-fied glory!
Well, my dear friends, this is a little piece of ballet magic from the world of Parisian fashion. It gives me the biggest feeling of pure joy just to think of the elegance of this historical era! A Parisian fashion story, it’s an absolute pleasure to share the beauty of this era with all of you, It truly is a journey to remember in the name of pink tutus, right?
Remember, if you have your own favourite Tutu Tuesday memory, please do tell – send your lovely photos or ideas to pink-tutu.com! My team reads every message – don't forget – #TutuTuesday
As always, my darling tutu-loving friends! See you next Tuesday, when we embark on yet another spectacular journey through the magical world of ballet history. You'll just love what I'm wearing! I have a new pink tutu design, based on 19th-century fashion – don’t you just love these designs? And yes! I can reveal… It has lace and even tiny pearls! You won't want to miss it! Oh, and don't forget – you’re always welcome to share a pink-tutu photo or post your favourite memories and dreams with all my fabulous Tutu Tuesdays followers – because ballet and fashion should be celebrated, shouldn't they!
And one last thing - keep those pink tutus spinning and keep spreading the magic of ballet. I truly believe that it makes the world a much more wonderful place! We should never forget to make time for our passions – and tutus, well, let’s be honest, are always such a big part of my world.
Until next time, my dear tutu enthusiasts, have a fabulous week!
Yours ever, Emma
The Pink Tutu Princess
(P.S. Please check out my new blog page - it has lots more exciting, historical adventures on tutus!)
www.pink-tutu.com - post number 3272
