Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, and today we're taking a grand leap back to 26th June, 1895! This is #TutuTuesday and this week, we're diving into the glorious history of our beloved tutus. Now, grab a cuppa and prepare to be whisked away to a time when fashion was everything.
Paris, oh Paris!
This week, my trusty time machine has brought me straight to the heart of fashion and ballet, Paris. Can you even imagine? Cobblestone streets bustling with carriages, exquisite gowns swishing past and, of course, the enchanting Palais Garnier! Just a short waltz from the bustling boutiques of Rue de la Paix, the Palais Garnier, or "Opera Garnier" as it is known locally, was already a landmark and still stands today - such a marvel.
As I strolled down the Champs-Elysees, the grand avenue, in my fetching pink tutu, people were gazing with curious, but kindly eyes. Yes, the Parisians had never quite seen a tutu like this. I certainly caused a bit of a stir - I simply cannot help myself - pink is just so uplifting. Even if the fashion of the time was more modest with ankle length skirts and long, full-sleeved blouses, tutus were a common sight, not only at the Opera but at many balls and grand events. Just like we do today! I even saw a dashing gentleman dressed as a Shakespearean character in his finest attire with silk stockings and a bright-pink, frilly tutu! He didn't seem to mind that I gave him a playful wink and a charming 'bravo' from my little heart!
The day itself - June 26th, 1895 - was a significant one for the world of dance! Just imagine, it was the very day that renowned ballet dancer, Anna Pavlova, made her debut at the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg. I wish I could have been there, but I'm sure my tutu would have felt just at home amongst those glittering chandeliers and elegance!
I can just imagine this young Pavlova in her white tutu, pirouetting to the sound of the grand orchestra. Such grace, strength and expression... and how about that exquisite tulle? My mind was in a total whirl at the sight of so much dance magic and wonder! You could practically smell the excitement, couldn't you? Pavlova would later become famous around the world for her amazing talent - inspiring ballerinas across the globe for generations to come. A truly iconic moment in dance history! I bet she loved wearing her tutu just as much as I do. Pink or not, that is!
Tutus in the time of elegance
While we often associate tutus with classical ballet today, they had been evolving since the romantic ballet era, just a few decades earlier. Back then, they were a bit longer, almost a bell-shaped silhouette, allowing the ballerinas a fluidity and an ethereal feel, very different from our sleek modern-day costumes. It's wonderful to look back at how much change and evolution there has been, in ballet, and tutus, since this time! I just know that my beautiful pink tutu has something to say about that, don't you? And to think, these ladies were performing these magical dances in heavy, layers of fabric!
Let's have a quick tour through this fascinating period. Think bouffant skirts, flowing sashes, and elegant gowns... oh, the fashion! And we haven't even begun to talk about those gloriously boned corsets. We see those all the time today, even on the red carpet at The Oscars! I find myself fascinated by this era. You could simply be wearing a frock and yet, every movement was elegant, stylish and, of course, had its own unique grace!
This trip has definitely got me thinking... perhaps my tutu has a hidden message for us all! To me, tutus are about celebrating self-expression. When you're wearing a tutu, it's about taking ownership of who you are, your personality and expressing your creative spirit. After all, a tutu says to the world, 'I am a ballerina! Look at me twirling, look at my grace!' What could be more joyful!
A grand dance for you and me!
The spirit of ballet - this elegant expression of the body - is about grace and poise and a celebration of movement. So put on your favourite pink dress or pick out your favourite colour and be bold. Don't be afraid to let your own spirit shine! You'll be sure to create a little bit of ballet magic wherever you go. Don't forget to give your inner ballerina a moment to twirl! Even if you aren't wearing a tutu... your joy is contagious. And you know what? I bet if you gave your little inner ballet dancer a chance, you'd love it. Why not have a go? Be the joy in your day, let it sparkle, be vibrant, be bold... even a little bit mischievous. I've found my tutu to be a wonderful reminder of that. What a brilliant invention tutus are!
That's all for this week, my dears! Don't forget to hop on over to the website to see some pictures of the beautiful Palais Garnier and Paris, all in lovely pink hues, of course. Join me next #TutuTuesday, where we'll be journeying back in time to a place full of music and dancing!
Until next time, stay twirling, stay joyful and stay bright.
And, please, tell me all about your favourite ballet outfits and why you love to wear tutus - just like I love wearing mine - let me know, in the comments!
Until then, I hope that all my readers are dancing, twirling, and celebrating the joy of ballet and of course, that glorious tutu. I shall see you all very soon !
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
