Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! I'm Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast and chronicler of all things sparkly and twirly. This week, our #TutuTuesday journey takes us back in time to the glorious year of 1895! Imagine: no mobile phones, no internet, but thankfully, plenty of tutus. Now, pack your trusty steamer trunk and let's embark on a trip to Paris!
It's always exciting when our travels take us to the heart of ballet's heartland - Paris, of course! You see, Paris is where ballet is practically in the air, just waiting to be twirled in. Can't you practically hear the whispers of “Giselle”, “La Sylphide”, and “Swan Lake” filling the Parisian cafes and cobbled streets?
A Time For Dance and Dresses
Today is the 10th of September 1895, and the excitement of a new season at the Paris Opera Ballet hangs in the air, thick as a warm croissant! Imagine the spectacle, the chandeliers glinting, the hushed anticipation as the curtain rises! It’s a magical experience!
As you know, the Paris Opera is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the world. In fact, the very idea of the “tutu” we know and love today was being perfected at this time! Now, 1895 was a bit early for the super-short, diaphanous tutus that have graced our eyes on stage, but the designs were still quite magnificent. Think big, voluminous skirts in shimmering satin, layered over tulle with romantic and dramatic swirls!
My Fashion Must-Haves For a Paris Ballet
I, of course, am already planning my outfit! You see, you've simply got to get your attire right when you attend the ballet. Just imagine waltzing through the Opera House!
Imagine me, dressed in a fitted pale pink dress with a beautifully constructed skirt, flowing into a cascade of pale pink tulle for an elegant silhouette. Perhaps a dusting of lace at the neckline and, oh yes, a sweet, small straw boater hat perched atop my blonde hair, with a delicate, feather plume! For shoes, imagine dancing shoes (and perhaps slippers) tucked neatly within my purse - ready for any impromptu impromptu steps.
Of Course, a Pink Tutu is A Must!
But I just know I'll be tempted by the exquisite selection of ballet costumes and accessories available in the Paris shops! They say it was right about this time, in 1895, that shops specialising in "costumes" began springing up. Think: velvet bonnets, silk ribbons, frills and even miniature parasols! (which will be perfectly matched to my new, beautifully decorated little parasole!)
I've heard whispers of elegant feathered boas, lace shawls and long, gloves of lace. Just imagine the excitement of searching for a piece that truly defines your elegant personal style!
I do have one essential question to ponder, darling, as you'll all agree! Do we go for a delicate, blush pink, or an absolutely ravishing hot pink? Hmmm, maybe just both! The choices are overwhelming, in the most perfect way, of course!
A Ballet Must, In the Time of Trains
But before we step onto the train platform (ah, yes! Remember trains, my lovelies, where all the fashionable ladies and gentlemen journey across Europe), we have a vital matter to discuss! For true enjoyment, nothing beats a delectable "Ballet Breakfast".
Imagine croissants dipped into creamy café au lait, the perfect start to your Parisian ballet escapade. Oh! and do be sure to savour a dainty brioche (perfectly toasted!), along with jam and clotted cream. Yes, an elegant, pre-balletic ballet breakfast must, before the most beautiful Parisian ballet!
Sharing My Travels Through Tutu Tales
Now, remember my dears, as the train takes me through the picturesque countryside, and as I share this special day in Paris, feel free to comment and let me know what you would be wearing to the ballet, what colours would be your must-haves? We all know, when it comes to tutus, you can never go wrong with pink!
See you next week for another wonderful, #TutuTuesday adventure!
With love, twirls, and a dash of Parisian sparkle,
Emma xx
