Bonjour, mes amies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where the tutus are pink and the ballet shoes always shine! This is your darling Emma, fresh back from a whirlwind adventure in time and brimming with sartorial inspiration. Today we’re venturing back to the era of petticoats and panniers, ladies! That’s right, we’re stepping into the enchanting world of 1896, and wouldn't you know it, I have a truly sparkling ballet tutu revelation for you!
It feels rather odd, you know, being a Derbyshire girl who’s practically living out of a suitcase thanks to this extraordinary time-traveling gift. You’d think my family would have gone mad by now, what with me always being gone, popping in and out of eras like it's no trouble at all. However, I tell them it’s for research! A ballet tutu history book wouldn't write itself, wouldn’t it? But I do rather miss our cosy fireside evenings in Derbyshire! Especially the roast lamb… ( sigh ).
The Fashion Capital: Paris - Oh la la!
But enough reminiscing about the hills of Derbyshire – we have Parisian tutus to admire! Yes, my dear readers, the City of Lights is still very much the capital of fashion, even in 1896. The Parisian ballets are the very epitome of glamour, and their tutus - oh, they’re the dreamiest! They're voluminous and floaty, crafted from tulle, silk, and ribbons, each one a magnificent creation. I'm absolutely besotted by the way they billow and swirl, catching the light like sparkling snowflakes. I even snuck into a private dressmaking salon (shh! don't tell anyone!) and witnessed firsthand how those magnificent skirts are made. Hours of delicate work with a needle and thread, a real ballet of hands!
What Was Happening Today - 5th May 1896
On the 5th of May 1896, a dazzling spectacle of ballet unfolded in the city of Paris, and I just had to be there! Can you imagine? It was the premiere of "Le Roi des Aulnes", an enchanting fairytale ballet composed by Ernest Reyer. This is not your ordinary story about kings and queens, but a captivating tale set deep within the dark, mysterious forests. And guess who got to twirl her way through the misty forest scenes? None other than the exquisite Mathilde Kschessinska, Russia's famed prima ballerina! Imagine the grandeur, the spectacle, the exquisite costumes! She is a vision in white and silver, a real angel dancing on stage! Honestly, just talking about it sends chills down my spine! It was a performance fit for royalty, and you just knew every Parisian with any inkling of style had to be in the audience!
And speaking of royalty - did I mention Queen Victoria was still in charge? What a strong, magnificent queen! She has seen so much change and history during her reign. But you know what hasn’t changed? The love for all things fluffy, feminine, and oh-so-chic in the fashion world. And in the world of ballet? It just continues to sparkle, evolve, and fascinate us all.
The Tutu’s Role - So Much More Than a Dance Costume
Now, darling, you’re probably thinking - what has all this Parisian grandeur got to do with our little tutu blog? Well, that’s where it gets truly fascinating! In the 1890s, the tutu was more than just a dance costume – it was a true embodiment of feminine elegance. Imagine it, dear readers - a swathe of exquisite tulle, carefully stitched, and intricately layered to create a masterpiece of grace and ethereal beauty! And while they were certainly a bit heavier and more voluminous than their modern counterparts, they carried an undeniable romantic aura! Who wouldn’t be charmed by that?
What About Our Modern-Day Tutus?
Fast forward to our current century, and we've got tutus of all shapes and sizes. From the classic romantic tutu to the more playful contemporary versions - the sheer creativity is astounding! And what do I, your humble, tutu-obsessed blogger, find the most delightful? Pink, of course! A splash of vibrant, sunny pink against that dramatic tulle, it simply brings a smile to my face! And you can bet your ballet slippers that every time I travel to a past era, I pick up at least one vintage piece! Because believe me, even if we do think we are quite modern and independent, ladies - deep down, there's a bit of romantic, tutu-loving princess in all of us!
Join the Tutu Revolution!
So, what are we waiting for? Go find yourself a pink tutu, dear readers, whether vintage or brand new! Embrace your inner ballerina, feel the fluffiness, the movement, the sheer fun of twirling! It's a feeling you just can't replicate! I promise!
Oh, and don't forget to share your own #TutuTuesday photos on Instagram! We want to see your fabulously stylish tutus, be it classic, modern, or just plain fun! Until next time, happy twirling, and remember: Life's always better in a tutu!
XOXO, Emma
Don’t forget to join the conversation! What do you think of tutus? Do you have a favourite ballet performance from this era? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
