Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-enthusiast, ready to take you on another whirlwind journey through the wonderful world of ballet history. It’s Tuesday, so you know what that means: a dash of pink and a swirl of tulle as we dive deep into the past!
Today, August 18th, 1896, we find ourselves smack bang in the heart of Parisian ballet. The grand Palais Garnier, oh the elegance, the history, the air of pure artistry! I'm picturing myself there now, right in the midst of the grand foyer, wearing a fabulous pink tutu of course, sparkling under the chandeliers, just soaking it all in!
And oh, the ballet tonight is The Nutcracker. The first performance in all of Paris! Now, I can already hear some of you whisper, "But Emma, The Nutcracker's a Christmas ballet!" And you’re absolutely right, dears. But the French premiere is happening a few months before the traditional holiday. Imagine that, the magic of Tchaikovsky and those lovely, twirling snowflakes amidst the Parisian summer. A delight for the senses, truly!
I bet there’s such excitement buzzing about Paris today. Every elegant carriage seems to be making its way to the theatre. Ladies in their finest ballgowns, gentlemen in impeccable suits, all ready for a grand night of enchanting ballet. Can’t you just picture the grand hall packed with patrons in evening wear, all waiting with anticipation for the curtain to rise? Now, that’s what I call a proper theatre night!
You might think that 1896 is way, way back, but when we talk about the history of tutus, we are really talking about evolution. The tutu as we know it is quite a young lady in the world of fashion. Now, back in 1896, the romantic tutus with long flowing layers, that we see in all those beautiful drawings and old photographs, were just becoming fashionable. It was the era of graceful movements and delicate pointework, a far cry from the streamlined and modern tutus we see today. But they were all just as dazzling!
Talking of dazzling, darling, you wouldn’t believe what’s new in the fashion world this season! The biggest news is the * *New ** Gibson Girl Silhouette. I mean, just picture this: a fitted bodice with puffed sleeves, and a skirt with all the fullness gathered at the back - it’s just divine.
There’s also a delightful new pattern circulating, called ‘Forget-me-not’. Imagine the soft blue shades, reminding you of summer blooms, perfect to wear to a ballet show, or a delightful afternoon in the park! And I can’t forget the lovely feathered fascinators – they’re all the rage!
So, you can see darling, just how much this century is evolving, and the ballet world is part of it! Back then, tutus, as a staple of the fashion world, weren’t common as they are today. You can see why, the romantic and graceful silhouette of these tutus really captured the hearts of fashion lovers.
You see, fashion back then was truly inspiring! It’s a stark contrast to our modern world of ‘throw-on-anything-you-find-in-your-closet’, isn’t it? And yes, we’ve come a long way from those long, flowing, and dramatic tutus. Nowadays, tutus have a more streamlined, minimalist style.
But let's be honest, a well-chosen, well-made, well-worn tutu, even in the modern world, can stop a crowded room. I've seen it happen with my own eyes, darling! And that's the true essence of a tutu, a magical combination of grace, elegance and just the tiniest bit of whimsy!
Now, I know I've just touched the tip of the iceberg today! There is so much more to talk about when it comes to ballet and tutus! But, before we go, a quick reminder – it's Tuesday, so let's remember what’s really important – Pink and Tutus. Remember, the world is your dance floor and everyone should own a pink tutu at least once!
So until next Tuesday, darling, let's keep our tutus in the spotlight and keep the spirit of ballet alive! Keep on twirling, keep on smiling and do send me your tutu photos!
Your friend in the world of pink tutus, Emma. 🩰
P.S Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more #TutuTuesday delights and don't miss my special series on the evolution of tutus, * From Romanticism to Modernity*, launching this week! xx
