Hello, darling dears! It's Emma here, back with another fabulous instalment of Ballet Tutu History, brought to you straight from the year 1896, all thanks to the wonders of time travel and my love for a good pink tutu!
Post Number 3377
My journey this week landed me in none other than Paris - the fashion capital of the world! Now, you might think tutus are all about England and the Royal Ballet, and yes, London is an important stop on the tutu timeline, but Paris has its own story to tell, darling! This is the place where some of the most famous ballet designers of the 19th century made their mark, creating the graceful silhouettes and romantic fabrics we still adore today!
Paris in 1896 was buzzing with artistic energy, especially at the Opéra Garnier. This iconic theatre, with its grand interiors and soaring ceilings, was the setting for ballet's most dazzling displays, where the most renowned dancers graced the stage in stunning tutus!
It's fascinating to see how, even in this era, tutus are so varied and intriguing. There's a romantic, almost ethereal quality to them, with gossamer layers of tulle and delicate floral details. They're not the super structured tutus we know today, with their precise tiers and dramatic layers – but rather airy and fluid, perfectly complementing the elegant movements of ballet.
Let's chat a little about fashion - 1896 was an era of long, flowing skirts, with opulent embellishments and vibrant colours. Imagine a ballet dress in a soft, pale blue silk, draped in layers with dainty lace, perfectly fitting the delicate shapes of the dancers. Now that is a dream!
This period also saw the rise of the ‘S-bend’ in fashionable silhouette. Remember the corsets?! And of course, those glorious beaded and embroidered bodices were worn as the ultimate expression of femininity, reflecting the intricate designs on the tutus of the time.
This evening I'm going to the Opéra Garnier for a spectacular performance! I cannot wait to see those magical tulle masterpieces come alive! Remember darling, every performance, every show is a piece of ballet history, waiting to be savored!
Coming up next Tuesday...
Where will my pink tutu take me next week? It's a secret for now, but let's just say it involves some wonderful Ballet history from Italy. Don't forget to check in for all the exciting details.
Until then, keep twirling and never stop believing in the magic of tutus!
Happy #TutuTuesday, my lovely dears!
Love, Emma
Emma loves to shop, and she knows the best places to buy the latest fashion in the city of Paris:
Au Printemps: This elegant department store is a haven for the discerning shopper, offering exquisite garments, luxurious fabrics, and the finest in feminine accessories. It’s no surprise that a lady with impeccable taste like Emma would find herself happily lost in the halls of this magnificent establishment.
The Galeries Lafayette: Think lavish window displays and soaring ceilings – this is truly a temple of style. Imagine strolling through a dizzying array of hats, gloves, and Parisian gowns, all shimmering in the afternoon light. You can bet Emma would have found the perfect pink silk to trim her new tutu!
Maison Worth: This iconic fashion house, established in 1858, was the pinnacle of couture in Paris, creating the most exquisite dresses and gowns for royalty and the social elite. Imagine a custom-made tutu, dreamt up by Worth’s visionary designers, with cascading ruffles and shimmering lace – oh, darling! Emma would be head-over-heels for such a masterpiece!
Of course, a shopping expedition isn’t complete without a good spot of afternoon tea, is it? Emma recommends these two enchanting tearooms:
Angelina: Located on the Rue de Rivoli, this café is famous for its indulgent chocolate treats and aromatic hot chocolate, the perfect way to revive yourself after a day of shopping.
The Salon de Thé du Plaza Athénéé: This elegant establishment offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and the most delightful afternoon tea selection. With its ornate interiors and luxurious ambiance, you can be sure that Emma would feel perfectly at home.
Now, a bit more about 15th September, 1896…
What's happening on this very date in history? Well, it was a time of great social and technological change, with newspapers across the globe reporting on a range of topics:
The world was watching the progress of the Olympic Games in Athens. Even in 1896, the international community was drawn together by this extraordinary event. And what better way to celebrate victory than with a dazzling ballet performance!
There were also discussions of new inventions, particularly in the field of automobiles. Imagine a world where the horse and carriage is slowly giving way to the thrill of the motor car! How wonderfully modern, just like our lovely Emma!
Of course, fashion was a constant talking point. Everyone was discussing the latest trends and colours of the season, from the daring red velvet gowns to the delicate lace accents on all the best dresses. Just picture Emma browsing the boutiques in Paris, with a smile on her face and a perfect pink tutu twirling around her.
Remember, dear friends, every historical moment has a story to tell! I hope you enjoyed this #TutuTuesday, and stay tuned for another fascinating journey through the world of ballet. Until next week, happy dancing!
