Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own pink-tutu clad time-travelling ballet enthusiast, back with another #TutuTuesday for your delightful perusal. Today we’re heading back to 1896, a year bursting with fashion and excitement, much like our beloved ballet itself. As always, make sure to follow my pink tutu journey on my darling website www.pink-tutu.com!
This week, I’m skipping down the streets of Paris, darling! This city, ahhh, it’s the heart of everything fabulous, wouldn’t you agree? I’m perched on the steps of the Opéra Garnier, watching the world go by and picturing the grand performances that must have graced its stage. The 22nd of September was a Tuesday, and so of course I’m channeling my inner ballerina and savouring this slice of ballet history.
A Little About Ballet in 1896:
While we’re indulging in the wonder of this historical date, let's have a little chat about what ballet looked like in 1896. It was a year that marked a shift towards more realism and drama on the stage, a change led by none other than the visionary Marius Petipa! He was truly a visionary. Oh my! His influence stretched across continents, with even the mighty Russians embracing the allure of dramatic storylines within their ballet routines. Imagine!
Ballet’s elegance, grace and story-telling were finally embraced by the wider world! They even had a lovely thing called 'le décolleté' in these times. The ballet bodices in those days would be oh so beautiful with their lower cut line which would allow a glimpse of a lady’s décolletage, wouldn’t you say? We see their influence now, darling, all those elegant cut out styles which we wear today on the dance floor! It's amazing how fashions come back round, isn't it!
What To Wear In Paris: The Parisian Elegance:
In 1896, Paris was in the midst of a fashion revolution. My word! Women were embracing the art of fashion! The iconic fashion designer, Paul Poiret, had revolutionized ladies fashion and ladies wear! I simply had to see for myself, my dear, so of course, I embarked on a whirl through some of the most enchanting boutiques of this era. You know, I simply couldn't resist a vintage couture piece in a soft shade of pink! Imagine a delightful, silky bodice and a wide flowing skirt – I’m picturing a gorgeous ivory satin gown that gently shimmers as you twirl, darling!
Oh! Imagine pairing such an elegant outfit with a stunningly embroidered feather boa for a touch of flamboyance! Those hats with their ribbons, those beautifully delicate flowers! I have to say it - we just had so much fun in the early 1900s! What a great age, really, for fashion, wouldn't you say?!
The Glamour Of The Train Journey:
Since this trip, I was travelling all the way from Derbyshire, I had a simply delightful train journey from England to Paris. These early railway carriages, although quite quaint by today’s standards, were wonderfully romantic. My journey from London to Dover and then onwards across the English Channel - simply marvellous. Can you imagine being soothed by the rocking motion as the train gently trundled through the picturesque English countryside, while sipping on delicious hot tea?
And of course, my travelling tutu, oh how I loved to twirl around as the landscape whizzed by. That's why, on this beautiful, sunny day, I have paired my pink tutu with a little hat trimmed in ribbon, an ivory silk bolero jacket and a stunning silk shawl. As we travel back in time, it's wonderful to learn about fashion and how even travelling could be a catwalk opportunity for ladies like me!
Don’t Forget To Support The Performing Arts:
And of course, with ballet always being the highlight of my life, it wouldn't be a trip to Paris without catching a performance! Today, I saw a fantastic, heartwarming production - 'La Belle Hélène', based on a mythological Greek story. Now darling, you wouldn't believe how this musical satire caught the Parisian audience's heart and I absolutely adored it.
The grandeur, the vibrant colours of the costumes, the choreography, oh, just glorious! But perhaps the biggest revelation was that it's vital we all continue to support our beloved ballet. A performance like that is an absolute gem of human expression and artistic ingenuity!
It’s something we can cherish and share with generations to come, darling. And with my trips, who knows? Maybe you will too! That’s my mission. I'm a tutu enthusiast but it’s a joy to see so many passionate artists creating these wonderful shows and stories to enrich the lives of so many people. Don't forget to get your ticket to see a ballet show and remember that there's a #TutuTuesday coming each week!
Oh, but I do wish that we were back in 1896, so I could embrace the elegant beauty of Paris. I simply must make time for a trip there soon! Until then, keep your tutus twirling, darling! I’m off to enjoy another one of my famous, divine cupcakes, as it wouldn’t be #TutuTuesday without them, would it?
Catch you next Tuesday for another whirlwind adventure through time!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
This post was blog post 3378 on www.pink-tutu.com.
