Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, and as usual, it's #TutuTuesday! This week, we're stepping back in time, way back to the glorious year of 1896, a time when tutus were not only an essential part of ballet performances, but were starting to become a cultural symbol, too! I can't think of anything more glamorous!
This is blog post number 3385 on the www.pink-tutu.com website - feel free to have a browse! Every week I share my tutu obsession, delve into the fascinating history of this iconic garment, and travel back to some of the most exciting eras in ballet history.
Now, I just can't resist a trip on the Orient Express to Paris! Oh, la la! Paris in the late 1800s was the heart of the ballet world. Every dance enthusiast flocked to see the amazing ballets that were being performed at the Opéra Garnier – which we all know was an incredibly glamorous affair! The best way to feel like a true Parisian is with a silk or velvet evening dress! And, naturally, the ultimate finishing touch is a delicate, multi-layered tutu – the puffier the better!
My journey took me straight to the stage of the Opéra Garnier where, in a truly incredible stroke of serendipity, I found myself on 10th November, 1896, the very day that the celebrated ballet-ballerina Anna Pavlova, made her stage debut. What an inspiration, a legend even at the start of her career!
The Ballet Boom:
1896 was an exciting year for the world of ballet. The Opéra Garnier had already earned its status as the ultimate ballet theatre and the whole city seemed to be entranced by this graceful art form. It was as if everyone in Paris was in a collective frenzy of tutus and swirling movements, with new ballet schools popping up every other month, all eager to educate a new generation of ballet-dancers. And let's be honest - who can resist the graceful flow of the dance?
And you know, this year wasn’t just about ballet – the whole fashion world was obsessed with tulle. The delicate fabric was all the rage, appearing in ball gowns, theatre costumes, and yes, you guessed it, tutus.
Parisian Chic with a Twist
One thing that sets Parisian fashion apart from all the rest, darlings, is its focus on individuality and personal flair. Think graceful, yet whimsical! This isn't just about elegant lines and precise movements, though - it's about creating a story, and about having the confidence to stand out in a crowd. So while a ballet tutu is a must-have for any Parisian wardrobe, there’s plenty of room for creativity and individuality. Think of different colours, decorative details and layers of fabric. Why not a tulle top paired with a sleek black skirt and a stunning, oversized flower hair accessory? Or perhaps a skirt fashioned from beautiful ribbons – all of these give that touch of the "Je ne sais quoi" that we so love!
I find the whole affair enchanting, a truly spectacular journey into a time where dance and style took centre stage! Imagine, a time when the only worry you had was about perfecting your fouettés and getting a stylish new dress, right before a wonderful Parisian soirée! What an exquisite time for an enthusiastic ballet enthusiast!
My Parisian Pick
Oh my darling readers, you just have to visit the "Musée des Arts Décoratifs" in Paris. I couldn’t resist adding a beautiful little châle to my Parisian collection, and it perfectly captures the essence of ballet. With a soft, shimmering, silky finish and embroidered flowers, it really adds that extra special touch!
And speaking of châles, just imagine twirling around in one whilst wearing a gorgeous blush pink tutu, and an adorable little bonnet! So very chaste! Oh my!
Back to the future:
I’ll be honest, darling readers. You’ve probably all already worked out that I’m a bit obsessed with pink and that all things glittery and sparkly get a huge thumbs up from yours truly. However, after having such a glamorous experience at the heart of 1890’s Paris, I think we can all agree that even though pink is certainly beautiful and feminine, it can be just a tad... too whimsical for every event! We all have to think of how we are feeling when deciding how we look, so as you go about choosing your outfits, just remember: Always have confidence! And always enjoy your outfit. We only get one life to wear our best.
But on that note, darlings, I’ve a show to catch this afternoon, but remember to follow www.pink-tutu.com for even more time travel #TutuTuesday blogs, I just adore the era we are heading to! I shall be here every Tuesday with more #TutuTuesday. Happy twirling!
P.S: What are your favourite tutu looks? Share them on our website's community page! I can't wait to hear all about them.
Emma
About the AuthorEmma is a passionate dancer from Derbyshire, England, and the mastermind behind Pink Tutu, an enchanting world dedicated to everything tutus! Emma's life revolves around twirling, ballet shows, fashion, and a healthy dose of pink. Emma is a seasoned time traveller who loves nothing more than exploring different eras through the lens of fashion and the art of dance, making it her life’s mission to help you wear your heart on your sleeve - and to rock a pink tutu whilst doing so! You can find Emma’s thoughts, travel stories and, of course, plenty of pink tutus, over on www.pink-tutu.com.
