Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday. I hope this finds you twirling and happy in a swirl of pink tulle. Today, my time machine whisks me back to a very special date: March 9th, 1897, just as the Victorian Era was starting to shimmer into something a bit more daring.
Let me tell you, darling, even back then, tutus were absolutely the thing for every fashion-forward ballerina! The grandest stages were aglow with these beautiful creations, each a whisper of the grace and artistry within. Of course, it wasn't just about the look - tutus allowed dancers a freedom of movement we simply cannot imagine today. Imagine a ballet dancer gracefully gliding across a stage with such a full, flowing skirt! It would be a visual treat for the ages.
Now, let’s journey back in time, shall we?
I'm standing in Paris, darling! Oh, this city, so brimming with style, fashion, and theatre! There’s nothing like watching a performance at the Opera Garnier, where every dancer moves like a wisp of a dream, their tutus swirling with each arabesque.
Paris in 1897 was abuzz with excitement – there's a real energy to the air, an undeniable spark of creativity. And it's all about dance, darling! This is a city where people flock to theatres every night for a taste of enchantment and artistic flair.
Now, March 9th itself is rather special. We had the exquisite Anna Pavlova dancing in Giselle. The air crackles with anticipation as Anna steps onto the stage, her tutus flowing like a shimmering wave. Such a sight to behold, and to think I have the incredible privilege of watching this beauty in its purest form!
Don’t think these are just ordinary tutus, darling. Every layer of tulle, every delicate stitch tells a story of skill and artistic vision. We're talking intricate patterns and exquisite details! The finest embroidery adds a touch of grandeur and luxury to each piece. And you know how much I adore luxurious embellishments!
Speaking of Paris, and luxury, my darlings, imagine my delight in visiting the fabulous shops, particularly the one belonging to the esteemed Mme. Worth, known for creating the most exquisite gowns and…tutus! I'm just waiting for her shop to open its doors, to let me lose amidst the exquisite silk, velvet and, of course, the most delicate layers of tulle. Every one of these creations is a work of art – pieces designed to move gracefully on the stage, but as gorgeous and bold to wear out on the streets.
Yes, darlings, my vision of a pink tutu-wearing world has always included seeing them on the streets, and I dare say even in 1897, the Parisian ladies were on board with a splash of bold colours and even bolder fashion!
To continue the fashion theme, think black velvet gowns with flowing pink tulle tutus. This is an absolutely divine look, fit for any fashion-forward Parisian lady with a dash of boldness and a yearning for a splash of pink in their wardrobe. A perfect combination of elegance and femininity.
This is where the true charm lies, darling. This is where we begin to see the evolution of a style. These graceful forms, these swirling skirts - they weren't simply confined to the ballet stage. They began to ripple through society, their impact a gentle whisper turning into a resounding roar of pink-tutu-infused fashion.
The ballet itself is a breathtaking experience. I had the honour of seeing Giselle for the very first time. A breathtaking spectacle of drama, romance and stunning dance, made even more beautiful by the elaborate tutus dancing alongside it. And what’s even more fantastic is that this style was taking root outside the confines of the ballet studio.
It's this connection to both beauty and function that makes tutus so captivating, darling. It isn't just about fashion, although fashion does play a big role! It's about that ethereal lightness, a captivating swirl of femininity that sets a stage for stories, emotions and movements. Tutus became a way to tell a story through form and motion, the dance being a language that spoke without words.
As my travels across time end here today, it's clear that fashion doesn't stop at the year 1897, nor does it stop at the ballet studio! From Parisian fashion to Derbyshire’s bustling market towns, this passion for tutus continues!
Now, darlings, go out there and twirl, make your mark in pink, and join me next week for another time-hopping, pink-tutu-tastic #TutuTuesday. Until then, remember, there's a ballerina in every one of you!
Yours in tulle, Emma
P.S. I am funded by my ballet performances so I have a grand dress and an incredible selection of pink tutus to suit every occasion! You are also most welcome to see me at my performances and my shop in London’s theatre district. Do take my time machine for a whirl around Paris, and be sure to watch the dancers in a flowing, pink tutu!
