Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! Can you believe weâre in 1897 already? Time seems to be flying by like a pirouette gone wild, and honestly, Iâm loving every single minute of it! My journey to uncover the amazing history of the ballet tutu has taken me to some truly dazzling destinations. This week, we find ourselves in none other than the fabulous city of Paris!
Paris, the City of Lights, is the absolute heart of ballet. You just can't talk about tutus without a deep dive into its opulent dance halls and elegant theaters. Trust me, youâve just got to add a Parisian adventure to your own tutu-tastic travel list! (Donât worry, Iâll be sharing some top travel tips in a future post).
Speaking of my adventures, did I tell you about my journey to Paris? Honestly, the train journey was absolute bliss. The smell of fresh linen, the rhythm of the tracks, the delicious French pastries I snuck aboard â pure perfection! Thereâs just something so luxurious about train travel that you don't get with, say, a sweaty tube ride.
But back to our topic of the day â tutudom, darlings! March 30th, 1897. What an absolutely momentous day for ballet history! This very date, 126 years ago, saw the birth of one of the greatest ballerinas of all time: Anna Pavlova. Now, anyone who knows their ballet history will tell you Pavlova is a legend. She graced the worldâs stages for decades, bringing an ethereal grace and dazzling skill to the art of ballet. And wouldnât you know it, this remarkable woman is inextricably linked with tutus.
Let me explain. Before Pavlova, the ballet tutu was already evolving from the big, billowing skirts of the romantic era. However, it was Pavlova who truly cemented the iconic image of the delicate, multi-layered tutu that we see in modern ballet.
Imagine, dear readers, this wispy tulle skirt, almost ethereal in its movement, swirling and floating around her as she danced. Just magical, wouldnât you say?
Speaking of magic, remember what I said about my life mission being to inspire everyone to wear pink tutus? Well, in 1897, pink is truly the colour du jour! Paris was practically overflowing with it. Hats, ribbons, flowers, and yes, even some absolutely divine tutus, were all in vibrant hues of pink! My latest find at a lovely vintage shop near the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es was a breathtaking pink lace fan that I simply had to snatch up!
Now, I know you're dying to know what Parisian fashion is like in 1897. Youâre thinking âEmma, did you find a tutu or two, eh?â. Well, darling, you just *know I had to do some shopping, donât you? And the stores here have some absolute treasures! Let's talk style. I spotted some fabulous frocks in a dazzling array of colours: bold turquoise, creamy ivory, and that gorgeous Parisian red you simply can't resist. But I must admit, my heart is still stolen by the delightful shade of pink - just so whimsical!
This trip is all about indulging in the glorious fashion trends of the era, but what is 1897 really like? Well, the city is bustling with energy, full of exciting discoveries to be made around every corner. We have incredible inventions like the telephone making lives easier (though I am worried itâs affecting the quality of our snail mail correspondence, ha!), and horse-drawn carriages whizzing through the cobbled streets, transporting the fashionable folk to grand soirĂ©es and intimate gatherings.
I have a whole list of delightful things to explore in Paris, and I know youâll love hearing about it, dear readers! Think delicious pastries, extravagant balls and galas (so much dancing! And oh, the tutus!), and even a visit to the prestigious Paris Opera. We have an exclusive peek at rehearsals for Swan Lake, which will be a simply spectacular show, you wonât believe the beauty!
Oh! And speaking of shows, this week in Paris is particularly thrilling. One of the absolute stars of Parisian opera, the great Emma CalvĂ©, will be performing at the Paris Opera in an opera called La Gioconda, a truly stunning piece of music. She's absolutely divine, my darlings! Her voice is like liquid gold, and she wears the most exquisite costumes that really take you to a whole other world! Youâll see me there, front row with my opera glasses and a magnificent new pink tutu (which is just waiting for you to hear all about in the next post).
For now, darling readers, I must dash. I have a beautiful silk hat to choose, and a date with a charming local who, believe it or not, thinks a tutu is simply the most dashing piece of clothing on a woman! It goes to show you, my dearest tutudom fans, how much things can change! Even men are finally embracing the wonders of the tutu! Stay tuned for more Parisian adventures next week â and until then, never stop believing in the power of pink and the elegance of a perfectly styled tutu.
Love and twirls,
Emma xx
P.S. Did you love this post? Don't forget to share your tutu-filled stories with us in the comments below! #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #Paris #EmmaCalve #PinkTutuLove
