#TutuTuesday: A Whirl Through Time to 1897!
Post #3428 - Welcome back, my darlings!
Oh, my, the weather has been simply divine! Sunshine streaming through my Parisian window, the scent of fresh croissants wafting from the bakery below - what a wonderful start to the day. Of course, a perfectly sunny day simply demands a splash of pink in your wardrobe. Just yesterday, I found the most delightful tulle in a little shop in the Marais, so delicate, it almost melted on the touch! And did I tell you about the rosebud ribbon I spotted on the Rue de Rivoli? It simply screamed "tutu" to me, so I scooped it right up.
But I digress, my darlings! We're not here to talk about my sartorial delights today. It's #TutuTuesday, and today, I'm taking you on a whirlwind journey through time! Today, I'm slipping on my very special time-travelling shoes and hopping on a steam train - the romance of travel is unmatched, especially with a view of the Seine sparkling alongside - and arriving at a truly pivotal moment in ballet history. It's September 7th, 1897.
As the air crackles with the excitement of the French capital, we step back to the era of waltzes and elegance, where even the simplest movements were infused with a breathtaking sense of artistry. Today marks a landmark in ballet, a moment where a legend was born - Anna Pavlova!
Can you imagine, darlings? This brilliant young ballerina, just beginning her illustrious career, is captivating audiences with her effortless grace and delicate beauty. Pavlova’s natural talent shines through, radiating on the stage, her artistry inspiring generations of ballerinas to come.
Now, 1897, the tutus of the time weren't quite as billowing and airy as the modern ones we know and adore today, but oh my, how graceful and stylish they were! Imagine layers of soft tulle, held up by delicate ribbons, a vision of elegance that truly embodied the feminine spirit. The shorter skirt length of the late 19th century gave a sense of light and airy freedom to every move.
Let's imagine ourselves, darling, as Parisian ladies, in our own silk blouses and intricately laced bodices, perched in the plush red velvet seating of the theatre, awaiting the start of the show. The music swells, the curtain rises, and Pavlova steps onto the stage, a vision in a pale, shimmering pink tutu. The elegance, the grace, the utter perfection... and that exquisite pink - it simply brings tears to my eyes.
Today, I'm also taking a moment to admire a real icon, someone who, in 1897, made tutus more prominent than ever - La Belle Otero. With her scandalous, rebellious personality, La Belle Otero defied expectations with daring costumes and dazzling dance routines. It is said she even designed her own flamboyant costumes, often incorporating shimmering and billowing tulles, even including sequins and sparkling accents, foreshadowing the trends to come!
But enough of historical musings, darling! I must return to the present and enjoy the wonderful city of Paris. I'm planning a little shopping spree for the afternoon and maybe even a ballet class. The ballet scene in Paris is buzzing! There is such a wonderful vibrancy and energy in the air, an insatiable thirst for movement and expression, all fuelled by the love of this incredible art form.
So my loves, if you are feeling inspired by today’s #TutuTuesday journey, don’t hesitate to get your own creative juices flowing! Try adding a splash of pink to your everyday attire, whether it's a pink scarf or a delicate pink bracelet. Even the tiniest hint of this feminine hue will instantly elevate your style! And don't forget, dancing is always a wonderful way to embrace your inner ballerina! So slip on your ballet shoes and spin!
Until next week, darlings, keep dancing your dreams and let the pink tutu magic guide you!
Bisous, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com