Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday post. This week we're stepping back in time, all the way to the year 1898! Buckle up, my dears, it's going to be a whirl of elegance and frills!
My train journey this time took me to the very heart of Paris. The air buzzed with excitement - the Paris Opera Ballet, my absolute favourite! And you know me, I couldn't resist squeezing in a bit of shopping in the chic boutiques of the city before my ballet fix. Honestly, Parisian fashion is simply divine. They know how to make a lady look simply radiant. And, let's be honest, there's nothing more magical than seeing the exquisite costumes and the elegant movement on a Parisian stage.
Now, as I sashayed into the theatre for the evening performance, a thought struck me - what kind of tutus would the dancers be twirling in back in 1898? Let me tell you, it was a world away from the colourful, dynamic tutus we adore today!
In 1898, ballet was a far more structured affair. It was about classic elegance and restrained grace. The tutus of the time were primarily white, and for good reason - white represented purity, innocence, and elegance.
Imagine this - dancers gliding across the stage in billowing, white tulle, their bodies seeming to float rather than move! The tutus themselves were constructed in multiple layers, giving a fuller, more dramatic silhouette. No sequins or bold colours - the emphasis was on the fluidity and the dancer's beautiful form.
To give you a glimpse of what the dancers might have been wearing, a popular ballet in 1898 was "La Esmeralda". Imagine those shimmering, swirling skirts - perfect for creating a fantastical effect on stage. Just the thought makes my inner ballerina yearn to whirl around!
Speaking of La Esmeralda, this particular date - May 24th - was a truly magical one. You see, the Parisian stage was alive with the story of La Esmeralda, and the public were simply enthralled. For a time traveler like me, it's a chance to peek into the heart of an iconic performance!
However, even though tutus were quite restrained at this time, there was a certain charm to the simpler style. There's something so romantic about those crisp, white tutus. They exuded a delicate femininity that could melt your heart. And let's be honest, those tulle layers look simply fabulous when spun around on the stage. It was a magical time, and if you could travel back in time, it would be an exquisite treat.
Now, for you lovely readers, I know you're bursting to don your own tutus, no matter what style! Why not go for a traditional, white, romantic look? Think billowing layers and simple elegance. You could even embrace a "La Esmeralda" theme - imagine twirling in a vibrant, flowing tutu, representing that mystical, carefree spirit!
But remember, tutus are not just for ballerinas, darling! Embrace them for all their beauty! Wear a pink one to a garden party, or perhaps a dazzling sequined one to a concert - the choice is yours!
That's it from me for this #TutuTuesday! Don't forget, I'm here every Tuesday with new tidbits of ballet history. And do share your own tutu experiences in the comments below!
Until next time,
Emma x
