Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another thrilling #TutuTuesday! Today, we're going on a trip back in time to June 28th, 1898, and oh, what a journey it will be! We're stepping into the glittering world of ballet and uncovering the stories hidden within those swirling tutus.
I've just finished an exhilarating ballet performance at the Paris Opera. My dear friend Marie is dancing in the Corps de Ballet and her graceful pirouettes and flawless precision simply stole my breath away. The sheer elegance of the show is utterly breathtaking. But have you ever wondered about the story of those magnificent tutus? Where did they come from? Why are they such an iconic part of ballet?
As I sat watching Marie glide across the stage in her delicate, feather-light tulle gown, my mind drifted back to the history of this iconic piece of ballet costume.
Back in the late 19th century, the tutus we know today were just starting to evolve. In 1898, ballet tutus weren't quite as we know them now - there was less focus on extreme shortness. It was a time of refinement and grandeur in the world of ballet. The tutu was not about exposing limbs but about enhancing the dancer's every movement. Think layers upon layers of soft tulle, creating a magnificent swirling effect around their bodies.
Today, tutus are practically synonymous with ballet. They represent the elegance, grace and athleticism of the dancer. They’re practically woven into the very fabric of the art form.
Can you imagine ballet without the magnificent pouffe of tulle that creates the perfect visual statement with every pirouette, every graceful plié? The idea is to draw the eye upwards to the graceful movements of the ballerina’s arms and torso, highlighting every gesture with a swirl of white fabric.
But in 1898, while the tutu was becoming a cornerstone of ballet, the world wasn't yet adorned with a vibrant kaleidoscope of colourful tutus. Think delicate shades of blush pink, pristine white, and the occasional splash of muted lavender or pale blue. They didn't have the variety we see today, with their riot of colour, even a bit of playful pink tulle mixed in!
We might think the colour pink wouldn't be so obvious back then. We are living in the era of colour explosions and the bold expression of personality. Back in 1898, you would have been much more likely to see pastels – and if a dancer was daring to push boundaries, she would dare to add a little pink to her pale lavender or blush white tutus.
But let me tell you, my friends, pink is everywhere these days – even at the opera! You just need to have your eyes open to see its magic! There is the rosy glow on the dancers’ cheeks, a gentle pink tinge on the silken curtains, even a few ladies sporting pink roses as hair adornments. It’s there, all you have to do is seek it out!
As I gaze across the theatre, I can’t help but wonder if we will be seeing more pink in ballet. Imagine a stage bursting with the colour of love, the colour of femininity! The elegance of the classic tutu, adorned with the whimsical grace of my favourite shade? Oh, the sheer possibilities! And speaking of possibilities – where do you think our tutu journey will lead next? Is it time for a tutu of electric blue or perhaps even a stunning shade of crimson? Do let me know your thoughts.
To end on a fashion note, I am absolutely thrilled by the fashions here in Paris. I am positively smitten by the elaborate bonnets, the lavish feather boas, and those simply stunning embroidered dresses! Oh, if I only had time to shop more, perhaps a visit to a milliner to admire those stunning bonnets… but that is a story for another day!
As always, my darlings, I leave you with a little ballet-related thought to ponder upon: what kind of tutu best suits you? I know my pink tutus suit me beautifully, don’t you?
Until next #TutuTuesday, keep twirling and keep those smiles shining! And, don’t forget to embrace the power of a little pink magic!
Love always,
Emma
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