Hello lovelies! It's Tuesday again, and you know what that means... drumroll... it's time for another fabulous dive into the wonderful world of ballet history with your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller!
This week, I've taken the express train (first class, of course!) back to 12th July 1898, a time when the theatre was positively buzzing with excitement for all things ballet!
Imagine, darling, a world without Netflix, where the only way to experience the magic of dance was to head to the theatre itself. Think plush velvet seats, the orchestra tuning up, and the anticipation that builds as the lights dim. Ah! Now that's the stuff of dreams!
Speaking of dreams, darling, today we're going to Paris, the heart of fashion and ballet in this era. Imagine cobbled streets, enchanting cafés, and beautiful women clad in elaborate gowns - the very image of elegance!
And where there's elegance, there's ballet. The Opéra Garnier, a truly spectacular building with intricate chandeliers and opulent decor, was THE place to be for ballet in 1898. Now, I haven't got the time (nor the wardrobe!) to fully immerse myself in 19th-century Parisian fashion (although darling, a girl can dream of waltzing through the grand ballrooms of the time!), but today's spotlight is on a very important topic - tutues!
Tutues in 1898
1898, ladies and gents, is a particularly interesting time in the history of tutues. You see, back then, tutues weren't just about being pretty, they were about practicality! They allowed ballerinas to move freely and with a certain lightness, allowing them to execute those intricate pirouettes and graceful leaps we all adore!
The tutues of this time were made with layers and layers of delicate tulle, which flowed and moved with every step. It took a real skill to create these elaborate garments, and they truly reflected the artistry and craftsmanship of the time. They also, of course, looked absolutely divine!
And who wore them? Oh, so many captivating stars! But one ballerina who is very special to me is the incredible La Belle Otero, who's considered a true icon of this era. I actually had the good fortune to see her perform when I travelled to 1900 Paris, darling. Imagine, it was "La Belle Epoque"! And let me tell you, she was every bit as breathtaking and captivating as you'd imagine! The woman, the elegance! You wouldn't believe the amount of sparkle and feather boas! She really embodied everything that was glamorous about Paris and ballet in that era!
Our Tutus Now:
You know me, lovelies! I adore how far ballet has come, and how tutu designs have evolved over the years. While the tutus in 1898 were often romantic and soft, nowadays we see much more variety and bold choices! And I love it! Imagine, you've got those sleek, modern tutus perfect for contemporary ballet, and those whimsical tutus with beautiful, colorful layers and embellishments, that give you those whimsical, storybook vibes.
I often think about how important the tutu is, not just for a ballet performance, but also as a powerful symbol of femininity and grace! It makes me thrilled to be wearing my own little pink number every Tuesday and I encourage you all to try wearing pink (or even pink with some other colour!) when you dance!
Now darling, I must dash! The express train to next Tuesday is waiting, and I'm off to discover another captivating ballet-related event!
Until next time, my lovelies, stay stylish and keep dancing!
Emma
XOXO
PS: You can join me every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com for more Ballet Tutu History! It's so much fun to dive into the past together! And remember: "Tutus make everything better!"
