#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1898-09-13

Hello dears, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, pink-tutu.com. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday, and you know what that means! A little trip back in time to discover the glorious history of our beloved ballet tutus. Today, we're hopping aboard the Orient Express and heading to a very special place, because darling, this Tuesday is all about the Paris Opera Ballet.

This blog post is number 3481 (who knew I had been blogging for so long, gosh!) and I must admit, even I felt a shiver of excitement as the engine of this old train finally churned to life. Just imagining all the incredible Parisian tutus and the lovely fashion that would await me!

Oh, but before I take you back in time, have you picked up your Pink Tutu Kit yet? (Available exclusively at www.pink-tutu.com!) The latest additions are a set of adorable pink sparkly tights with matching pink gloves! A girl can never have too many pairs of pink tights, can we?! They go with EVERYTHING. Especially our stunning tutus, and that's what we are here for, don't you think?

I’m here in Paris today, and on the 13th September, 1898, everyone's eyes were on the Paris Opera Ballet! It's like a dream come true, a ballet dream! You know, we all love our ballet, it's the very best in theatre! Oh, how I wish I could whirl around with these elegant dancers. It must be pure bliss!

You see, the Paris Opera Ballet wasn't just any ballet, it was like a star of the stage, dazzling everyone with its stunning performances! This was a time when dance truly was art and everything was very refined, as all good art should be. I simply must try to see one of their shows this week! Oh, won’t it be the perfect end to my day! Just thinking about the beauty of these amazing performances is heaven itself!

Do you know who is one of my absolute favourite dancers in this whole entire universe? It's gotta be Isadora Duncan. Can you imagine! Imagine if I had been a dancer around then - oh! Maybe I'll have to wear a special Isadora Duncan-inspired outfit for this week’s performances.

She has her own style, very loose and free, nothing like these classical Parisian ballets with all their perfectly timed steps! Oh! It’s so exciting to see that the fashion of dancing changes, and each dancer has her own signature style! I simply can’t get enough of all of it. I even want to try and make some costumes in this style at home, for a special new ballet ensemble, if you know what I mean! But now back to Isadora, if you please! She is absolutely, totally, wildly passionate, you just feel her expression as she dances, so very emotionally moving and quite frankly... dare I say it… divine! I really need to start planning a trip to London to catch her at the theatre… a true masterpiece of performance.

Isadora, though, didn’t really go with these long, fluffy tutus - no, they weren’t her style! She was about expressing your deepest, darkest emotions, about movement in a different style than just swirling and twirling! So revolutionary and such a perfect example of an icon, a real leader. But this does not mean I don't absolutely adore tutus, darling. Absolutely not! In fact, her not wearing a tutu makes it so exciting, for every single dancer out there, we are all so lucky to have the choice - wear a tutu if you like, or be free like Isadora - a dance revolution!

Speaking of tutus… Oh, the ones the Paris Opera Ballet were sporting back then! Such magnificent beauty - long tutus, and so many layers of soft tulle. This was really what they were about in 1898 - those very very long flowing tutus! What I love most about these tutus is the perfect fullness around the skirt - making you look so elegant, and absolutely exquisite as you dance around. The look of absolute classic ballet! And guess what, it’s going to be so much fun finding some of these beautiful designs in antique shops here. What better souvenir for a true Tutu Queen?

While I’m in Paris, what’s a great fashion fan to do but grab a seat in a charming little cafe with a perfectly divine cappuccino and browse a magazine? Just like that, I can transport myself back in time, simply fabulous. And just look at this article here - so much information about Parisian theatre - the plays and operas in full swing! I am just obsessed with all things opera, such elegance. Just to put my feet on the stage with a perfectly tailored and sparkly costume... a complete dream. Well, just as I was about to order my croissant (but wait, I can never resist pastries - even back in time!), I see an interesting ad in this fashion journal, about an absolutely stunning new Tutu - it has 15 layers of silk! It's called “The Grand Tourbillon,” can you believe it?! I can just imagine all the twirls… My dream outfit! Just how I would imagine a tutu to be, full of elegant twirling power!

Now, off to the boutiques, darlings. I must have this Grand Tourbillon. Who knows what other magical fashions will appear. Now this is what I call a true Fashionista Adventure!

Oh darling, before we go, don’t forget - Tutu Tuesday happens every Tuesday. I just love exploring the tutu’s place in ballet history! I do, though, have another super special little project for next week’s post – can you guess what it’s going to be about? Let me know your ideas, and feel free to comment on what tutu styles you love!

Well, off I trot now, my train awaits and I have so much exploring to do.

Until next week, don't forget to spread the pink tutu love!

Lots of pink,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com