Hello my lovelies! It's your favourite Derbyshire girl Emma, back with another delve into the fabulous world of the ballet tutu! Today, I'm taking us all the way back to 1898. We're in Paris, darling, the city of lights and love (and, of course, the very heart of ballet). Imagine the beautiful, gas-lit streets, the smell of fresh bread wafting from bakeries, and the excitement of the latest ballet production... that's what I get to experience this Tuesday!
Now, if you were to time-travel with me to the Paris Opera Ballet (just picture it, my darlings!), the tutu would have been in full swing. It's 1898, so we're still firmly in the Romantic era of ballet. Picture those long, flowing, shimmering tulle skirts, swirling and billowing with every graceful arabesque. Oh, the romance! This style of tutu was actually born in the mid 19th century. Before that, you were looking at heavier, more fitted designs - and let's be honest, those don't have the same, shall we say, "tutu" factor!
Think about it - it's a time when women are starting to break free from rigid societal expectations, expressing themselves through movement, and what better way to symbolise this newfound freedom than through the tutu? It's flowing, it's whimsical, it's truly enchanting! Imagine yourself whirling and twirling on stage in a perfect cascade of pale pink tulle. (Oh, it's absolutely heavenly, trust me!* *Imagine it with me darling!
Speaking of pink, my loves, you simply have to visit the grand department stores in Paris, they are absolutely magnificent! From the elegant boudoirs of La Samaritaine to the opulent corridors of Printemps, every shop floor bursts with the latest trends. Imagine silk and lace galore! Now, it's the turn of the century, and pink is huge for a stylish Parisian, so we have to include that in our vision of what the Paris ballerina would be wearing under that graceful Romantic tutu. And the feather boas! Don't forget the feathers. Think bouffant hair, beautiful satin shoes with tiny ankle ribbons, and elegant makeup. Darling, it's a vision of femininity!
Of course, the actual ballet of 1898 was not simply about the tutus. It's about telling stories through dance, about love and loss, about fantasy and reality. We're talking Giselle, La Bayadère, Swan Lake - all classics, my darlings, with grand pas de deux, elegant costumes, and exquisite choreography.
You see, tutus, and ballet itself have an incredible power to transport you to another time and place. And the Paris Opera Ballet is a wonder, full of energy, and captivating stories told through movement.
If you're fortunate enough to be in Paris this November, the Ballet is still going strong. But the good news, darlings, is that ballet is an art form enjoyed all around the world. You don't have to time travel to be transported by the power of a beautifully-worn tutu. Check out your local theatre or dance school, and let the magic of ballet work its wonders! And for a little extra TutuTuesday magic, put on your favourite tutu, pick out a lovely pink outfit and get moving to your favourite tunes! It’s a way of connecting to a history that inspires us all. Don’t forget to take pictures and share your style!
Stay tuned, my dears, for more #TutuTuesday blog posts! I’m absolutely thrilled to share this passion with you, my loves!
Your pink-loving Emma x
