Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darling readers! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, and this week we're taking a trip back to 1899! Buckle up, because this one's going to be a real fashion frenzy!
This is post #3497, and for those of you who are new around here, every Tuesday I embark on a whirlwind adventure through history, sharing my insights on the evolution of our beloved tutus. I'm like a ballerina version of H.G. Wells, only instead of a time machine I travel through the magic of ballet performances. Plus, mine always have a fabulously fluffy pink tutu involved, so that's a plus, right?
Today's journey takes us to... drumroll… Paris, the City of Lights! A place that is always bubbling with creative energy and the latest trends. This time period in Parisian ballet is all about extravagance, darling. Imagine feathers, lace, jewels - think "Moulin Rouge" but make it ballet!
This era is truly the "golden age" for tutus! They are getting ever more elaborate, more layers, more frills! Remember, we're just at the dawn of the 20th century, so think big and bold! The ballet stage is becoming a showcase for dramatic silhouettes and the tutu is right at the heart of this beautiful evolution!
As I slip on my vintage, hot pink tutu, feeling like a real Parisian fashionista, let's delve into the exciting world of Parisian ballet around 1899:
The Dance of Style: What's New in the Tutu World?A Touch of the Romantic: While Romantic tutus - long, flowing, and dreamy - are still prevalent, 1899 sees the birth of a new, exciting evolution! Think "classical tutu" with a touch of "modernism". You can almost picture the dancers twirling like delicate butterflies with this combination, can't you?
Lace & Frills & Lots of Flourishes!: Think "more is more," my darlings! 1899 was a year of exuberant tutu-making with a focus on layers upon layers of tulle, satin, lace, and frills. Imagine swirling, voluminous tutus, a whirlwind of colour and detail! Just picture the glittering fabric billowing as the dancers pirouette – pure magic!
"More is More" for Accessories, Too: You know I adore accessorising a tutu, so get ready to gasp! Large bows, sparkly jewelled details are making an appearance – and more importantly, lots of feathers are appearing on those Parisian tutus! Just imagine those feathers dancing in the air with every graceful turn. Truly a spectacle!
And the colour... Oh darling! This is the year of bold colour! Think electric blues, deep emerald green, and vibrant reds, all in silky smooth materials that catch the stage lights like rainbows! My fellow tutu lovers, there is never too much colour in my book! And these French tutus? They are positively bursting with colour and vibrancy!
The Palais Garnier Opera House is a real hotbed for the very latest tutus. Oh darling, this is one of the most fabulous locations to watch ballerinas twirl and dance. Imagine, ladies and gents, plush velvet seats, gaslights shimmering, the air abuzz with anticipation, and then - the curtain rises revealing dancers in these spectacular, multi-layered tutus! Absolutely magical!
Think La Bayadère (that's a true gem!), Swan Lake, and especially, The Sleeping Beauty! These ballerinas are moving in graceful waves, the music swirling with the movements, the stage lit by gaslight casting a dreamy golden glow over everything.
There's an electric atmosphere that permeates the whole experience, making the Parisian ballet world a place where everyone dresses up, gets swept away in the romanticism of it all, and truly, makes everyone wish they could twirl like a ballerina in their own fabulous tutu!
But it's not just about the performances, darling! It's about the whole experience:- Getting Dressed: Shopping for that perfect ballgown or evening outfit for a ballet performance is like entering a fairytale! And just imagine, finding that one gorgeous, silky fabric, the colour just so perfect, then having your personal seamstress transform that into the perfect tutu to match! Pure delight, isn't it? And those accessories… so much sparkle! My fellow tutu-enthusiasts, you can just see how fabulous the people of Paris must have looked during a night out at the opera.
- A Chic Night Out: It's all about looking and feeling glamorous! Elegant ladies and gentlemen are there to admire the dancers and indulge in the whole spectacle. The Parisian crowd dresses to impress - think sharp tailoring, glittering gowns, top hats and, of course, tu-tu tutus for ladies bold enough! After the performance, everyone is swept up in the thrill of discussion about the dance, the music, the drama – and the dazzling fashion!
The whole experience of 1899 Parisian Ballet just makes me want to slip on my pink tutu, dance through the streets of Paris, and grab a spot at the most fabulous café to enjoy some lovely café au lait and people watch! It’s not hard to imagine what it’s like to be part of the crowd heading to the Palais Garnier, all excited about a wonderful night of dance and spectacle!
It makes you wonder: why are tutus such a popular, iconic piece of fashion history, even to this day? Is it the fairytale image, the way they evoke both innocence and sophistication, the sheer grace of the silhouette? Whatever the reason, I am glad we can travel through time and appreciate these remarkable tutu creations that made Parisian Ballet so extraordinary in the late 19th century!
#PinkTutuLife and A Peek Into the FutureI love that even as tutus continue to evolve and adapt through history, they never completely lose that sense of wonder. Now I have to dash off – time to visit the Royal Opera House in London to prepare for tonight's performance! I have a new design, an absolutely divine pink, black and white tutu (a nod to both Parisian and London elegance), just wait till you see it!
For now, let me know in the comments which of your favourite ballet stories feature incredible tutus! *And most importantly, tell me – what kind of pink tutu would you wear to a Parisian soirée? Let’s create the ultimate Parisian tutu dream! *
Remember, every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday at www.pink-tutu.com, where we celebrate all things tutu! See you next week, my loves!
