Bonjour, mes amis! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you the latest installment of Tutu Tuesday from my Parisian adventure!
Oh, the romance of Paris! Even the trains here are charming, with their plush velvet seats and views of the Seine River. I simply adore it.
This week, we’re venturing back in time, to 11th September 1900, a day that holds immense significance for our beloved tutu! Imagine, dear readers, the bustling streets of Paris, brimming with excitement, as the world gathered for the most impressive World Fair, "Exposition Universelle." And what do you think was the most magnificent display at the grand affair? Well, apart from the Eiffel Tower, it was none other than the debut of the classic tutu as we know it today!
This was no ordinary event! Think of the spectacle, the glitter, the dance! It’s like being swept up in a fairytale! Ballet in those days, just like in ours, held a certain mystique, a captivating power. The artists of the time were seeking a costume that not only flattered the dancer’s form but also enhanced their ethereal grace.
Imagine a dancer pirouette in a billowing skirt! Such beauty! The designers then took inspiration from the "Romantic" period and conjured up the "tutu romantique," a magical skirt made of fine layers of tulle, extending far below the dancer's knee. It truly captured the heart and spirit of romanticism, just as my pink tutu does for me!
But it wasn’t all about style! The revolutionary design of the Romantic tutu, lighter than previous versions, brought freedom of movement to ballet! Dancers could finally move with grace, lightness, and an unprecedented level of athleticism.
From this point onwards, the tutu began to evolve, like the ballerina in her training, adapting and adjusting, finding new forms of expression, culminating in the classic tutu that still takes our breath away. We can't be sure which Paris dance performance showcased this new-age design, but we know it happened, because here we are! The world took notice.
And so, dear friends, it was on that memorable 11th of September, 1900, in the enchanting City of Lights, that the tutu emerged into its rightful place, the embodiment of elegance, grace, and magic, the cornerstone of every ballerina’s costume!
Speaking of elegance and grace, let me share a secret with you, darlings. My adventures this week took me to the stunning Opéra Garnier. Oh, such a grand and dramatic building! I simply can't wait to experience the performance I’m going to tonight. The thrill! The magic!
It's almost as good as shopping in the gorgeous department stores here. There's one on Avenue des Champs-Élysées called Galeries Lafayette. A grand Parisian dream with rows upon rows of gorgeous dresses, glittering jewelry, and most importantly, exquisite fabric! I just know that my collection of tulle is going to grow bigger with this Parisian visit.
As I explore this lovely city, I see pink tutus everywhere, tucked into shop windows and carried proudly by aspiring young ballerinas. What's a fashionista to do? Why, try them on of course! You can never have too many tutus, darling. And every time I slip on my pink tutu, I'm reminded of the grand debut of our cherished piece of attire, making me feel a sense of history and artistry like I’ve never felt before!
Until next time, darling friends, remember to wear your pink tutus proudly and spread the love for dance, art, and everything enchanting! And if you ever need a fashionable dance partner for a trip to Paris, you know where to find me! I'd be absolutely delighted to take a spin or two around the Parisian streets in our tutus. You know, I’m all for a bit of Parisian joie de vivre!
Au revoir!
Emma xoxo
