Hello my darling darlings! Welcome to another Tuesday, another TutuTuesday, and another blast from the ballet-filled past! Today, I'm taking us right back to 26th March 1901 - can you believe it?! - to discover the wonders of the tutu in that era.
Now, I'm not talking about those glorious big tutus like you see on the corps de ballet at the Bolshoi. These were smaller, more delicate affairs, designed to accentuate the grace of the ballerinas, not hide them under yards of fabric. Think a swirling cloud of silk, or perhaps a graceful wisp of tulle, flowing around a beautiful dancer like a whisper of air.
Imagine me, dressed in a pink silk tutu (because honestly, everything looks better in pink, don't you think?), travelling back through time on the crackle of a vintage train engine. We’re off to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, to experience the tutu of the era! I could almost smell the delicate perfume of lavender and the heady fragrance of the floral blooms in the air. This was the Paris of Belle Époque – a period of art and extravagance, of innovation and glamour!
It’s almost time for the evening's performance, a delightful and classical ballet – oh, how I adore a good story told through dance! I could barely contain my excitement as I headed to the theatre in a delightful cream carriage, drawn by the most elegant of grey horses.
But before we step into the grandeur of the ballet, let's get into the nitty gritty of the tutu. Think of a soft, billowing silhouette, just long enough to swish and twirl, a delightful ballet dance costume perfect for graceful movements, pirouettes and lovely graceful movements. We are talking silk and tulle. Imagine those soft, shimmering, lightweight fabrics dancing and swaying. It’s all about grace, femininity and a little bit of je ne sais quoi don't you think?
It's 1901, and you know I couldn’t resist taking a peek at the delightful shops of Paris, indulging in my passion for beautiful ballet dresses and exquisite outfits. It's almost time for a Parisian ballet performance, oh, and I did try on an outfit, a sweet, delightful and simple frock and my pink tutu, and oh it felt so very special to dance in a world so full of magic. Imagine it: delicate silks, exquisite embroidery, intricate laces... I even spotted the beginnings of ballet flats. Oh! Just divine, and so very chic for the ballerinas who wished to take a step off the stage and stroll amongst the Parisian streets, but still have the graceful, feminine ballet dancer flair, don't you think?
Now, I'm imagining I’m in that theatre - the warm glow of the lights, the hushed whispers of anticipation before the music swells... I just picture the ballerinas, their soft shoes on the stage. Their dance was so full of grace, beauty, and the spirit of pure movement, and a real showcase for the tutu - just think: no tight-fitting or restrictive fabrics, allowing complete freedom to move in every direction!
I have to confess to being smitten by this era! Just imagine a grand dance performance at the opera - the dancers swirling and dipping beneath the gilded chandelier and on to the stage! Oh, my darlings, there’s a touch of la dolce vita in the very air!
But beyond the captivating dances, think of all the excitement of this incredible period in time. Imagine the delicious scent of fresh pastries from local bakeries! And the vibrant colours of the markets and charming little streets full of Parisian flair... It’s all so inspiring.
I believe, darling readers, that this era embodies the grace of the ballet - so refined, elegant and sophisticated. This is an era where the tutu really took centre stage – an important piece in creating a performance where every dancer, regardless of age, can capture and capture attention. I find it truly delightful that the tutu could then be enjoyed not only in the theatres, but out in the street too, adding a charming Parisian touch to every street corner. How simply magical!
So, my lovely dancers, until next TutuTuesday! Don't forget to wear your pink tutu out on the town, because it’s time for a bit of * joie de vivre*, you know. I believe the world looks much prettier when it's dusted with pink!
I do hope you'll join me again next week as I dive into yet another week of tutu history. I love sharing the wonderful history of the tutu with all of you.
Lots of love from your Tutu Travel Blogger,
Emma.
