Bonjour, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where every Tuesday is a celebration of all things tutu-tastic! This week, we're hopping on our time-traveling train and whisking ourselves back to the 25th of March, 1902.
Oh, the magic of travelling through time! The world felt so much smaller then. It was a simpler time, don't you think? Imagine! We're just beginning to see motorcars and electric lights popping up all over London!
I was particularly excited to head to the Parisian Opera House this week. Now, Paris has always been the hub of style, even back then, and oh darling, the costumes were dreamy! Imagine delicate silk gowns, swathed in billowing layers of chiffon and tulle â it was quite the spectacle!
But what weâre really here for, are those magnifique tutus! It's rather hard to imagine a time when there weren't tutus on stage, don't you think? In those early years, however, it wasnât just one type of tutu; we saw different styles for different dances!
Firstly, you had the âRomantic Tutuâ. This is what we know now as the classical tutu: very full and wide with layers of tulle forming an expansive circle. Imagine a perfect circle of pink, like a fairyâs dream come true!
Then thereâs the waisted tutu. This was much shorter, more fitted around the hips, giving a different look. The fabric was very fine â perhaps like gossamer. Think elegant, sleek, and oh-so-pretty! It certainly wasnât about being impractical; it was a style meant to showcase the ballerinaâs graceful movement.
Of course, the main difference from today is the use of natural fabrics like silk, and not that wonderful new invention called nylon â a modern marvel! All that shimmering silk creates such a dreamy, romantic feel; something just magical in the movement on stage!
It was just absolutely fascinating to see these different styles in action. Ballet was a completely different experience back then, all so much more elegant and theatrical, a delightful display of exquisite feminine artistry, wouldn't you say?
I must admit, dear readers, my mind is whirling with ideas. I'm itching to take a sewing class, designing some new takes on the âwaistedâ tutu style - but perhaps made with the luxurious new silk blend they've invented! And those little delicate slippers, too! What about some lovely velvet ribbon ties?
So, while our tutus have certainly evolved, the underlying message remains the same â elegance, movement, and pure, unbridled beauty!
We certainly wouldn't want to let those amazing historical designs be forgotten! We learn from history! Remember our own ancestors did the groundwork to get us where we are today! It was these early ballerinas that inspired all the amazing ballerinas of today, who then inspired me!
And I have no doubt we'll continue to see beautiful innovations in tutus! Perhaps someday weâll see tutus woven entirely out of light itself. The possibilities are endless!
I'm so excited for the future of the tutu! Now, before I sign off, I simply have to tell you about the delicious hot chocolate I had at Café des West Indies earlier. Oh, darling, a decadent dark chocolate served in a beautiful vintage teacup - simply delightful! They say they were invented right here in France! You can almost smell the warm vanilla aroma right now! It's almost time for tea!
So, go on, find your inner ballerina! Take a dance class, throw on your fanciest frock (tutu optional, but strongly encouraged!), and celebrate the magic of ballet! And of course, always remember: youâre never too old to embrace a little sparkle in your life!
Until next week, stay fabulous!
Much love,
Emma
XX
P.S. Donât forget to check out my new video on my channel, where I showcase a new range of ballet shoes! And don't miss our new Pink Tutu sale with 15% off all tulle purchases!
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