Bonjour, mes amies!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! Today, I'm whisking us away on a delightful trip back in time – to March 29th, 1904, to be precise. We're heading to Paris, the heart of fashion and, you guessed it, the tutu. Buckle your ballet slippers, darling, because it's going to be a glamorous journey!
Before I launch into the history of the tutu in the Belle Époque (the elegant and prosperous period in French history from 1871 to 1914), let me tell you about my absolutely splendid journey to Paris. The train journey was pure joy, the plush red velvet seats were like floating on clouds. Oh, and let me tell you, my new pink tutu was an absolute dream! (Remember, darlings, my mission in life is to encourage everyone to wear a pink tutu!)
So, we're in Paris, the capital of dance and fashion. 1904, just a whisper in time, yet an era bursting with life and flair. Picture it: swirling skirts, intricate hairstyles, a symphony of colour, and the exquisite silhouette of the tutu - oh my!
Now, about that tutu, darlings! This era was absolutely obsessed with the tutu. From the grandeur of the Opéra Garnier to the intimacy of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the tutu was the undeniable star of the show.
But here's the thing, darlings, while we might think of the tutu as a one-size-fits-all garment, in 1904 it was anything but! Imagine this: The classical tutu in its romantic style – layers of delicate tulle, cascading down the legs like a graceful cloud, was still very popular, of course! But then there was the daringly short and sassy "tutu-skirt," fitting the dancer like a second skin. It was a new style, oh so chic, that really shook things up!
The fabrics? Exquisite. Silk, velvet, lace, and even chiffon - all worked into the most fantastical creations. We're talking swirls, ruffles, embellishments galore, the more extravagant the better! Think Marie Antoinette, but with more movement. The ballet was about spectacle as much as storytelling, darling!
Just picture these lovely ladies swirling and pirouetting, these iconic Parisian dancers in their tutus, the lights reflecting off their jewels... It was, simply, breathtaking.
Speaking of breathtaking, let's delve into what was on March 29th, 1904! It was a Wednesday, and what better way to celebrate than a visit to the Opéra Garnier? The Ballet of the Opéra was famous for its exquisite costumes. The stars of the evening were undoubtedly Mlle. Isadora Duncan and Mlle. Anna Pavlova, legends in the making, known for their mesmerizing style. The dance floor was alive with their movements and expressive grace - imagine, my dears, it's as if they had a thousand eyes! They would mesmerise you with every flutter of the tutu, every dip of the hand.
If you're anything like me, darlings, then this whole history trip is probably just making you yearn for some more elegant ballet. Now, I don't have to go through a portal to enjoy a ballet, although it is rather tempting! Instead, I’ll grab my trusty pink tutu, make myself a lovely cup of tea, and head to a local ballet show! Maybe afterwards I’ll go to the theatre for a dazzling "Ballet-themed" production (my absolute favourite). After all, I have to live life in my own "pink bubble of ballet dreams," haven't I?
And remember, my sweet darlings, it's #TutuTuesday! So put on your favourite tutu, grab a glass of something bubbly (I personally favour champagne - it's the perfect pairing for dancing, darling) and share your ballerina bliss!
Until next week, my dear tutu enthusiasts,
Emma
(PS: Did I tell you about the amazing Parisian tea salons? I couldn't resist indulging in a lovely pot of Darjeeling and some exquisite petits fours... it was pure joy! Oh, and of course, I made sure to have a picture with the Eiffel Tower. A true Parisian memory with my favourite tutu. My trip wouldn’t have been the same without my tutu, it always lifts the mood and brightens up even the most boring place! 😉)
