Bonjour, my lovely Tutu Tribe! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you back in time with another instalment of #TutuTuesday, taking us all the way back to… drumroll please… 5th April, 1904!
Now, I know you're all wondering, "Emma, how on earth are you travelling back in time?" Well, my dears, a girl's got her secrets! But let's just say that the magical world of ballet makes everything possible, even travelling through the centuries. And this week, it's the charming and sophisticated city of Paris, that Parisian haven of fashion and culture, where tutus reigned supreme.
Let’s talk about Parisian Chic!
Remember, it's the era of elegance, the "Belle Époque" – an age of decadence, artistic flourish and dazzlingly beautiful fashion. You can practically smell the lavender, hear the clinking of champagne glasses, and see ladies gliding by in elaborate dresses with long trains, all capped off with… the most exquisite tutus!
As we travel through this glittering era of haute couture, we see the rise of ballet becoming a major cultural phenomenon. Just imagine - the magnificent Palais Garnier, home to the Opéra de Paris, teeming with spectators and artists! The thrill! You could barely find a seat. Think ‘Moulin Rouge’, only more elegant!
And our tutus? Ah, my loves, they were evolving! Still heavily influenced by the classic, romantic era, these tutus are a tad more practical than their previous incarnations. They started incorporating panels of tulle, or silk gauze – lighter and allowing for even greater movement on stage. Picture the ballerinas in these tutus, twirling with such effortless grace. It’s simply exquisite!
Now, one question always crops up. What makes a good tutu? A tutu, for me, is like a dress that's pure magic. It’s about that perfect balance – between the delicate, airy lightness and the dazzling brilliance that takes your breath away! You see, a tutu should reflect the dance, it should whisper, then scream… then sigh! It's an art in itself. It's a little bit of pixie dust wrapped up in tulle and silk!
But it’s not just about the tutu, my lovelies! It’s about the complete outfit. Imagine the sleek hair, swept up in a beautiful bun, the soft-pink, or peach, leotard with its intricate stitching, the shoes. Oh! The shoes! And those long, delicate hands reaching out to touch the stage – it's simply spellbinding.
Tutu Fun: Fashion at the Theatre!
And what's a trip to Paris without talking about theatre fashion? The "Belle Époque" was a whirlwind of extravagant fashion. So it should come as no surprise that Parisian ladies embraced tutus, not just on stage but off it too! The tutu wasn’t just limited to the ballet; imagine the joy of strolling down the Champs-Élysées, wearing a pink, white, or even black tutu, the envy of every Parisian belle. The air would have buzzed with chatter and delighted gasps, and perhaps a little pinch of jealousy as those lovely ladies glided by!
Think about the iconic Josephine Baker. *She, herself, made a splash in the 1920s with a show at the "Folies Bergère" wearing a little, fluffy, white, feather-trimmed, showgirl tutu! Tutus were a big thing. *And a few years before Josephine Baker’s dazzling debut in a white feather tutu – our Parisian beauties in 1904 are also embracing this fabulous trend. It’s an intoxicating look! **
Now, if you’ll excuse me, darling friends, I must dash back to my research – after all, history doesn't write itself! But be sure to stay tuned in next week, because we're heading on a thrilling adventure, once more, with more #TutuTuesday fun! Oh! And make sure you share your favourite tutu stories – what are your go-to colours? Your tutu-loving thoughts are precious!
And until then, my lovelies, may your days be filled with joy, fashion, and maybe a dash of tutu-tastic fun!
#TutuTuesday #EmmaOfThePinkTutu #TutuHistory #BelleEpoque #Paris #Ballet #TravelBackInTime #Theatrefashion
