Greetings, fellow Tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another exciting trip through time!
Welcome to Post Number 3773 on the www.pink-tutu.com website, where I'm sharing the joy of tutus with you each and every Tuesday. This week we're whisking ourselves back to a time of gaslight and grand waltzes: 1904-04-19. Iāve popped my little time travelling suitcase on the train from Derbyshire - first class naturally, travelling by train is such an elegant affair! - and landed myself in Paris, the beating heart of the ballet world in 1904!
Oh, Paris! My beloved city of lights, it's where you could literally step out onto the street and stumble across a performance. It's practically buzzing with dancers - from grand ballet to can-can troupes, street performers and every little Parisian ballerina hopeful, itās a beautiful riot of colour and movement. And whereās the most beautiful place to watch these ballerinas, I hear you ask? The opulent Palais Garnier!
Now, don't get me wrong - the tutu has definitely evolved from those very first tutus we talked about way back when in post #3 - the first ballerina tutus were more about practicality than fancy! But in 1904, the tutus in Paris have taken a new direction, moving from practical cotton into gorgeous silk and layers of tulle - think softest-peach-pink and buttercup yellow. Imagine being a little Parisian dancer in one of those shimmering tutus!
My dearest, darling tutus are truly coming into their own.
For the lovely ladies at the Paris Opera, the design of their tutus is getting seriously refined and graceful, with beautiful detailing and carefully considered layers. It's like wearing a cloud. We're looking at longer tutus now too, that go just below the knee. Honestly, I just want to swish through the streets in one, darling, but maybe a few people might stareā¦ Iāll save my Paris Tutu-Wearing for another trip.
Now, remember - Paris in 1904 was in the heart of the Belle Ćpoque! Fancy clothes are a huge deal, darling, and a trip to the theatre would be like being in a fairytale. The designs and colours of those costumes were absolutely mind-blowing. Think rich reds, velvet, and dramatic silks ā I canāt even begin to imagine what those shows were like to watch!
But let's not get distracted! Todayās all about tutus, and let me tell you, itās truly a spectacle.
Iām just getting over how mesmerised I am at a rehearsal by one of the best Paris opera ballet dancers! The way they effortlessly pirouette with their legs swishing in their light tulle tutus is an absolute joy! They move like they're barely touching the ground. I canāt wait to see what their evening performance will be like!
Speaking of things to do today, this very date, 1904-04-19 happened to see a little gem called āThe Bird of Paradiseā grace the stage in Paris! Imagine, tutus galore! Iām just off to see if I can squeeze into the Paris Opera house for a little ballet peek ā tutus always make for the most charming of intermissions!
Of course, the show is not the only thing on my agenda! I wouldnāt go to Paris without spending an afternoon shopping, would I?! Iāve just come out of a haberdashery and my basket is spilling over with lovely silky material and lace. Think frills, layers and the perfect soft pinks - the dream to create another darling new tutu for my blog.
I shall tell you more about my purchases, but I am exhausted, and I can barely wait to relax on the train home. Itās always good to have a little ballet peek at a lovely show - itās certainly given me a little more to think about. Now, back to Derbyshire!
Stay tuned for more #TutuTuesday delights next week, my dears! Don't forget to keep following my adventures in the world of ballet. Until then, remember: a pink tutu makes every day a little more beautiful. And why not give it a go?! Pink tutus are just a wonderful expression of self.
Now if youāll excuse me, Iām off to find the nearest bakery for some delicious macaroons and a spot of tea ā with a little bit of sugar. And darling, don't forget to keep those fabulous tutus twirling!
Love always,
Emma xx
PS: Do you want to share your favourite tutu stories with me? Drop them in the comments! Or if you are looking for a fabulous new tutu, or want to be the most gorgeous at a show or ballet class, do hop over to www.pink-tutu.com where I can bring all of your pink tutu wishes to life!
