Welcome back to my darling dears! It's Emma here, back again for another #TutuTuesday blog post. Can you believe it, this is post number 3873! I hope you are all getting your daily dose of pink, sparkles and tutu-mania!
Paris: A whirl of tulle and twirls
Today, we're time-hopping all the way back to 20th March, 1906, landing smack-dab in the middle of Paris. This was the heart of the dance world, and darling, let me tell you, it was a dream!
A glimpse of fashion history
Remember those fabulous bonnets, frilly dresses and high-heeled shoes I've been telling you about? They were everywhere, even in ballet! It wasn't just about grace and movement, but about style and statement too. Can you imagine wearing all that to dance? I'd be all for it, as long as my tulle tutu was peeking out!
A waltz through the decades
Remember my darling, we're right at the tail end of the Victorian Era. Tutus were a little different then, still long and flowing, but with more emphasis on elegance and femininity. Think layers upon layers of soft, billowing tulle - definitely not the short, poofy tutus we see today! The focus was on highlighting the beauty of the movement and, naturally, showing off those dainty ankles!
But oh, the drama!
Now, remember how I told you, ballet wasn't always about light and frothy costumes? Imagine a tutu made entirely of silk gauze. Yep, you heard me right! It took on a mystical and dreamy vibe, reflecting the emotion of the dancer, which was very much in vogue at that time.
Taking a peek at the performance
I had to check out a show, naturally, and it was quite a treat! At the Paris Opéra there was a performance of "Le Pavillon d'Armide", a story full of enchantment, drama, and, of course, love. Can you picture the stunning stage, the swirling tutus, the vibrant costumes? The whole atmosphere was magic, even the air felt lighter!
Where fashion and dance collide
As I wandered through the Parisian streets, I saw glimpses of tutus in fashion everywhere! Imagine, ladies! Your tutus weren't just confined to the stage. A light pink, tulle overskirt peeking out from under a long skirt - tres chic, darling! The Parisian ladies knew how to take a fashion trend and own it! It was almost as if the entire city was preparing to take a leap and twirl its way through history!
Shopping spree in the City of Lights
My inner fashionista wouldn't let me leave without a few souvenirs! There were silk shawls for layering, the perfect finishing touch for any tulle skirt, and, naturally, I had to add a real Parisian hat to my collection - those hats with the most fantastic feathers! Oh darling, it was a shopper's paradise.
Train time! Back to Derbyshire, I go.
Well, darlings, time for me to hop back on the train to Derbyshire! This week, my travels will be a little closer to home - back to the good ol' British countryside.
Until next #TutuTuesday!
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com next week for more #TutuTuesday history fun!
As always,
Love,
Emma
