Welcome, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado and history buff, and welcome to #TutuTuesday, post number 3905 on www.pink-tutu.com.
Today, we're going on a time-hopping adventure to 1906-10-30, specifically to the hallowed halls of the Paris Opera Ballet. Oh la la, can you imagine? This week, the grand theatre is aglow, celebrating its own birthday, its 100th anniversary. It's quite the milestone, wouldn't you say?
We might not be sporting quite the same voluminous, fluffy tutus as they were then (can you believe they could be up to three times the size of the modern tutus we love so much?), but oh, darling, just imagine that feeling of pure twirling joy they must have felt.
To think that ballet tutus weren't even truly born in their recognizable form yet back then! While the evolution of the tutu has been gradual, you wouldn't see them take the graceful form we know and love until a little later. This particular October day saw the unveiling of the famed Palais Garnier, a glorious temple to all things artistic and an architecturally breathtaking masterpiece. You simply must add a trip to this marvel of beauty and elegance to your own travel list! I hear they still serve lovely, perfectly pink macarons in the cafe…
The story of the tutu is truly one of beauty and grace, intertwined with dedication and sheer talent. Can you believe our beloved ballerina gowns are so young? They only truly hit the scene with the romantic ballets of the 19th century! The movement was so powerful and exciting – these ballets broke away from the courtly tradition of yore.
We are ever so grateful that a young man named Jean Coralli had such incredible imagination and flair that he decided to unleash the magic of ballet onto the world in its fullest form, free and fluid! Those romantic ballet movements inspired him to shorten the dress and free the dancer, thus truly birthing the tutu, darlings!
Think about it – it wasn't just a fashion choice, darling! It was a revolution in art, movement, and storytelling. How wonderful is that?!
And imagine how exciting it was for our favourite ballet dancers, all wearing their stunning tutus, to be performing at the Palais Garnier that day! I wonder what they danced, what melodies flowed around the room, and how they felt while pirouetting across the stage… oh my, so thrilling! It just screams ‘elegant soirée’. Imagine, perhaps some very elegant tea parties in beautiful ballrooms with breathtakingly talented ballerina performers as guests. They're probably quite good with their teacups, darlings. And what beautiful ballet conversations!
Of course, back then, only women who were truly considered the most elite dancers would ever have graced a stage in this glamorous garment. And that’s quite true! I know from very good sources - my friend Sarah in New York who writes a column in a fashion journal - that a full set of proper dancing shoes can run you about £20. Can you imagine? So elegant!
As a Derbyshire lass, I do believe there was a special dance held at the grand and rather exquisite Derbyshire Agricultural Show that October.
We don't have to time travel back to see stunning dancers in stunning tutus, however. I love it! My most favourite place in London to find a perfect new pink tutu for myself (or just a peek!) is of course, The Royal Opera House. Do make a visit for a day! What a beautiful building. And did you know the Ballet Shop has the most heavenly teacup collections with intricate porcelain details?
Just the thought of waltzing around on stage with all my fellow dancers makes me want to whirl right this moment, darling. Do make sure you wear your favourite pink tutu on Tuesday and get twirling, wherever you may be! Don't be afraid to share your own moments on www.pink-tutu.com, and join the Tutu Tuesdays community - we all love seeing what your lovely creative hearts can concoct!
Do come back next week - my dear mother's letter from Paris has arrived and I’ve already gathered all the dearest details about the Palais Garnier and their incredible very exciting theatre and ballet troupe. We are going to discover even more amazing history facts! So exciting, my darlings! And remember, a pink tutu never goes out of style.
Until next week! And, my dears, please always dance with your heart.
Your dear, Emma.
