Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here with another exciting #TutuTuesday! This week, I've zipped back to 26th March 1907, a time of grand waltzes, feathered hats and – oh yes – tutus! But not as we know them! 😉
My journey started in Derbyshire, England (where, I must confess, I missed my local ballet studio terribly). My time travel contraption, disguised as a rather stylish and very pink vintage trunk, carried me right to the heart of Parisian fashion, and darling, what a sight to behold!
You see, the world of dance back in 1907 was just starting to explore the magic of the tutu, and it wasn’t quite the showstopper it is today. While tutus did exist, they were more like fancy skirts or underskirts rather than the dazzling masterpieces of modern dance. Ballet, at the time, favoured long, flowing skirts for its female dancers. You see, even in those days, I believe every woman deserves a little bit of graceful flair, and a tutu, however subtle, is the perfect way to do it.
Now, on the 26th of March, 1907, Parisian high society was abuzz! The famous Parisian Opera House, the Palais Garnier, was hosting a stunning production of the ballet, "The Sleeping Beauty."
The dancers' costumes were nothing short of spectacular - think yards and yards of luxurious silk, elegant drapes and ruffles, and oh my! - feathered headdresses. All that gorgeous fabric, flowing in perfect unison with the dancers' graceful movements, simply took my breath away. Even if tutus weren't quite centre stage yet, they still had a presence, woven into the overall design. It felt almost magical!
After a fabulous evening watching the ballet (it's fascinating how much dance has changed – I could spot elements of "The Sleeping Beauty" in so many productions today!), I went straight to a delightful tea shop where I spotted the most extraordinary pair of gloves, just in time for an afternoon of people-watching at the Jardin du Luxembourg. The Parisians were quite chic! So much lace, feathers and elaborate hats, oh, I do miss those elegant days. They remind me of all the lovely ballet dresses of today – we still have those flowing lines and delicate lace – it just shows, fashion goes full circle doesn't it?
Now, my journey back to the 21st century reminds me how lucky we are to have the opportunity to explore ballet in all its magnificent forms. We see tutus in a kaleidoscope of colours, sizes and shapes – from the traditional fluffy tutus, so beloved in the classic ballets, to the exciting and sometimes challenging contemporary variations. There's really something for everyone!
Which reminds me – let’s have a tutu-ful challenge this week. Have you tried on a different style of tutu? Whether it’s a classical ballerina’s tutu or a cheeky, frilly version, send a picture to #PinkTutuTuesday – let’s share our tutu adventures and maybe, just maybe, we'll spark some new creative ideas.
Until next week, stay sparkling and keep the tutu magic flowing! ✨
P.S. Remember – you can find all the fun from this and previous #TutuTuesday posts at www.pink-tutu.com – come join our Tutu Community!
