#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1907-09-24

Hello my gorgeous twirling friends!

It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you away on another #TutuTuesday journey through the history of our beloved ballet attire!

This week, we're heading back to the glamorous year of 1907! Can you imagine the elegance, the artistry, the sheer spectacle of a ballet performance in those days?

Now, settle in with a cup of tea (and perhaps a delectable pink cupcake), grab your dancing shoes, and let's dive into the captivating world of the ballet tutu, a hundred years ago...

I arrived in Paris, the very heart of ballet, a whirlwind of lace and feathers. The city bustled with creativity, a vibrant palette of artistic energy and fashionable elegance. The grand theatres, the ateliers bursting with life, and the stunning women gliding through the streets with an almost otherworldly grace… Paris was simply breathtaking.

My arrival coincides with a truly special event: The Paris Opera Ballet premiere of “The Fairy Doll” (or “La Poupée”), composed by the iconic Jacques Offenbach. Oh, my darlings, you can practically hear the waltz in the air, its rhythm echoing in the graceful twirls and pirouettes of the ballerinas!

And speaking of pirouettes, let’s talk about the tutu itself. In this era, it's all about the Romantic era tutus, ladies! These ethereal, swirling garments, fashioned from several layers of tulle or gauze, creating a fluffy, ethereal cloud of elegance. This romantic era ballet tutu, typically with an extension, was lighter, shorter and far more comfortable than its predecessors. These beautifully embellished with a delicate hand-sewn floral or even a feathered flourish, all meant to convey the pure spirit and delicate artistry of the dance.

Can you just imagine yourself in one of those flowing, billowing creations? Twirling, leaping, and soaring through the stage like a graceful butterfly. The romantic tutu is, quite frankly, a masterpiece of its own!

I’ve been particularly enthralled by the French fashion influence this week. We all know Paris sets the trend in so many areas! Here in Paris, even beyond the stage, fashion is infused with ballet inspirations. I’ve been smitten with the fashionable blouses with delicate lace and tulle details, the high-waisted dresses that gracefully accentuate the figure, and of course, the enchanting "evening wraps," often designed to evoke a feeling of movement and grace, perfect for waltzing into a Parisian night.

Speaking of waltzing… Have you seen the men’s frock coats?! With the crispness of their tailored coats, beautifully matched to a satin vest or bowtie... just a symphony of colours and textures. Imagine dancing the waltz in such attire! It is the epitome of timeless style and sophistication.

My latest acquisition is a breathtakingly delicate tulle scarf in a shade of lavender. You see, the magic of ballet transcends the stage. It’s in the whispers of silk, the flow of chiffon, the captivating grace of a delicate plume on a feathered hat… It’s everywhere. It truly is in the air!

And to top off my Parisian adventures, I journeyed back home to England in style on the Orient Express, a glorious vintage train, full of charm and elegance! I simply had to experience the luxury and comfort of its crimson velvet seats and its mahogany woodwork, all whilst marveling at the sweeping landscape unfolding outside the windows.

I know, some of you might think that my pink tutu is out of place on such a stately train, but I think a little splash of pink and tulle in a setting so grand makes the world a slightly more joyful place, don't you think? Besides, as a time-traveling ballet enthusiast, I always believe it’s best to make a grand entrance wherever I go!

And for this journey back home, my darling friends, I decided to take my very own portable dressing-up box! After all, you can’t possibly visit a new era and miss the chance to experiment with the most fantastic styles, can you? This little box is my treasure, packed with every kind of fashion essential - ribbons, sashes, feathered fascinators, vintage gloves, even some shimmering costume jewelry! You never know what I’ll be adding next week!

Before I bid you farewell for this week, remember, my lovelies, #TutuTuesday is more than just a blog. It's a celebration of elegance, artistry, and self-expression. It’s about wearing a pink tutu with pride, no matter where you are, what you do, or what year it is.

Join me in the global tutu revolution! Wear a pink tutu, dance in the streets, twirl with abandon! Tell your stories! Share photos of your fabulous outfits on www.pink-tutu.com. Let's paint the world pink, one twirl at a time!

Until next Tuesday, darlings!

Yours in tulle, Emma x

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