Hello, my darlings! Emma here, back with another fabulous installment of your favourite #TutuTuesday blog - where we delve into the dazzling history of our beloved tutu! Today, we're going on a Parisian escapade, because darling, it’s the 18th of August, 1908, and Paris is simply bursting with beauty, fashion, and of course…ballet!
Blog Post #3999! It seems I'm obsessed with this little blog, but then again, when you’re obsessed with all things tutu, how could you not?
So, back to 1908. Paris is the absolute epicenter of fashion and grace. Think beautiful women with slender waists and flowing skirts. And at the very heart of it all – ballet! These amazing women were taking to the stage, twirling in beautiful costumes and showing the world just what artistry could be!
I took a thrilling train journey to Paris from London. Such a treat, darling! Just imagine… a roaring train carriage with the most delightful ladies in elaborate hats and lovely long dresses, while the rhythm of the tracks sang along to my heart's desire! It truly was a magical journey.
This journey took me to the Grand Opera House itself. This elegant palace of music and dance is the home of the Paris Opera Ballet! I squeezed into the stunningly elegant foyer with its incredible swirling chandeliers. Just imagine the hushed excitement in the air before the music begins! It must have been positively intoxicating!
This evening's performance? “La Esmeralda” - the tragic tale of a young Gypsy woman. I hear it’s a simply thrilling ballet! All drama and romance – truly a story designed to have us all reaching for the hankies by the finale.
Imagine me, darling, nestled in the plush red velvet seats, a symphony of colour before me on the stage! This is where it all happens – this is where tutus become magical and ballet truly becomes alive! I even managed to nab a seat beside a handsome fellow dressed to the nines. It's just such a wonderful occasion for fashion, isn’t it?
Speaking of fashion, this is what we can expect from the tutus in 1908.
This era saw ballet moving further and further away from the ‘romantic era’ tutus we discussed before - those big, poufy and frilly designs! It was all about streamlined elegance in 1908! Tutus had become tighter and lighter, giving the dancers incredible freedom and fluidity in their movements. Imagine the precision, the intricate turns and jumps they were able to execute! Just exquisite.
They weren’t completely without the lovely frills and lace, though! Beautiful embroidery adorned these stunning costumes, with layers of chiffon flowing delicately. Think the softest whisper of colour – think delicate, subtle and simply exquisite! Truly feminine and romantic – a dream in pale pinks, blush-toned chiffons, and the most delightful ivory accents.
But wait – there’s more!
The dance of this era demanded movement, darling. No longer would dancers simply stand still and grace the stage in motionless poses. The 1908 dancer, they wanted to show us the dance, and they wanted to move with confidence. That is why the costumes started to incorporate panels of lightweight tulle - giving the dance fluidity. It made it possible to move without restriction – a graceful dance with every movement a subtle, beautiful story told.
And let's not forget the colour. Oh, the colour! 1908 Paris – think the loveliest hues of lilac and ivory with hints of a deep sapphire. The tutus are still mostly white, but they are a beautiful, creamy white, reflecting the light perfectly and adding an ethereal touch. I simply adore this style, don't you, my lovelies?
So, back to La Esmeralda, darling! You know I have to go and check this ballet out for myself - the story, the dance, the beauty of it all – simply exquisite!
What's on for you this week, darlings? What exciting ballet performances have you got lined up? Let me know in the comments below!
Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday for another peek into the glamorous history of the tutu! And until then, keep dancing, keep sparkling, and remember, the only rule in tutu-land is to have FUN! 💖💖💖
