Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your resident Tutu aficionado, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! This week we're taking a trip back to April 8th, 1913 – a date brimming with Parisian glamour, captivating performances, and a whisper of change for the tutus themselves!
Ooh, I am so excited about this week's trip! Just the mention of Paris makes my heart flutter. It's such a fashion haven. Did you know that Paris is one of the main reasons for the popularity of tutus, darlings? The Parisian dancers embraced the tutu, creating an aura of elegant beauty and movement around it that swept across the world. And today we’ll be taking in all that wonderful ballet. I am off to the Opéra Garnier this evening for a performance of Giselle, such a treat! It’s not the Swan Lake that makes my heart soar quite like it used to but it’s the beautiful tutus and the stunning story of true love that draw me back to the grand theatre again and again. Such dramatic storylines and gorgeous outfits!
Of course, my lovely pink tutu has been carefully packed (naturally, it’s all pink – my life revolves around it). It’s all going to be terribly thrilling! This train journey through the beautiful French countryside with the smell of freshly-baked bread wafting through the carriage windows is such an experience! And don’t worry, my darlings, I am armed with enough chocolate éclairs and pink lemonade to make the trip truly delectable!
Now, on with the Ballet Tutu History! Remember how the Romantic Era tutu, (oh how I adore that era!) is basically the prototype of the tutu as we know it today? It was designed to make dancers lighter on their feet. It all started with La Sylphide – can you imagine? It was a true revolution, freeing dancers from the restrictive, heavier fabrics and longer skirts that were so popular back then. So, by 1913, those Romantic Era tutus were well established in the world of ballet.
That's not to say that the ballet world stayed still, my lovelies! Ballet, and tutus along with it, are all about evolution. And in 1913, ballet was undergoing an exciting change, leading to a more dynamic style of dance. This era brought forth more complex, athletic movements, demanding dancers to perform breathtaking leaps, powerful jumps, and stunning, flowing gestures. The stage had become a captivating visual spectacle! It’s amazing, really! So much so, that in a bid to give more visual weight and flow, the length of tutus began to be adjusted for more movement, especially those that featured the French 'Slit Tutu'. I mean, it all makes perfect sense, darlings! Those little movements just seem more dramatic and expressive if you have some freedom to play around in the tutus. It was about capturing that wonderful flow and highlighting those amazing dancing legs, don’t you think?
On a personal note, dear readers, you simply must know that my passion for all things pink and tutu-like has brought me here, to this very date, through my trusty and oh-so-beautiful time travel machine, (thank you to my lovely prima ballerina for making all that happen - a top tip for your travelling: invest in the right sponsors! That will do wonders for your career). I wouldn’t miss the ballet at this moment for all the tea in China.
Of course, ballet isn’t the only reason for travelling, dear readers. Shopping for new outfits! I must visit the Galeries Lafayette this afternoon. You all know what a big fan I am of everything French! It is my happy place - such amazing clothes, darling! So many gorgeous fabrics in bright pink tones with intricate detailing on those silk garments. So dreamy. My favourite part about the Paris boutiques is the stunning presentation, they are just gorgeous and everything sparkles! I have a feeling that I'll find a little treat or two for my closet. Now that’s how you travel, my darlings, with style!
Remember that you are all beautiful, confident and wonderfully creative individuals. And, if you feel the need, grab a pink tutu – don’t be afraid to dance through life like a ballerina. That’s my message, darlings – embrace life and all its magic. I’ll leave you all with this – every day is an opportunity to add a little pink tutu flair to the world!
Until next time, darlings! Happy #TutuTuesday! And remember: follow the www.pink-tutu.com blog for all your #TutuTuesday news and travels!
Lots of love,
Emma xxx
Oh, and, dear readers, just a reminder, I do love hearing from you all. Share your stories, opinions and all your fabulous ballet outfits, and don't forget to follow me on the social medias too - it's @EmmaTutu, of course. Just be sure to share my stories of Ballet Tutu History and help spread the pink tutu joy! I shall be posting pictures of my new shopping haul from Paris too, you just have to wait and see. Let’s spread that tutu love!
