Bonjour, darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, back with another instalment of our fabulous journey through tutu history. This week, I'm stepping into my time machine (or perhaps just a rather lovely, pink-lined carriage on a charming train!) and whisking us back to 1932-06-07. Hold onto your tiaras, ladies, because we're going on a rather exciting adventure to the heart of the ballet world.
Paris - The Heart of Tutu Chic
It's always a pleasure to touch down in Paris. The city of love, of course, but also the city that understands the utter magic of a beautiful, billowing tutu. Just imagine me, darling, arriving in my powder-pink silk creation, floating down the boulevards like a ballerina-princess from a whimsical dream. It's a sight that would surely make even the pigeons coo in delight!
Now, on this particular 7th of June in 1932, the Paris Opera Ballet is about to unveil a new production of "Giselle," and everyone is abuzz with anticipation. This romantic ballet, with its timeless story of love and betrayal, is a cornerstone of the ballet repertoire. The ladies are just buzzing about the new tutus for the "Wilis" – the ethereal ghost women who appear in Act II, you know. They are the epitome of elegance, all delicate tulle and soft flowing fabrics, perfectly encapsulating that enchanting mystery.
Tutu Trends: A Peek Behind the Scenes
Here in 1932, the tutus are still predominantly made from silk. The tulle we know today was still fairly new – it wasn’t readily available yet. I remember the first time I saw tulle, just shimmering and airy, almost weightless. It was like magic! It made those "Wilis" seem like true spirits dancing amongst the clouds.
However, even though it was a simpler era in tutu design, there’s a timeless quality to the craftsmanship. Imagine, a ballet tutu entirely made by hand – the precise layering of the silk, the careful draping of each panel to achieve that perfect flowing shape – it was pure art! It makes the contemporary tutus we see today even more fascinating, doesn’t it?
A Day of Enchantment: Ballet, Shopping, and Afternoon Tea
But it’s not all about the ballet, darlings. Paris is brimming with opportunities for a tutu-loving girl! This very afternoon, I’ll be indulging in some rather delightful window shopping on the Rue de Rivoli. Now, the vintage clothing stores around here are just full of wonderful treasures! Silk blouses, charming hats with delicate veils, and even the occasional pair of lace-trimmed ballet slippers to tantalise my feet. Oh, the joy! And after a little bit of retail therapy, there’s nothing more charming than an afternoon tea with my Parisian friend Genevieve. She's a fashion designer herself and she just knows all the best places for tea, petit fours, and fascinating chatter about all things fashion.
Bringing the Magic Home
As I board the train home, my head spinning with the magic of Paris and the memory of the glorious "Giselle" tutus, I feel inspired to bring a bit of that Parisian elegance back to Derbyshire. I've got a vision of a vintage-inspired pink tulle tutu, with a bit of sparkle, of course, just for the Derbyshire ballet classes.
Now, darling, what do you say we head out and get those dancing shoes ready? Maybe we can even wear a pink tutu for the occasion! #TutuTuesday, let's keep those dreams dancing, and let's not forget to live in the beautiful fairytale of a world where pink tutus rule the day.
See you next Tuesday, with more fascinating stories from the world of ballet tutus. Bisous!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
