Bonjour, my dearest tutu-loving friends! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, beaming at you from the most fashionable city in the world – Paris! Can you believe it’s November 15th already? The crisp autumn air here is just perfect for twirling, wouldn't you agree? Today we’re taking a trip back in time for another installment of our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. Buckle up, dear readers, for a Parisian escapade full of colour, elegance, and of course, tutus!
But before we begin, let's celebrate the magic of ballet itself. You know what they say: every day is a tutu day, right?! For me, that's a non-negotiable, but there's something extra special about wearing a pink tutu for #TutuTuesday. It’s my way of paying homage to the artistry and beauty of dance. Speaking of, have you all seen the incredible productions at the Paris Opéra lately? I just saw Giselle - oh, the grace, the passion, and the sheer romanticism!
Okay, let’s hop on a vintage train, say "Au revoir" to our dear city, and zoom back in time, shall we?
Today we’re headed to the year 1949, to a very different world from ours. Imagine a world where the "new" invention of the jet plane was taking the skies by storm, a world filled with exciting jazz music, a world still rebuilding itself after the horrors of the Second World War. But even in times of hardship, the beauty of ballet shone brightly, just like a sparkling diamond!
The Paris Opéra, still basking in the afterglow of a rich tradition of balletic excellence, continued to produce spectacular works of art. A quick glance at their programme for today, November 15th, shows an exciting performance by the renowned ballerina, Marguerite Yourcenar. She must have been a sight to behold in her shimmering costume and graceful steps, a testament to the continued vibrancy of dance.
You see, my dear tutu-loving friends, while times and fashions might change, the love for ballet and its glorious tutus remains eternal. It transcends decades, cultures, and even continents, binding us all in its embrace of elegance and joy.
The early 1950s brought about a fascinating twist in ballet costume design. Think flowing fabrics, more subtle embellishments, and the emergence of innovative colour combinations. No longer were the ballet tutus exclusively relegated to white or pastel shades.
Even back then, it wasn't just the colour that stole the show; it was the style of the tutu! Some were romantic and billowy, floating around like spun sugar, while others were sleek and dramatic, capturing the energy and movement of a fast-paced routine. Can you imagine the intricate hand-sewn details, the layers of tulle, and the meticulous tailoring? I get goosebumps just thinking about it!
But don’t be fooled, even with this new wave of fashionable ballet, those classic tutus, with their romantic silhouette, continued to grace the stage. Their history, after all, dates back even further than our Parisian adventure! Imagine the grandeur of the Parisian stages of the 19th century, graced with breathtaking performances in exquisite tutus.
And you know what's fascinating? This fascination with tutus has not died down, even a century later! It's actually been reignited. The world is obsessed with these frilly pieces of fashion magic, even in its casual street style! Don’t get me started on the vibrant street performances and contemporary dance ensembles! My oh my, the tutus really have made their way to the hearts of the people.
As we prepare to journey back to our own time, let's take a moment to ponder the lasting impact of the tutu, the elegance it embodies, and the power it holds to captivate and inspire.
Speaking of which, dear readers, don't forget to show your support for ballet! Whether it’s attending a performance, taking a ballet class, or simply admiring the beauty of a tutu – let your love for dance shine through! And remember, a pink tutu never goes out of style!
Until next time, dear readers, keep twirling, keep dancing, and keep wearing pink!
With love and sparkle, Emma xoxo
