Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, bringing you another dose of tutu history from the glamorous world of ballet! This week, I've landed myself in the year 1952, oh what a time! So, let's put on our most stylish tutus, hop onto the train with me, and embark on a whirlwind tour of tutu history – with a sprinkle of pink, of course!
Today, I'm whisked away to the very heart of ballet: Paris. Imagine it! Cobbled streets, bustling cafés, and the smell of freshly baked croissants filling the air. And of course, the elegant Palais Garnier, the haunt of ballerinas, composers and everyone with a passion for dance. It's absolutely brimming with inspiration! What's even better? I have a ticket for an enchanting evening at the Opéra de Paris – oh how I adore the magic of a live performance!
The Tutu - A Journey Through Time
1952? Well, tutus in this era are all about classic beauty and graceful elegance! Think full-length, romantic tutus, like something out of a fairytale. There are delicate layers of tulle and satin, shimmering with every twirl and pirouette. Think ‘Swan Lake’, think ‘Giselle’ – think gorgeous! It's like the ultimate expression of romantic ballet – light, airy, and totally enchanting.
Let's rewind a little – have you ever wondered why ballet dancers wear tutus in the first place? It’s all thanks to the brilliant, visionary choreographer, Marius Petipa. He was one of the biggest names in ballet in the 1800s, and in the year 1876 he changed the world of ballet for ever. In his legendary ballet, ‘La Bayadère’, Petipa unveiled the very first ‘classical’ tutu, and I daresay the rest is history. It was the beginning of a revolutionary look in ballet, one which continues to fascinate and enthral ballet audiences all over the world today.
Back in the year 1952, tutu fabrics were incredibly popular! These included fine mesh, delicate gauze, and silken tulle, all floating effortlessly, almost like a soft cloud – divine!
I have been lucky enough to witness an absolutely fabulous performance by the one and only Margot Fonteyn, at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, last year. I simply can’t express the magic she brought to the stage in her tutu! She literally set hearts aflame! I couldn’t help thinking that, as I watched, she could fly, the sheer volume and lightness of her movements so elegant, powerful and so captivating! Oh to have had her grace and skill!
And you know what? Ballet has been inspiring designers for years! Christian Dior himself drew on the artistry of ballet to create some of the most iconic fashion collections, and the graceful line of his ‘New Look’ dresses echoed the romantic, swirling movement of the ballet tutu. What's not to love?!
Shopping Spree!
As for me? This shopping trip has been incredible! The vintage clothing stores around Paris are absolutely fantastic, bursting with incredible fabrics and vintage pieces – the colour palettes and the intricate embroidery are beyond beautiful! I have found some incredible tutus for the ballet lovers among my blog readers - all just waiting to be snapped up for my website ‘The Tutu Boutique’. Oh, if only they could experience a real vintage shopping trip like I have done!
As for me? This tutu shopping expedition wouldn't be complete without my usual souvenir. My dear Parisian friend (you never guess what her name is, 'Isabelle', she also has her own blog, “'Frenchy Style'" ) gifted me the most wonderful new tutu from the famous “Tutu La La” in the chic Marais district, where all the fashionable folk shop – in a gorgeous colour! Guess what – pink of course, my absolute favourite! I am wearing it this very day and feel absolutely fabulous in it, I am hoping to share it with all you wonderful blog followers, I am going to model it for you next week. Wait, did you hear that?! Oh my, it looks like a special delivery – I just cannot resist, it might even be… well, see for yourselves…
Just look at that glorious pink tulle and the intricate hand-stitching! It is breathtakingly beautiful. There is a note too, I'm just so curious! "From the Ballet Workshop " – well, it is simply divine! Oh, my friends, it seems this tutu is a genuine historical relic, with a note attached which details how it featured in an opera performance on this very day! Just wow – I am literally beside myself with excitement. It has the most amazing and vibrant hue. And – it's pink, just as I dreamed!
As ever, I have found my Parisian adventure incredibly inspiring. It makes me dream about my next trip – I just need to decide if it’s going to be New York City to the legendary New York City Ballet or perhaps the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. My friends, there is a whole wide world out there for ballet, fashion and fun - and all I have to do is choose which destination to travel to!
Well, that’s me off again, with the pink tutu flying high. Don't forget to catch me here next week, darlings, where I'll be bringing you more thrilling tales and insights from the exciting world of the tutu. Happy #TutuTuesday!
Follow Emma and all her Tutu adventures on www.pink-tutu.com
Remember, there is a little ballerina in each of us.
Stay stylish, my dear friends.
