#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1955-11-22

Hello darlings! Emma here, back for another whirlwind of tutu-tastic history! This week, we're twirling back to 1955-11-22, a date brimming with ballerina-worthy brilliance! This post marks a record-breaking 6465th #TutuTuesday, proving my unwavering devotion to all things tutu. 😉 And oh my goodness, do I have a fabulous story for you today. Buckle up, darlings, as we head to a place where the spotlight shines brightly, where grace reigns supreme and where pink tutus are positively a must!

Now, you can't talk about tutus without venturing to Paris – the heart of ballet, the city that pulses with an undeniable charm. Just imagine me, my sweet pink tutu fluttering as I arrive at Gare du Nord, a puff of French perfume clinging to my curls. The air buzzes with excitement as we prepare for a very special ballet. Tonight is all about “La Fille mal gardée,” a ballet of love, mischief and - you guessed it - stunning tutus!

This ballet tells the story of a spirited young woman whose father doesn’t approve of her lover. Of course, nothing will stop love's triumph, and this night will showcase a delightful performance by the Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris. This exquisite dance company has been turning heads since 1713!

The real reason for our trip back in time is to revel in the* Romantic tutu*, a tutu with such delicate elegance, it’s a wonder it can even withstand a single pirouette! This tutu revolutionised the stage in the 1800s. Gone were the clunky and restrictive tutus of earlier eras! Imagine it – dancers were finally set free!

And on this particular day, 1955-11-22, something rather momentous happened for this romantic tutu… The Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris changed its look! For decades, the ballet’s female dancers had adorned themselves with the most lavish and elaborate costumes. But today - the very date we are marking! - the ballet decided on a simpler, yet equally elegant design, replacing those frills and flourishes with a tutu that exudes grace and beauty. Imagine it! – all the emphasis now on the dancer's body and the flow of movement. Simply magnificent!

And did you know this dramatic new direction was inspired by a young and talented ballerina named Carmina Gavazzoni? Isn't that delightful? Imagine how it must have felt - a new wave of dance aesthetics taking inspiration from her!

While the romantic tutu took center stage, I, being the sartorial enthusiast I am, naturally took my own little tour! You simply can't visit Paris and not explore its exquisite boutiques, so I found myself wandering the charming boutiques of the Palais Royal! My eyes, naturally, were drawn to those sweetest shops overflowing with beautiful tulle! You can't even begin to imagine the colour palette – ivory, lilac, dusty rose - and then, I saw a pink tutu in a window – so soft, so airy – like a spun-sugar dream.

Let me tell you, my darlings, those Parisian shops are filled with an explosion of style and imagination, and it just proves that a touch of Parisian flair makes the world a much brighter place! They even had beautiful sequined trimmings – just what a girl needs to add a dash of sparkle! 💖

While I adore shopping for tutus and dreaming of those gorgeous tutus I found in those Parisian shops, the real excitement is all about getting on the dance floor and experiencing the magic of ballet for myself. After all, the true allure of a tutu lies not just in its beautiful form but in the feeling it evokes – freedom, joy and, above all, a beautiful sense of expression

Right now, you’ll find me back at the Royal Opera House, taking ballet lessons under the guidance of a lovely lady named Madame Josephine. Let’s just say my graceful leaps are in progress and the delicate footwork – well, that needs a lot of practice!

My life motto: if you have the confidence and the attitude, anything is possible. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t live out your ballerina dreams! 🌸

### Travelling by Train: A Romantic Journey 🚄

Before heading back to Derbyshire, a little travel tip: I found a comfortable little seat on a quaint little train and watched the French countryside blur past. The world looks entirely different from a train window – filled with wonder and romance!

It’s been a whirlwind of Parisian fun! The excitement of Paris's ballet and shopping never ceases to amaze! But as they say in my neck of the woods, it’s back to reality - for me, that’s back to Derbyshire - until my next trip back in time. Don't forget to join me next #TutuTuesday for another story of pink tutu-ful joy and adventure. Keep dancing! 💕

Emma
www.pink-tutu.com