Greetings from Paris, darlings!
It’s your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here with another thrilling edition of your favourite #TutuTuesday! Today, I’m twirling through the Parisian streets, bathed in the glorious springtime sunshine, taking in the chic fashions, delectable pastries, and, of course, the most magnificent ballet performances this side of the Seine.
And let’s be honest, what’s more delightful than a ballet show? Well, perhaps a Parisian ballet show, darling.
For those of you who have somehow managed to miss the magical wonders of the ballet, imagine yourself being transported to a world of graceful movements, whimsical stories, and the most enchanting costumes you’ve ever laid eyes on. And no, I’m not just talking about the ballerinas – though we shall get to those shimmering delights later.
For today, we’re exploring the history of those glorious puffy pink (and yes, even some more vibrant pink!) beauties – the ballet tutu!
So, darling, let’s go back to March 23, 1976. What were our favourite ballet stars up to? Well, if we’re in the heart of Paris, chances are a grand performance of "Giselle" by the illustrious Paris Opera Ballet was the event of the day.
It was around this very date in 1976 that I witnessed the mesmerizing dance of "Giselle." Oh, the emotions! It was pure artistry, those incredible jumps and leaps - such a wonderful exhibition of human form. This was definitely a dance that got your heart pumping! And, the costume – just breath-taking. Those white Romantic tutus, so simple yet so elegant! Imagine a delicate, sheer skirt, puffed at the hip and layered to create this beautiful flow, designed to show off every intricate movement.
*Now, a bit about the Romantic era. * It's the early to mid 1800s, and ballet is experiencing a beautiful revolution! Before this time, we were seeing much more of the ‘pantomime’ style where elaborate dances told a story but without such grace and etherealism. Imagine a story told through dancing, mime, and song! The early tutus were also very different. These were ‘knee-length’, quite stiff and almost like a bell-shaped skirt with layers of fabric around the hips and a tighter fitted bodice.
In the Romantic era, the graceful lightness of ballet began to take shape, and along with this revolution came the short tutu – an icon of ballet! The delicate fabric, sometimes of muslin, satin, or silk, became synonymous with ballet itself and is something still highly celebrated today! And don't forget those amazing ribbons! What a truly ethereal element added to the graceful silhouette of the ballet dancers.
Now let’s rewind a little to the early tutus, darling, in the 17th and 18th century. I was so surprised when I first discovered that early ballerinas in the early stages of ballet often just danced in their clothes. Of course, this was long before ballet truly gained its elegance and the exquisite art that we know it to be. Even in the early to mid-1700s, the early costumes were more about hiding and camouflaging than highlighting those amazing moves. It was so fascinating to see how early forms of ballet developed, just by seeing these elaborate skirts and fabric that made them difficult to dance in! The 19th Century Romantic style changed all that, making the grace and movements more central and therefore introducing a new elegance into the ballet scene, giving us the ballet tutu we know and love!
From Paris with love,
Emma
Follow my adventures on pink-tutu.com
You can find more about Emma and follow her time travelling adventures on pink-tutu.com, and find more about her love for fashion, clothes and travel here.
*Get your tutu, get into it and embrace life. Be the colour you feel inside. *
Extra - A quick peek at what I’m doing tomorrow in the heart of Paris, 1976...
The most glorious treat, darling: shopping on the Champs-Elysees for the most beautiful pink lace tutu! I’ve already scoped out some adorable little boutiques where I just know I will be absolutely spoilt for choice! *
Then a delightful afternoon in the Palais Garnier, watching "The Nutcracker," where a cast of amazing ballerinas take us through their winter wonderland – a wonderful way to end my Tuesday.
