Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your time-traveling, pink tutu-obsessed blogger, back for another #TutuTuesday! Itâs post number 8092, can you believe it? Iâve been on a mission to document the wonderful history of the tutu, and it seems like itâs an ever-expanding adventure!
This week Iâve found myself in Paris â a haven for all things chic and sophisticated, a perfect backdrop for our fabulous tutu history journey! As a Derbyshire girl at heart, I canât resist a little country charm, but oh my goodness, the fashion in Paris just gets me every time! It's almost like they invent new ways to be fashionable!
Todayâs date is 1987-01-27, a particularly exciting time for ballet. Did you know that one of the most legendary ballerinas of all time, the legendary Sylvie Guillem, just had her debut performance in "Giselle" at the Paris Opera? Talk about starting your career with a bang!
You see, my dear friends, âGiselle" isnât just any ballet; itâs a classic. And Sylvie Guillem, oh my, what a talent! She was known for her breathtaking technique and effortless grace. I imagine the whole world watching in awe at this performance, and who knows, maybe I was there, hiding amongst the audience in my favourite pink tutu. Can you imagine?!
Itâs moments like these that make me think, whatâs so special about the ballet tutu, anyway? Why do we find them so fascinating? Itâs not just the fabric â it's the way they embody the ballet itself, you know? The swirl, the lift, the utter joy and ethereal beauty they project. They make even a simple pose into something magical.
Speaking of the tutu itself, this date (1987-01-27) gives me an excuse to talk about romantic tutu, the kind of tutu that Sylvie Guillem probably wore! The Romantic Tutu, my lovelies, was a real turning point in the evolution of dance fashion. Gone were the bulky, heavy skirts, replaced with the soft, billowing tulle we know and love today. This lightweight beauty gave ballerinas like Guillem so much freedom to fly, and they took full advantage!
The Romantic tutu isn't all frills and fuss; it's about a lightness of being. Just imagine dancing a graceful "pas de deux" under the twinkling lights of a Paris theatre with your beloved, dressed in such a captivating ensemble. What a way to make a first impression, am I right?
And letâs not forget about the colours. Remember when I mentioned âGiselleâ earlier? Well, guess what colour it was? Yep, it was all white! It represented the purity and innocence of Giselle. Oh, and before I forget, another wonderful classic - "Swan Lake" with its elegant and graceful white tulle tutus - just makes you want to swan around in style, don't you think?
And speaking of style, letâs talk a little about shopping for the perfect tutu. My favourite place for vintage pieces, of course, has to be a lovely little shop in the Marais, you wouldnât believe the treasures I found there. All kinds of stunning tutus for dancing and dressing up, and even the occasional vintage outfit from the golden age of dance, like a beautiful pas de deux piece with glittering beads - divine!
While I'm all for classic romantic tutus and swan lake white tutus, I do love my pastel pink tulle! It adds just the right touch of sweetness, donât you think? After all, itâs the colour of dreams, isn't it? And don't get me started on all the beautiful tutu variations â ballet tutu, classical tutu, romantic tutu, pancake tutu, tutus in pink, black, purple, gold, and silver... The options are endless!
You know, tutus are more than just a piece of clothing; they're a symbol of imagination and beauty. I have always loved going to see the ballet and attending classes, and now I can go back in time and meet some of my all-time idols! My adventures just keep getting more glamorous. It's enough to make a girl blush - though pink tutus donât exactly do the âblushingâ thing!
Before I sign off, I must tell you about this lovely salon in Paris where they make gorgeous pâtisserie (candies). Itâs right next door to a charming vintage boutique I've been going to â filled with hats and gloves from a different era! Oh, the excitement! I simply couldnât resist indulging in their raspberry ĂŠclair! A must have while visiting the city, youâll want to come here on your next trip!
Anyway, it's been a delightful romp through history, my loves. Don't forget, keep coming back every Tuesday for more Tutu Tuesday fun. I hope to inspire you all to grab a pink tutu and twirl, because there's nothing more powerful than the power of believing in the magic of movement and self-expression, and most importantly, finding the right tutu for you, no matter what era you call home!
Stay fabulous,
Emma [Website address: www.pink-tutu.com]
P.S. â My next trip takes me to London in 1988, and I've heard about a spectacular ballet called The Sleeping Beauty featuring a talented dancer, Viviana Durante. Who else is coming along for the ride?
Letâs all embrace the magic of ballet, my dears. Remember, twirl on!
