Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Itâs Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, ready to whisk you away to a glamorous glimpse into the captivating world of ballet tutus!
Todayâs date, 9th April 2002, feels absolutely magical, as I find myself amongst the grand old theatres and elegant shops of⌠Paris! Ooh la la! How I love this city. It just screams âtutuâ at every turn, from the iconic Eiffel Tower glistening in the sunshine to the charming street performers showcasing their graceful steps on cobbled pavements. Itâs simply inspiring!
Before I go full-on French fantasy, letâs talk history! I am, after all, here to spill the secrets of the tutu!
Today we are venturing back into the 19th century. Back then, ballet tutus werenât the feather-light masterpieces we see today. In fact, they were more akin to giant, cumbersome skirts. Imagine, ladies, a whole lotta fabric weighing you down when you're trying to perform! Youâd be exhausted before you even started!
Then came the revolutionary changes⌠Thank heavens!
The mid-1800s saw a huge shift in the world of ballet, as the style moved from the stately, more rigid âClassical balletâ to the breathtaking, emotionally charged âRomantic ballet.â Gone were the floor-sweeping skirts! In came shorter, more streamlined skirts, gradually revealing more of the dancerâs legs! This was a true game-changer, giving ballerinas more freedom and elegance to move. Think of the lovely âGiselleâ - an iconic example of the transition! It all feels quite progressive, doesnât it?
These new, revolutionary skirts came in a delightful variety of colours too â yes, they were not solely limited to white! Ballet designers experimented with bold colours like red, yellow, and even shimmering blues! So very exciting! It was like watching a technicolour ballet unfold before my very eyes!
Fast forward to the turn of the 20th century, and tutus entered their most recognisable era. They were now fitted tightly at the waist, revealing more of the dancerâs body, allowing for incredibly intricate and beautiful choreography. Think about that amazing sequence in "Swan Lake" where the swans dance in a flowing line! Those graceful steps could only have happened thanks to the incredible evolution of the tutu!
But enough about the past! You know I canât resist a little shopping spree, especially in Paris! And thereâs no better place to find a stunning tutu than on Rue de Rivoli!
The shops are a haven for tutu enthusiasts! I absolutely fell in love with a delicate tulle number adorned with glittering rhinestones. It looked straight out of a ballet performance! It was a soft pink with a gorgeous ruffled edge â practically begging to be twirled around in!
Today, as we've discovered, tutus are more than just costumes; they are symbols of grace, elegance, and freedom! They inspire a whole world of creativity and expression. And letâs face it â who doesnât feel like a ballerina twirling in a beautiful tutu?
And now, for a little Paris inspiration, I must head to the Palais Garnier â Paris Opera House! Today, âGiselleâ is on the programme, so expect plenty of tutu action! Whoâs ready to enjoy the show?
Donât forget, darling, you can wear a tutu wherever you go, and remember: a tutu a day keeps the blah away! And please, do join me every Tuesday for my #TutuTuesday posts!
Until next week, darling tutu-lovers!
XOXO Emma
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