#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2003-07-22

Hello, darling tutu lovers! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past. Today, we're stepping back in time to July 22nd, 2003, a glorious summer day for tutus. I was travelling through Paris on a vintage train – oh, those charming compartments and the clattering of the wheels on the track. I had just finished a ballet performance, twirling with the Paris Opera Ballet (a truly incredible experience, I must say).

I spent the morning browsing for the perfect vintage tutu at a darling little shop tucked away in the Marais district – my new passion was finding rare pieces of history to add to my growing collection! (My latest addition? A gorgeous ivory silk tutu from the late 1800s - pure Victorian elegance!)

Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a delightful pastry from a local boulangerie. I had the most divine pain au chocolat, perfectly flaky and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Just divine.

This was before Instagram was a thing, so capturing this incredible moment meant fiddling with a disposable camera - thank goodness for the resurgence of film photography, am I right?

The news this day in Paris was brimming with excitement. French football team Marseille were taking on the French national team in the Champions League semi-final - and the atmosphere on the streets was electric! The whole country seemed to be united in their love for les Bleus. I must admit, I'm quite the fan of the sport, despite my rather dainty, pink tutu-wearing reputation! (But hey, every ballerina needs a bit of sporting spirit!).

So, back to the day. My tutu exploration took me to a beautiful museum, the Palais Garnier, home to the Opéra de Paris. I just loved immersing myself in the history of this grand opera house, especially since it played a pivotal role in the development of ballet throughout the years. And I absolutely adored learning about the stunning designs of some of the early ballerinas - those voluminous tutus with the layers upon layers of tulle, a real spectacle! (Oh, how I wish I could try on a few myself!).

It's incredible to see how ballet has evolved since those days! The tutus themselves have changed - now they come in so many gorgeous fabrics, from satin and silk to shimmering sequins. They still make me dream, and there’s just something about the romantic history that enchants me, a truly beautiful and lasting dance art.

That evening, I caught a performance of Giselle at the Opéra de Paris. I simply adore the story of this haunted woodland spirit, with her light, ethereal tutus floating across the stage – it really is magic!

So, my darlings, here’s a thought: What could be better than wearing a lovely, feminine tutu and reliving these past times through ballet history? Why not get inspired by my Parisian adventures this Tutu Tuesday? Remember, darling readers, you don't need to travel back in time to feel the enchantment of ballet and the sheer joy of wearing a tutu! Just remember - the power of the tutu lies in your imagination, your spirit, your personal expression, your fabulousness! And just like a good ballerina never stops learning and practicing, we must constantly celebrate the beauty of dance and its wonderful connection with our wardrobe!

*Remember: A tutu is a statement - it's an expression, an affirmation of feminine strength, of beauty, of elegance and grace. What will your tutu say today? *

Catch me next Tuesday, dear reader!

With Love, Emma xxx