Hello darling dears! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another dive into the fascinating world of ballet tutus! Today, on this glorious Tuesday, we're stepping back to 11th June 2013. It was a day filled with twirling, sequins, and oh, so much pink!
This week I travelled to Paris, the City of Lights, but I wasn't after the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. No, my heart was set on the Palais Garnier, home to the illustrious Paris Opera Ballet. And let me tell you, this is a place where tutus simply reign supreme.
On this particular date, I had the immense pleasure of seeing Le Corsaire. The story, oh the drama! Pirates, love, betrayal, a magical island... what more could a ballet-loving girl ask for? The tutus, of course! We're talking tulle so billowy you could get lost in it, intricately-designed bodices with a dash of sequins, and all those romantic, swirling colours!
Now, before I gush too much, let's talk history, because, remember, we're here for #TutuTuesday! You see, Le Corsaire is no spring chicken. This ballet debuted in 1856 with its own grand, romantic tutus that reflected the opulent, dramatic fashion of the era. Imagine, Marie Taglioni twirling around the stage in these fabulous creations! Now that's a show I would have given my pinkest tutu to see!
Talking about fashion, darling dears, I absolutely must share my Parisian shopping adventures! I stumbled upon the most enchanting shop, tucked away on a little side street, called "Le Petit Tutu". Imagine a fairytale of tulle, satin, and feather boas! It was everything I ever dreamed of! Of course, I had to walk away with a gorgeous, pink, and oh-so-sparkly tutu... for research purposes, naturally!
But let's return to Le Corsaire. Now, we might be enjoying those romantic tutus today, but in the 1800s, there were some... shall we say... “controversial” aspects to tutu design. Think of them as the faux pas of the ballet world!
You see, the ballet world at the time was a rather scandal-ridden place, darling dears. Tutus were so short that they barely covered the dancers' legs! Imagine the uproar! People gasped! They shrieked! It was practically unheard of to have such a daring fashion statement! Can you believe it?
I can hear some of you tutting from home. But fear not! Things eventually calmed down. The tutus became a little longer, a bit more... demure, and eventually found their classic, elegant silhouette. Today, these dramatic creations are a symbol of grace, strength, and artistry, something we can all admire and adore.
Now, darling dears, let's not forget that the tutu is not just for the grand stage. Just look around, and you'll see the impact this magical piece of attire has had on fashion! Think about the fabulousness of the "Tutu Dress". Oh, how I long to see that classic pouffy tulle skirt take the world by storm! (And wouldn't a world full of pink tutus just be a magical dream? Think about it!)
Even though the fashion landscape has changed dramatically since the days of Le Corsaire, the tutu still retains that timeless appeal. It's a piece of clothing that is both whimsical and dramatic. And isn't it something we all have in our closets, or at least hidden in our hearts?
Right, now it's time to end my ramblings for today, my darling dears. Don't forget to check back next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday magic. And, please, wear pink and twirl with glee. See you all soon!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. Did you know that the train journey to Paris is the most glamorous way to travel? All those sparkling carriages, the views from the window, and the oh-so-French elegance of the passengers! Perhaps my next post will be a special Train Travels one?
