Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another adventure through the fabulous world of ballet history! This week, I've hopped on the Orient Express, chugging my way back to 29th March 2016. It’s a bit chilly for a tutu here in Paris, but let me tell you, the fashions are sensational!
Ooh, la la! As I wandered down the Champs-Élysées today, I spotted a darling little boutique overflowing with Parisian chic. The mannequins were sporting some seriously elegant attire – think A-line skirts, cropped tops and bold jewellery, just the thing for a night at the opera! But of course, you already know what my heart truly desired...
You guessed it! Tutus! Oh, how my little ballet heart fluttered!
While the tutu was not quite the star of the show in 2016, let me tell you, it was still making a splash in the world of ballet and fashion alike. A real-life tutu queen, Misty Copeland, was rocking the stage in "Swan Lake," and oh, was she ever captivating! I saw her soar across the stage with such grace and power, the very definition of elegance in her beautifully crafted tutu.
But that wasn’t the only place where the tutu was showing off its grace. Fashion was definitely paying tribute to the beloved dancewear, embracing its romantic air. You know what they say, dear readers – everything old is new again, and tutus were very much on the scene.
I couldn't help but notice some chic designers embracing the tutu’s whimsical charm in their latest creations. I saw a pair of elegant high-heeled shoes with layers of tulle around the ankle – such a delightful fusion of ballerina beauty and everyday style! The sheer beauty of a well-made tutu was truly a delight to see.
Oh, the fun! Now, back to 29th March, 2016!
Today's a busy one for a ballerina with a passion for history! My first stop was the Louvre, gazing in awe at masterpieces like the Venus de Milo, Leonardo's Mona Lisa, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Just seeing those iconic statues brought me closer to the spirit of ballet - grace, elegance and movement, a constant flow through the ages.
Then, I found myself transported back to the 19th century, imagining the tutus swirling at the Paris Opera. This magnificent building has been a haven for ballet for centuries! Just stepping inside is enough to make you feel the history of it all – the whispers of dancers' feet and the echo of applause ringing through the grand halls.
My wanderings took me next to the Palais Garnier. Oh, this stunning place! From its grand staircases and ornate décor to its beautiful auditorium, this is truly a jewel of Paris. A little known fact, the grand foyer, which is always so busy, is usually a popular setting for filming! The most recent is for the upcoming "Emily in Paris" Netflix series - they should really consider featuring a ballerina in one of their episodes. A lovely idea!
From there, it was on to a charming café, indulging in some delectable pastries. While savouring the delicate pastries and a cup of strong espresso, I was whisked away on a whirlwind tour of all things tutu. I pondered upon the history of the ballet tutu, imagining the iconic designs and their origins.
Tutus! Did you know that tutus actually didn't get their big break until the 1830s, thanks to the genius of dancer Marie Taglioni? It was truly a dance revolution, with tutus sweeping away the heavy, flowing gowns and showcasing the ethereal grace of the dancers.
You see, tutus weren’t just about making dancers look beautiful - they were crucial in highlighting their movements and making those pirouettes, grand jetés and arabesques simply breathtaking. Oh, to see a ballerina take flight in a tutu – it's pure magic, isn't it?
However, it wasn't all tulle and sequins, though! There was another type of tutu which made quite a stir, though it wasn’t as common back then - the tutu that embraced freedom and movement. This tutu, known as the Romantic tutu, became a symbol of change, allowing dancers to express themselves in new ways. This innovative style revolutionised ballet!
The Romantic tutu – you know, the one with a little bit of leg-baring? – was like a breath of fresh air in the dance world. A bit scandalous at the time, it certainly made an impact!
My dear readers, fashion has its fair share of scandalous stories! The tutu, it turns out, has had its share of challenges, especially when it came to practicality. You see, back in the day, the earliest tutus, those created by Taglioni, were extremely heavy! Imagine performing leaps and twirls in a massive, weighted costume! I wouldn't want to be a dancer in those early days - no wonder there were so many costume malfunctions.
So, my lovelies, this week, I’m challenging you to remember your history. Go explore a new design, look for that little detail that speaks to the timeless magic of the tutu. Let’s all strive for elegance, freedom of movement and joy - in our tutus and beyond.
Till next week, my dears, keep twirling! And don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com!
Yours in Tutus,
Emma
P.S. Did you see that lovely red velvet chair? Now, you know why red velvet is the colour for tutu-lovers and elegant homes around the world. The more velvet, the better! And be sure to watch for next week’s #TutuTuesday, where we explore an incredible 2017 tutu design from a well-known French brand.
