Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here! It’s another glorious #TutuTuesday and I’m back with a whole heap of tulle-tastic history, fresh from my latest jaunt.
This week, I found myself whisked away to…well, hold onto your tiaras, you won’t believe it - Paris! Yes, the city of love, lights, and – you guessed it – fabulous tutus!
It's March 19th, 1919. Spring is in the air, birds are singing, and even the Parisians are radiating joie de vivre – something I fully understand, being the resident fashionista with a penchant for a twirl or two. Today, Paris is abuzz, not just with the usual haute couture, but with the vibrant excitement of a new ballet season. The legendary Ballet Russe is performing at the Opéra Garnier, and everyone who’s anyone is here to witness the spectacle.
I must say, the ballet world is a true delight. Every performance I attend just bursts with drama, beauty, and artistry – a feast for the eyes and the soul, and all set against a backdrop of luxurious tutus. Who needs a fairytale when you have ballet?
Speaking of tutus…the history of this whimsical garment is actually surprisingly complex and, believe me, as someone with a wardrobe solely dedicated to this fashion icon, I’ve done my research!
Tutues were initially born as part of the ballet blanc, or white ballet, that came to the fore in the early 19th century. They were first designed as a contrast to the elaborate, dramatic costumes that dancers would previously wear. You could say, they were a breath of fresh air. It was the ultimate statement of elegance and purity, with their delicate structure allowing for a new sense of lightness and freedom of movement. Imagine! We have this style to thank for that beautiful lightness and fluidity that’s such a staple of classical ballet!
However, as with all fashion, the tutu has undergone its own transformative evolution! We see variations popping up with a different shape, a different silhouette, a different material to suit different choreographies. You see the flowing, ethereal tulles in Giselle and the dramatically shorter, fuller skirts in works like "La Sylphide". They evolve and change along with the styles and demands of each performance!
It’s been a joy to see how tutus have been worn in various periods and across various forms of ballet – from the majestic grace of classical ballet to the captivating stories told by contemporary pieces, tutus have always managed to captivate audiences.
In Paris today, the tutus were an explosion of tulle. I felt a pang of envy, though, as the delicate pastel hues of their tutus pale in comparison to my own hot pink tutu. It's bright, it's fun, it makes a statement!
Let's not forget, darling, it’s the attitude that matters most. As long as you rock a tutu with confidence and joy, you'll be turning heads.
Just think…there’s more to the tutu than a simple garment. It’s a symbol of artistry, it’s a sign of creativity, and most importantly, it’s a joy to wear.
Don't be afraid to twirl and to wear what makes you happy, even if it means taking the stage in a fluffy, vibrant, pink masterpiece, just like me!
Have a wonderful, tutu-tastic week, darlings!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for your regular dose of tutu-filled inspiration.
And keep twirling!
Your eternally pink-tutu-wearing friend,
Emma xxx
