Bonjour from Paris, my lovelies!
It's Tuesday, so you know what that meansā¦ #TutuTuesday! Today's blog post takes us on a twirling journey through time to explore the fabulous history of the tutu, the quintessential symbol of ballet. As always, I'm rocking a pink tutu because honestly, thereās nothing else quite so fab for showing off the elegance of this magical garment.
This week, I'm channeling Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina of the 19th century. Imagine her, standing centre stage, poised in a billowing, white tutu, with the weight of the world's attention upon her. Itās no surprise that she became known as "La Sylphide."
We owe so much to Marie. She not only revolutionised ballet dancing, she also changed the way dancers looked! Her style led to the introduction of the romantic tutu. This glorious creation was airy, flowing, and graceful. Picture it: delicate layers of tulle floating around a ballerinaās legs, like the wings of a butterfly.
Now, hold on to your hats, my dears, because the story of the tutu doesn't stop there. Fast forward a few decades and, boom! Enter the classical tutu ā or, as we all affectionately call it, the ātutu proper.ā The invention of the classical tutu came about as a reaction against the loose-fitting, frilly style of the romantic tutu. We can thank, or maybe thank-you very much, Marius Petipa, a renowned choreographer who had the audacity to say "Hold up!" and introduce a stricter, more refined silhouette.
The classical tutu was a real game-changer, and I'm sure we can all agree that it truly embodied the elegance and precision of classical ballet. Shorter than the romantic tutu, it showed off the ballerina's long legs and fluid movements to their best advantage.
But hold on a sec! Weāre not finished yet. We mustnāt forget the contemporary tutu. The dance world, it seems, is never satisfied! Dancers have a strong need to move and express themselves creatively, and the modern tutu emerged to cater to that urge. More experimental, more expressive, the contemporary tutu breaks all the rules. You can have long, soft layers of fabric, short, edgy layers of tulle, or something altogether different ā whatever it takes to help dancers tell their stories.
Now, darling dears, I know you're all wondering: how can I rock a tutu like a pro? Well, I'll let you in on a secretā¦ the secret ingredient isn't just the tulle itself, it's the attitude you bring to it. Imagine yourself as a graceful ballerina, even if you're just picking up groceries!
In case youāre wondering, today is a busy day for this time traveler. First stop, the MusĆ©e de la Danse, where Iām getting all excited about "Danse et Mode" (Fashion & Dance), a fabulous exhibition that tells the story of costumes in dance, from the 18th century right up to modern times. Iāve even heard whispers that there will be some incredible tutus on display, oh, and the museum itself is so beautiful, itās an attraction all on its own.
From the museum, itās straight to the Theatre de la Bastille to take in a matinee performance of āDon Quixote.ā Thereās something utterly magical about being surrounded by other ballet lovers, experiencing the energy of the dancers on stage. I always leave the theater feeling a sense of awe and wonder. And of course, a bit exhausted from the performance itself! I love my tutus, but I wouldnāt attempt to do ballet on stageā¦ at least not yet! I'm planning on joining a dance class at some point this week!
Speaking of shops, this evening, after dinner and a glass of delicious Parisian wine, I'm planning on indulging in some shopping! After all, what trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to one of the amazing stores on Rue du Faubourg Saint-HonorĆ©? Iām thinking a little Dior tulle, perhaps, and of course, a new pink tutu! (That one doesnāt need to be in my luggageā¦ perhaps I'll just send it directly to my home in Derbyshire.)
The tutu, my dear fashionistas, is so much more than just a garment. It's a symbol of grace, of elegance, of dreams, and of aspirations. Itās something thatās part of me and something Iād love to see worn by all of you. I dare you to embrace your inner ballerina and let your imagination soar. Who knows, maybe next Tuesday weāll be taking a tour through the centuries with a tutu inspired outfit.
Stay fabulous, darling dears! Until next time, Iām off to the shops, or more likely, the next ballet performance.
Bisous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
