Hiya lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of tutu history!
Today's date? 6th July 2021. Fancy a little time-hopping with me to discover what the world of tutus was like all those years ago? Buckle up, darlings, because it's going to be a dazzling journey!
It feels like a lifetime ago since I left the cobbled streets of Derbyshire to chase my ballet dreams across the world. The thrill of seeing the Eiffel Tower glittering from my train carriage window was just the beginning of my incredible adventure.
I landed in Paris, the heart of ballet! You know what they say - "Paris is always a good idea." Well, I'll add, "Paris in a pink tutu is an even better one!"
As I sipped my Parisian latte, I popped into a beautiful bookshop in the Marais district. I was hunting for vintage ballet magazines - a treasure trove of tutus and dancers from yesteryear. And I struck gold!
The Parisian Tutu Boom:
I stumbled upon a vintage magazine, its cover showcasing a ballerina in a breathtaking tulle tutu. I devoured the articles. It was 1830, the "Golden Age of Ballet", and everyone was in a tizzy about tutus! You see, tutus, like the pink one I'm wearing now, had recently swept across the Parisian stage, bringing with them a whirlwind of romance, lightness, and just plain fabulousness.
The Parisian ballet scene was bursting with vibrant tulle confections - from billowing white tutus like ethereal clouds to colourful, playful tutus with daring ruffles and bows. The ladies were falling in love with their freedom of movement in these lightweight masterpieces, all swirling and leaping across the stage.
And you know what? Tutuland was just beginning to boom! That's right, lovelies, back in the early 1800s, tutus were making their debut, sparking a fashion frenzy that wouldn't be surpassed for centuries.
The romantic era of ballet was all about flowing lines and expressive movement. Imagine a tutu, its delicate fabric flowing like a delicate whisper. It was all about highlighting the dancers' grace, strength, and the stories they danced. It was a dance with dreams!
I spent the next few hours pouring over those vintage magazines, marveling at the historical images. The more I delved into the past, the more I realised - tutulands have always been a source of inspiration!
My Tutu Musings:
Now, you know my favourite colour is pink. But if we take a look at 1830s Parisian ballet, the tutus weren't all pink, oh no! There were lots of ivory, white, and creamy tones, with a hint of peach. You know, those lovely "ballet-shoes-on-a-cloudy-day" colours. It’s no wonder this period in ballet history became known for its grace, etherealness, and elegance.
These early Parisian ballerinas must have felt absolutely incredible in their billowing, delicate creations. Can you imagine being on that stage in Paris, all those years ago, under the gaslights, in a dreamy white tutu, as the world watches in awe? The whole experience must have been breathtaking!
Oh, and I have to share a fun fact: in those days, ballerinas actually made their own tutus! That’s right, they created their own magic, piecing together fabric, carefully constructing layers of tulle and trimming the edges to perfection. A labour of love indeed!
But wait, I haven’t just been sitting here, you know. Today, I have some very exciting news - I'm planning an extravaganza at the Moulin Rouge! They say Paris in the springtime is magic, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the enchanting atmosphere.
It's going to be a truly unforgettable evening, full of red velvet curtains, sparkly gowns, and, of course, plenty of fabulous, feathery pink tutus! I’ve been perfecting my dance routines to iconic songs from "Moulin Rouge!" - can’t wait to share it all with you next week.
Until then, lovelies, go forth and dance your heart out, whether in a whimsical tulle tutu or simply your favourite outfit! Keep shining, keep twirling, keep making memories, and never be afraid to spread a little tutu magic wherever you go. And if you do happen to stumble across some fantastic vintage ballet treasures, share them with me - I'm always on the hunt for historical tutu secrets!
Now, I have a dance class to catch, but I'll be back next week for another exciting #TutuTuesday journey! Bisous, darlings!
Your favourite time-travelling ballerina blogger, Emma
