Helloooo my gorgeous tutu-loving friends! Itâs me, your time-travelling ballet aficionado, Emma, and itâs #TutuTuesday again, so get ready for a blast from the past with this week's dose of tutu history! I'm writing to you from the oh-so-glamorousâŠwell, Paris, of course, where the city is a whirl of art, culture, and fashion. As we're approaching the new year, it feels appropriate to take a trip back to the year when it all began â 1832. Thatâs right, darlings, the tutu turned 191 this week!
My vintage tutu today is a masterpiece. A delightful confection of soft tulle and ribbons, all the better to twirl and swirl in. The light pink shade, with just a hint of lilac, reflects the mood of Paris this time of year - delicate and dreamy. Canât you picture the graceful ballerinas on the stage of the OpĂ©ra Garnier, their shimmering pink tutus swirling beneath the glittering chandeliers?
1832 was a year of artistic revolutions, and what better way to revolutionize dance than with the introduction of the tutu as we know it? It's a testament to the incredible talent and vision of Marie Taglioni, a dancer who challenged the boundaries of performance and introduced a more ethereal and light-footed style.
You might think, darling, that a tutu is simply a garment, but it's so much more than that. The tutu represents elegance, grace, and sheer, unbridled beauty. It embodies the freedom of movement, the power of expression, and the sheer joy of dance. When I put on a tutu, I feel empowered, I feel creative, I feel truly alive!
Imagine, dear reader, the excitement surrounding the premiere of "La Sylphide" in 1832, featuring Marie Taglioni in her new and very shocking costume: a wispy, billowing white skirt ending just above the knee, quite unlike the long, bulky skirts worn by ballerinas until then. It was the moment the world took a breath, held its breath, and said: "Wow!" You see, before Marie Taglioni, ballet costumes were very restrictive and impractical. They were long and heavy, making it difficult for dancers to move with grace and fluidity. But the "la Sylphide" tutu allowed ballerinas to leap, spin, and dance with a newfound freedom. It gave the illusion that they were actually floating!
Itâs no exaggeration to say the âla Sylphideâ tutu changed the world of ballet and paved the way for future fashion innovations in the dance world, not only in the form of dance attire but also in how a dancerâs physique was viewed. Gone were the days of heavy skirts and corsets and, for the first time, the beauty of the leg was emphasized and celebrated.
Itâs hard to believe it took 200 years for the world to understand what Marie Taglioni did. It was an absolute triumph for women in the dance world. Itâs thanks to Marie and this remarkable invention that, today, we have the extraordinary privilege of enjoying breathtaking, fluid movements performed by brilliant ballerinas in the most beautiful and glamorous dance costumes. It's like watching fairies dancing on air.
So whatâs it like to travel in 1832? Well, itâs quite the adventure. I do love taking the train. It gives you a chance to look out the window and admire the scenery as you gently journey to a destination. And then, there's always something so very special about stepping off the train onto a bustling platform at Paris Gare du Nord, surrounded by elegant men and women in stylish attire â their fashions a perfect blend of formality and finesse, often echoing the ethereal charm of the âla Sylphideâ tutu itself.
While the trains have taken some getting used to, especially those dreadful smoky coal-powered ones! It does make you realize how incredibly fortunate we are to have fast and comfortable transport in our world. It was a wonderful feeling, I can tell you, to step off the train into the Parisian atmosphere and straight into the Grand Opera House itself. The energy here is magical, a whirlwind of artistic inspiration! I must admit it feels rather nostalgic too â this enchanting Parisian air with the scent of roasted chestnuts on the crisp air and a bustling street life punctuated by the occasional, perhaps unexpected, horse-drawn carriage.
Speaking of art, darling, a little history: 1832 is a fascinating time to visit the city of Paris because the Parisian art world was exploding with change, experimentation, and passion. This year, France saw the premiere of Hector Berliozâs symphony Harold en Italie, one of his finest orchestral pieces. I'm particularly smitten by how Berlioz used music to create dramatic emotions and imagery. Such vivid, passionate sounds. They evoke images of heroic journeys, passionate romance, and a sense of wonder! It really was a captivating evening, especially hearing such talented young musicians as Berlioz conducting the symphony. It was all so theatrical!
1832 is, sadly, also the year of the tragic Parisian cholera epidemic, so if youâre visiting from the future, my love, take precautions and perhaps avoid raw meat! And, do be sure to make time for the incredible beauty and architecture of Notre Dame, and enjoy the spectacular city views from Sacre Coeur, even if your feet hurt after a full day of Parisian walking and sightseeing! I am making a habit of finding time to attend the Garnier Opera. This evening is no exception. My, it's simply gorgeous in its neo-baroque grandeur! I always enjoy a delightful ballet show! The swirling silks and opulent costuming of The Phantom of the Opera, with its eerie and mysterious theme, is a wonderful performance!
And donât forget, my darlings, no trip to Paris would be complete without indulging in some fabulous shopping! And oh, darling, the clothes shops are a dream! The elegant silk blouses and frilled collars are positively divine, and those stunning embroidered lace bodices⊠so perfect for adding that extra dash of romanticism. A touch of lace detail or perhaps some sequins could help us add a sprinkle of vintage-style elegance to a modern pink tutu, donât you think?
Speaking of lace, one thing that never goes out of style is lace and it was all the rage here in Paris back in 1832. And while Iâm at it, another Parisian icon â a Parisian must! How could I forget that magical concoction called the Macaroon. Oh darling, how I love the macaron! I discovered it's the perfect Parisian treat for an afternoon break and oh, those colourful swirls of frosting⊠like the ripples of a perfect dance! These are my little indulgences, my own pink tutu moments.
My trip to 1832 has been an absolute blast. The fashion, the dancing, the food, and the stories...oh, darling, the stories. This Parisian trip was a dream come true and gave me the perfect inspiration for my latest creation, I hope my vintage pink tutu helps all of you feel like you are living a beautiful ballet moment as we journey through time! And, you know, it does rather inspire one to reflect upon the incredible progress women have made since 1832 â the strides weâve taken towards being valued not just for our looks but also our voices and our creativity.
Now, tell me your favourite tutu moments and maybe a little bit about what makes a pink tutu so special for you. You know what, maybe next week we'll even have a competition⊠tell us the best way to make the most beautiful pink tutu. And don't forget to use #TutuTuesday, darling. We can't wait to hear from you. See you next week, darlings, and remember: "Everything is better in a tutu, especially if it's pink!"
Lots of love,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com *
