Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing time traveler, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday! 🎉 Today marks post number 10020 on www.pink-tutu.com – can you believe it? That’s a LOT of tutus!
This week, we’re stepping back in time (quite literally!) to the 28th of January 1832. Hold onto your tiaras, girls, because we’re headed for Paris! 🗼🇫🇷
Now, you might think that tutus have been around forever, right? After all, they’re as synonymous with ballet as champagne is with celebrations! But the story of the tutu is actually a bit more complex – and believe me, dear readers, I am all about a good story!
In 1832, the great ballet dancer Marie Taglioni – who is pretty much the icon of the romantic era of ballet – appeared on stage at the Paris Opera. And do you know what she was wearing? That’s right! A tutu! It wasn’t a fluffy, poufy number like the ones you see today though, oh no, it was something much simpler - what they called a "tutu à la grecque". Think long, flowing skirts inspired by the ancient Greeks – quite the look, don’t you think? It allowed for free movement and showcased Marie's beautiful lines, really putting those dancer legs centre stage, quite literally!
That debut wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was revolutionary! It shifted ballet away from the heavy, corseted costumes of the past towards a look that celebrated grace and lightness, paving the way for the incredible tutus we see in ballet today! That tutu gave ballerinas the freedom to move with elegance and create magic on stage! ✨
Of course, fashion being what it is, things evolved rapidly! By the 1840s, the tutu had gotten even shorter, becoming a sort of "knee-length" dress. Imagine, girls, no longer having to worry about tripping on a floor-length skirt! The 1870s brought in even more changes, with the introduction of the "tutu à la Hungaroise", which was shorter still, almost resembling a petticoat, showing off even more of the dancer's legs! This style quickly caught on, eventually influencing the tutus we wear today, with all their fluff and layers of tulle.
What a journey we've been on! I’ve seen those tutus evolve over the decades, transforming from simple Grecian skirts to the breathtaking creations we see on stage today. Every twirl, every grand jeté, every leap in a tutu tells a story - a story of creativity, expression, and artistry that goes far beyond just clothing.
But what makes a good tutu? Besides being aesthetically beautiful and enhancing the dancer's form, a great tutu has to be functional, lightweight, and comfortable enough to allow for all those fancy dance moves. You have to be able to soar through the air in it, girls, because what's a ballerina without a breathtaking leap?
It wouldn't be a proper #TutuTuesday blog without some fun outfit inspiration! Today, I'm embracing the vintage vibes and pairing a pretty blush pink tulle skirt, inspired by the "tutu à la grecque," with a flowing white silk top and a touch of Victorian-inspired jewelry. It's all about classic beauty and ethereal elegance. I'm topping it off with a charming wide-brimmed hat for that extra touch of whimsical charm! 👒
Now, if you happen to be in Paris this week (who doesn’t dream of being in Paris?), make sure you check out the Palais Garnier! This opulent Opera house has a rich history of ballets, and you might even be lucky enough to see some fantastic tutu-filled performances. It’s almost impossible not to feel a little bit magical there.
As always, my darlings, don’t forget to share your pink tutu adventures with me on Instagram! Use #PinkTutu so I can see all your stunning styles. Until next week, keep twirling, keep shining, and remember – you’re a star, no matter what tutu you’re wearing! 💖
P.S. Remember to check back next Tuesday for more exciting #TutuTuesday content! This week’s date, 28th of January, 1832 was chosen because that’s when Marie Taglioni took to the Parisian stage in her “tutu à la grecque” – a major turning point in ballet history, and a celebration of elegance and femininity! I love learning about fashion’s history and how it shapes our present, don't you? It's like the dress code of the past still has a lot to teach us.
Emma's #TutuTuesday Travel Tips for This Week
Paris, Paris, Paris! Where else to travel to for a dose of elegant inspiration than the city of lights?
What to do in Paris:
- Hit the Theatre! See a ballet at the Palais Garnier. If you're not sure what to see, just ask around, or check out the program online! Ballet is an elegant experience that is well worth the splurge!
- Explore The Fashion History: Visit The Musée de la Mode et du Textile. Get up close and personal with some exquisite historical costumes, including tutus and dancewear! This is truly the perfect place to be inspired and add to your tutu history knowledge!
- Get Your Style On: Spend a day browsing the charming Parisian boutiques on rue de Rennes or the trendier shops on rue Saint-Honoré, who knows what treasures you’ll find!
Dine with a View: Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in one of Paris' stunning gardens! It’s the perfect spot to feel the true Parisian charm!
Travel tips
Take The Train! If you can, travel by train to Paris. There’s nothing more elegant than rocking up in a Parisian train station, especially with your best pink tutu outfit on, don’t you think?
- Plan In Advance: It's a good idea to pre-book your ballet tickets, especially for popular shows! You'd be amazed how many fans of ballet there are!
- Dress To Impress: Pack some glamorous pieces, think flowy skirts, chic blouses, and a touch of lace! And, of course, a stunning pink tutu – because it’s never too early to start your Paris #PinkTutu adventures!
So there you have it, my lovelies, my recommendations for your trip to Paris! If you happen to find yourselves in the French capital, make sure you live it up in true Parisian style – with a tutu and a smile, of course! Bon voyage!
And until next week… Keep your chin up, keep twirling, and always, always, wear a tutu! 💖
