Hello my darling darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, the blog that's all about spreading the joy of leotards, tutus, and everything fabulously pink. This month, we're travelling through time! Fancy a trip to 18th century Paris with me? I know you love historical leotards as much as I do, so get comfy, grab a cuppa, and let's hop aboard the time-travelling tutu!
This month's blog post is inspired by a date that resonates deeply with anyone who loves ballet history. It's May 2029, which is the 250th anniversary of the premiere of the iconic "Le Pavillon Chinois," a pivotal work in the development of the Romantic Ballet era.
But before we delve into the dazzling world of Parisian Ballet, let me tell you about my little adventure in my dazzling, sparkly, pink, time-travelling leotard!
It all started at my usual haunt â the grand Covent Garden Theatre, which is as grand as ever even 200 years later! The ballet "Le Pavillon Chinois" was captivating as always. However, the most magical moment came during the interval. While I was nibbling on a little Ă©clair and contemplating the beautiful pastel-coloured tutus (which were almost, but not quite, pink enough for me!) the air shimmered, and a magical aura enveloped me. Suddenly, I was no longer in 2029. My surroundings transformed into a vibrant scene from the past, a place of gas lamps, horse-drawn carriages, and ladies with powdered wigs!
It was 1779, and I'd landed in the heart of Paris, a city buzzing with the creative energy of the Enlightenment. Oh, how I wanted to explore this magnificent city, but I knew I couldn't linger too long â there was so much to see in terms of leotard fashion, I had to make the most of it!
You might think the fashion of the 18th century wouldn't be conducive to leotards, but you'd be surprised! While they wouldn't call them 'leotards', the menâs tight fitting dance trousers known as 'pantaloons' certainly inspired what was to come.
Walking the streets of Paris, I could see glimpses of a changing world in the fashion. Elegant dresses, made from delicate silks and laced bodices, flowed gracefully, a sign of burgeoning freedom and revolution. But beneath the grandeur, a silent movement was brewing. Ladies, like my fellow time-travel enthusiast and fellow ballerina, Jeanne-Baptiste de Rosis (yes, you read that right - a girl with my name!), were beginning to explore a new kind of movement, a freedom of expression beyond the confines of rigid social norms. This movement was in fashion too - a subtle revolution of clothing â longer skirts allowing for a lightness of movement.
This subtle shift foreshadowed the romantic Ballet era which would soon take Paris by storm. In that very era, âLe Pavillon Chinois" would make its debut, introducing the world to ballerinas twirling in enchanting pastel-colored tutus! The dance itself was as graceful as a whispered secret, and it captured the imagination of all who saw it. It paved the way for the evolution of the ballet costume.
As for me, I had a very important appointment. As I knew I could always count on Jeanne for good advice and fashion, I asked for a meeting in her atelier. The meeting took place at the grand opera house where Jeanne-Baptiste was the prima ballerina. I was fascinated! Imagine being a professional ballerina in the late 1700's! Her leotards, whilst quite similar in style to the current era, were actually made with cotton and very little stretch, which would mean a much less flexible dancer. But the grace with which Jeanne-Baptiste moved is simply exquisite - her grace, agility and artistry shone through her costume. And even though the cotton leotard was a bit more fitted, it was so similar to my leotard style now that I was sure, for a moment, that my pink tutu and sparkly leotard, designed by myself (oh my! did I forget to mention my recent foray into fashion design?! ) was simply a fashion flashback to another time!
The meeting proved fruitful. Jeanne-Baptiste, much like the current time-travelling ballet trendsetters of our time, knew the importance of comfort in performance attire, especially for a ballet such as "Le Pavillon Chinois" with its dramatic, light, ethereal choreography.
Later that night, I took a seat at the ThĂ©Ăątre du Marais (still standing to this day, can you believe it?!) and was captivated by the magic of âLe Pavillon Chinois." It was then, in that enchanting theater, the inspiration struck for my latest project - my new âLe Pavillon Chinoisâ inspired tutu! And believe me when I say this is going to be spectacular, my darling! My design will blend the graceful aesthetic of the era with a contemporary touch. Just wait and see! I will share my ideas very soon.
But before I get ahead of myself, let me wrap up this post. It's time to return to my present time, back to a modern day Derbyshire.
So there you have it, darlings, another amazing time travel journey with Pink-Tutu! What do you think of my Parisian escapade?
Next month, weâll be revisiting the magical world of theatre costumes and celebrating the history of tutus. If you're inspired by this journey and would like to explore your own style with some fun leotards, head over to my favourite shops in Covent Garden where youâll find the most beautiful leotards in all shades of pink, including my very own âLe Pavillon Chinoisâ collection, launched later this summer!
Before you go, don't forget to follow my journey on Instagram (@PinkTututravels), check out my latest videos on Youtube (Emma-PinkTutu) and don't miss next monthâs blog post. Until then, keep shining!
Emma
Founder & Editor of www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. I hope you're as excited as I am about my new tutu collection, which is being launched on the same day as my big solo show at the West End! Thereâs a big street performance by a collective of incredible performers. So come on down, show us some support, and enjoy a lovely day out. There will be a pink sparkly tutu pop up, cupcakes, pink champagne, ballet and maybe a glimpse of my "Le Pavillon Chinoisâ tutu collection (maybe, just maybe, it might even include the special one designed inspired by my visit to 18th century Paris!). Itâs going to be PINK-Tastic!
