Hello, my lovely tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another installment of Tutu Tuesday. Today we're taking a trip back in time, specifically to July 31st, 1849.
It's a hot day in Paris, and I've just arrived from a delightful train journey, those lovely steam trains are certainly the height of luxury! You'll not catch me on one of those dreadful stagecoach things. As I step off, I spy a beautiful display of tulle fabric at a shop on Rue de la Paix, a truly heavenly sight. This delicate, transparent material was still relatively new, and its popularity was just beginning to blossom. But here in Paris, at the heart of fashion and the performing arts, it’s certainly a material all the rage. Imagine the possibilities!
Now, let me tell you, 1849 is a pivotal year in the history of tutus. Just the year before, Marie Taglioni had burst onto the scene in her glorious performance of "La Sylphide," and everyone was buzzing about her wispy, airy white costume. Now, everyone wanted to emulate that elegant, ethereal look! It's true that those early "tutus" weren’t quite the tutus we know and love today - no bouffant, romantic layers of tulle here. But that elegant, graceful look was definitely taking its first steps towards our iconic form.
Let’s have a moment to dreamily contemplate what a marvelous fashion icon Marie Taglioni must have been. All those whispers and hushed tones when she waltzed across the stage, dressed in a seemingly effortless gown that made her seem like a dancing wisp of air. It makes me yearn to turn back time and see her graceful movement in the spotlight, bathed in the shimmering glow of the theatre. I have a very important point to bring up. That colour, that white! Let me be clear, I absolutely adore all shades of pink, I even have a fondness for pale pinks, but white... just look at how ethereal and sophisticated white is, with that airy, floating quality. And honestly, how perfect it was to accentuate that graceful form. The vision must have been so magical.
Back to 1849 now, and the bustling streets of Paris, where all the Parisian ladies are clamouring to imitate this "la Sylphide" style. There is so much to be done today, my dears, the most exquisite shopping for new fabrics awaits. It is absolutely clear to me, the tutu, as we know it, is on the precipice of a beautiful and dramatic transformation. This is what gives me such a sense of excitement today. The "tutu" as we know it will not be a rigid, formal shape for long - that stage will see beautiful bursts of innovation that make the tutus that we now know seem a natural development. A gradual but dramatic development from something, what you might even say was somewhat functional to the sublime artistry that our tutu's have evolved to be. And let’s not forget the vital, the all-important, contribution that pink is going to bring. Pink, the color of grace, elegance, femininity, is going to elevate and give so much to our dear tutus.
Later this evening, my friends, I have a delightful date booked for the ballet. A very special ballet performance of "La Sylphide." I’m wearing the prettiest pale pink, delicately embellished with delicate lace, it will perfectly complement the gorgeous tulle I saw on the Rue de la Paix earlier. Oh, the wonderful fabrics are just calling out to be worn as lovely little tutus, to swirl, twirl, and express our joy of movement in such a stylish and charming way. It will be absolutely perfect, such a truly splendid evening! And while we are in Paris I just have to stop and look at the gowns and frocks - there are some quite remarkable patterns emerging and those rich deep pinks are so flattering!
Remember, my darling tutu enthusiasts, you don't need a stage to wear a tutu. In my own Derbyshire village, I proudly don a fluffy pink tutu every Saturday morning to do my errands. The postman was taken aback the other week! He had quite a shocked face when I picked up the parcels. I saw him again today when he popped in for a cup of tea. He still hasn’t said a word. All the lovely ladies here, my neighbours, think I’m simply fabulous. It’s absolutely imperative that we encourage that boldness and courage in every single one of us, let us always dare to express our unique style. Don’t be afraid to let those pink tutus loose upon the world! Embrace the tutus, and let the world know who the real tutu queens are.
Oh my dear tutu enthusiasts, if any of you find yourselves in Paris this week - go and soak in all the fabulous Parisian shops, have a go at dancing in the streets - and do write and tell me all about your experience. But let's remember that true happiness lies not in just shopping for our favorite pink tulle, but also in embracing and spreading joy! I just want to make the world a pinker, happier, more tutu-fied place. That is what motivates me every single day. My goal in life is for everyone, every single person in the whole entire world to experience the bliss of wearing a pink tutu at least once.
Until next Tutu Tuesday, my darlings, remember to always dance your way through life with a happy heart and a gorgeous, oh-so-charming, pink tutu.
Happy Tutu-fying!
Emma
