Hello my darling darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and it's #TutuTuesday! I'm so thrilled to be back, this week, writing to you from a very special place: Paris, France! I love how the cobblestones crunch under my sparkly ballet shoes as I stroll through the charming streets.
Today's date is 20 January 1852 and the air is abuzz with excitement! It’s a glorious winter day here, the sun's sparkling and there’s a touch of a crispness in the air. My pink tutu's fluttering happily as I make my way towards the Opéra Garnier, Paris' most grand and beautiful opera house. I simply must get a glimpse of the theatre in all its glory before I catch the show tonight! I just know I'm in for a treat!
(Insert Image - Emma with a background of the Operà Garnier)
Let's Dance Back In Time: 1852It's impossible to be in Paris without reflecting on the dance history of this beautiful city. As you all know, tutus have been captivating hearts for centuries, and it's amazing to be standing in the birthplace of some of the most iconic ballet tutus. Today, let's take a peek back at the year 1852.
Imagine this: Romantic ballet is taking centre stage in Paris. You have your exquisite, dramatic stories unfolding, graceful poses, and intricate choreography, and the dancing is just breathtaking. And you know what adds to that ethereal quality? Tutues, of course!
While it wasn't the standard just yet, the Romantic period did see the introduction of tutu à la hongroise (Hungarian tutu). You can imagine the swirling, delicate layers and its flowing, airy feel! What's so charming about the tutu à la hongroise, apart from it's feminine grace, is its sheer lightness - it truly helps dancers achieve this elegant, almost magical appearance. Imagine a graceful ballerina swirling across the stage, like a petal carried by the wind – simply magnifique!
Now, I'm sure you are dying to see a picture! And, darling readers, let me assure you, I haven't come to Paris empty-handed.
(Insert Image of a Ballet Dancer wearing a Tutu a la Hongroise)
I found the most beautiful vintage piece at a little boutique near the theatre. The lace and the delicate white colour are utterly dreamy, and I couldn’t resist adding this masterpiece to my ever-growing tutu collection. And you can bet that I'll be wearing this gorgeous little number tonight!
Speaking of vintage, it was on this very day in 1852 that a lovely, historical ballet called The Dancing Doll, written by the delightful Adolphe Adam, debuted in Vienna.
(Insert image of The Dancing Doll stage setting)
Don't you simply adore how stories intertwine with fashion? Just imagine how captivating The Dancing Doll would have been with those ethereal tutu à la hongroise costumes - they’d have had everyone mesmerised.
Now, enough with the vintage finds! This is Paris, and darling, that means fashion! Today, Parisian fashionistas are embracing the bold colours and styles, as seen in Charles Worth’s dazzling creations, so you know I’m going to go exploring some of the most wonderful Parisian shops, hunting for that perfect pink satin that’ll compliment my tutus so nicely!
I'll tell you all about my findings tomorrow in my Parisian Fashion Diary blog post on www.pink-tutu.com so be sure to subscribe.
From the Stage to the Streets!You might be surprised to learn, but tutus don't just belong on stage! You see, tutu-mania is spreading beyond the world of ballet and into everyday life! Today, even here in Paris, there are women sporting ballet-inspired outfits, creating a mix of delicate and feminine designs with bold colors and patterns. There’s even a rumour going around that a famous French artist is creating paintings of graceful ballerinas. How wonderful would that be?
Here at www.pink-tutu.com, we're all about making a statement! So, join the movement, darlings! Embrace your inner ballerina and don that tutu!
But don't forget: Pink is still my ultimate favorite shade! So let’s make those tutus pink and twirl, ladies! Twirl!
This has been Post number 1047! See you next Tuesday, darling darlings, for another #TutuTuesday.
Love and twirls,
Emma (Image of Emma in a Pink Tutu doing a ballet pose, with a train behind her, Paris backdrop)
www.pink-tutu.com
