Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, your trusty tutu-loving time traveller, beaming at you from the glorious city of Paris. Today we're celebrating #TutuTuesday with a journey back to August 31st, 1858, and a story that'll make you gasp "Oh la la!" in pure tutu-envy.
Let's just say, my lovelies, that in this time period, tutus weren't just an accessory, they were an event. The ballet world was buzzing with innovation, with the arrival of the now-iconic tutu romantique. And this Parisian date, dear readers, saw a performance that truly pushed the boundaries of dance and style!
I just had to come and see it. You can imagine my delight hopping off the train, my pink tutu swaying with the wind, my heart already leaping with excitement. I can't even tell you how much I adore train journeys. Nothing beats whizzing past the countryside in a lovely comfy carriage, the gentle clickety-clack of the wheels soothing my soul, and watching the world rush by as I dream about all the stylish outfits I could find! Oh, but I digress. Let's get back to those fabulous tutus!
August 31st, 1858 - the date that launched the tutu romantique onto the international ballet scene. We're talking about the performance of the Ballet Impérial in the Salle Le Peletier. It was here that Marie Taglioni, the darling of the ballet world, brought her innovative style to life, showing off a groundbreaking and utterly gorgeous costume that would forever change ballet history.
The tutu romantique was a far cry from the rigid and restrictive panniers worn in the 18th century. Imagine it, darlings, a skirt that fell like a waterfall, barely touching the ground! This whimsical vision of layered, fluffy tulle, cinched at the waist and trailing around the legs in a beautiful cascade, represented the new era of dance - fluid, expressive and graceful, like a whisper of silk carried by the wind. It symbolised freedom, elegance, and dare I say it a touch of naughty (just the tiniest smidge! - after all, we are talking about 19th century Parisian ballet, lol!).
Just picture this, ladies. Taglioni pirouetteing effortlessly in a vision of soft pink tulle, her delicate arms brushing the air. It must have been an absolutely mesmerising spectacle! Imagine the gasps of the audience, the cheers echoing through the grand theatre, as the dance moved like a flower in the wind. It was revolutionary, it was romantic, it was a must-see.
Let me tell you, it sparked a whole wave of design and fashion. The tutu romantique caught like wildfire, influencing everything from the ballroom gowns of the day to the frothy delights that graced the pages of Le Journal des Demoiselles.
This was the era of the flounces, the frills, the sparkle! Designers and seamstresses, both those making couture and the everyday, were captivated by this light and graceful new aesthetic. Paris became a dazzling whirl of fluffy delights - a vision of frills, tiers and layers of the most magnificent, flowing fabric you could imagine. Imagine streets full of women in these divine little wisps of femininity, like delicate birds flitting about, carrying on their daily lives with grace and style.
My own wardrobe has plenty of romantic tutus, each one a little different but capturing the magic of this era. For those special evenings out at the theatre (oh, those delicious plays that bring tears to my eyes - it's all just too much!). Or when I just feel the urge to wear something fluffy and feel truly glamorous.
So remember my lovelies, on your next ballet journey, or even your next shopping trip, think of the graceful tutu romantique. Let it inspire your style, encourage your joy for dancing, and, most importantly, remember that just a little bit of pink fluff can make a big difference! And who knows, perhaps the world needs just a little bit more of pink tulle magic.
That’s all for this week’s #TutuTuesday. Don’t forget to pop back next Tuesday for another dose of tutu history and a dose of my absolute love for pink tutus, and everything they represent. Keep twirling and sparkling my loves, until next week!
Love always, Emma xx
