Bonjour mes chéries!
It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another captivating journey through ballet history!
Today, my darlings, we're stepping back in time to 14th September, 1858! This date marks a particularly exciting moment in the world of ballet, a moment brimming with the intoxicating aroma of silk and satin, a moment whispered about in hushed tones in Parisian salons... a moment when ballet, dear friends, truly embraced the tutu!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, what's so special about 14th September 1858? We all know that tutus have been around for ages, haven't they?". Well, my sweet, you're partially right. The humble tutu, in its earliest form, has roots as far back as the 16th century, back when we wore panniers and the word "fashionable" had a different meaning altogether! But it wasn't until 1830, with the arrival of the Romantic era, that the tutu started its triumphant rise to fame.
It's truly a Cinderella story, my darlings! This era, awash with a romantic air, gave us ethereal dancers on point shoes, stories of fairies, swans, and tragic love affairs, all set against the backdrop of beautifully designed costumes, with the tutu taking center stage.
But hold your horses, darling! It wasn't just any tutu that was making waves, oh no! It was a specific style of tutu – the Romantic tutu – that captured the hearts (and eyes!) of the world. This elegant, billowing garment of layers and layers of tulle, or silk, would sweep across the stage with each pirouette, a delicate, almost diaphanous cloud of gossamer fabric, creating an enchanting silhouette.
Now, back to 14th September 1858 – the day the Romantic tutu reached new heights of glory! It was on this very day, at the Théâtre de l’Opéra, in the beautiful city of Paris (a place I adore for its boutiques and fashion sense, even back then), that none other than the famed Marie Taglioni, the "queen of ballet", took to the stage in La Fille mal gardée, a ballet about a young woman who longs to pursue her love of dancing.
Can you imagine, my lovelies? The hush that descended upon the audience as Marie glided onto the stage, her tutu, billowing with every move, capturing the very essence of a fairytale dream! It was a spectacle that forever changed the image of the ballet dancer – the tutu, no longer a mere garment, became a symbol of elegance, grace, and dreams come true.
"This is the moment when the tutu truly bloomed", I imagine my friends in London, Vienna, and Saint Petersburg whispering with excitement! It was the moment everyone wanted to be a ballerina, the moment everyone started incorporating that beautiful flow of fabric into their fashion! This was the spark that ignited the fire of the Romantic tutu which would burn bright for many years, influencing the designs and performance of dancers for generations to come!
So, next time you're enjoying a ballet, watching the dancers twirl in their beautiful tutus, remember this very day! Remember 14th September 1858, remember the enchanting vision of Marie Taglioni in that swirling cloud of tulle! Remember the birth of a fashion icon, a piece of costume that has defined our perception of ballet dancers even today!
But now, darling, it's time for a little fun!
I've decided to celebrate #TutuTuesday in true Parisian style! Think decadent pastries, beautifully crafted cafes, and, of course, a stroll along the Seine! Imagine a charming coffee shop on the banks of the river, with a soft, warm melody filling the air, and a breathtaking view of the city skyline… the perfect setting for me to indulge in my latest purchase from one of Paris’ beautiful boutiques: a delightful lilac silk shawl with delicate embroidery, reminiscent of the Romantic era. (This colour just speaks to me! So very romantic and delicate)
Can you feel the Parisian air swirling around you? The scent of freshly baked pastries?
And, of course, it's a day for my favourite item – a lovely pink tutu! A bright, airy design, with an intricate floral embroidery and layers and layers of fluffy tulle – it makes me feel like a true ballerina princess! I know my fellow ballet lovers agree; there is nothing more glamorous! So go on, darling! Embrace your inner ballerina and twirl in your very own pink tutu, even if it’s just for a little bit of fun!
Have a lovely #TutuTuesday, mes chéries!
And be sure to stay tuned for next week's blog! We'll be travelling further back in time, to a period where fashion and the Romantic tutu met on a path of creative wonder!
Sending you lots of love from a pink tutu-loving ballerina!
Emma
