Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the world of ballerinas, ballrooms, and of course, the most exquisite tutus imaginable. Welcome to this week’s #TutuTuesday! Today we’re waltzing all the way back to 12th October 1858, a date brimming with captivating ballet history.
Grab your teacups, darlings, because this week's journey takes us to… drumroll… Paris! Ah, Paris, the city of lights, love, and… yes, you guessed it, tutus! This date marks a particularly important milestone in the evolution of ballet – it was the first performance of the beloved "La Sylphide." Oh, how I do adore that story of a shy and demure Scottish lass who falls for a sprite – swoon! It's a tale of true love, of ethereal grace, and of course, of beautiful ballet costumes!
You see, back then, tutus were undergoing a glamorous metamorphosis. They were becoming less bulky and more flowing, perfect for the ethereal grace of ballerinas as they pirouetted and arabesqued across the stage. Think of these early tutus as the precursors to the impossibly fluffy masterpieces we adore today! And how exquisite they were, draped in layers of tulle and silk, creating a dreamy vision of light and movement.
But, oh darlings, it's not all about tutus! Let's have a quick peek into the world of fashion in 1858, shall we? Think delicate lace, frilly collars, and those magnificent crinoline skirts that made women look like they were ready to take flight. It was a time of great romanticism, both in fashion and ballet, with delicate florals, soft pastel hues, and a general air of effortless elegance.
Did you know, darling, that on this very date, a particularly intriguing fashion article was published? It was an impassioned plea for more practicality in ladies' clothing – the very opposite of the whimsical beauty of a ballerina’s costume! I imagine the author looked a bit like a frump in comparison to the breathtaking elegance of a ballerina en pointe. Perhaps it’s time we sent her back in time a tutu – who knows, it might have been a bit of a “shocking” sight to the fashionably inclined, but what is a little oomph and whimsy to a world of frills and frills alone?!
Speaking of 'whimsy,' I recently encountered the most darling piece in an antique shop – a porcelain figurine of a ballerina in a perfectly adorable pink tutu. Naturally, it joined my ever-growing collection of vintage treasures. As for the piece's whereabouts now, let’s just say, it enjoys the view of the Paris skyline, and will probably find a special place amongst my other Paris trinkets at home.
Darlings, I can't help but wonder what kind of tutus were inspiring women back in 1858. You see, my aim in life is for everyone, I mean EVERYONE, to don a pink tutu – even in those more… “grounded” moments, like, oh I don't know, a stroll through the local marketplace or maybe even popping to the post office. (Imagine the stares - imagine the delight - imagine everyone twirling! Pure magic!).
Of course, we can't all travel back in time to 1858 to experience ballet first-hand. However, darling, even though my latest adventure has taken me to the streets of Paris, don’t think you’re forgotten, my dears! This week’s #TutuTuesday has also included a special treat just for you – my ballet class notes (yes, even the best of us need to learn from the experts)! They're just bursting with new tricks to make your twirls even more magnificent! (And yes, you guessed it, they come with pink and blue accents – it wouldn’t be #TutuTuesday without some colour and some whimsy!).
So, until next Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling and remember, even if you’re not waltzing around the boulevards of Paris, we can always be slightly more fantastical, slightly more dreamy, slightly more pink!
Bisous! 💖
Emma,
Your very own time-travelling tutu-clad ballerina extraordinaire. www.pink-tutu.com
