Hello my lovely tutufans!
It's a beautiful Tuesday morning here in the heart of Paris, the city of romance, art, and of course...tutues! Oh my, how I love being here, especially at this time.
Today, on our #TutuTuesday journey through ballet history, we are taking a trip back to 23rd November, 1858. Let's hop on a magical, tutu-themed steam train and whisk ourselves back to a time when the tutu was taking the world by storm!
Now, picture this: it's a frosty November morning in Paris, the sun is peeping through the lace curtains of my darling little flat, casting long, dreamy shadows on the plush velvet rug, the Parisian streets are buzzing with the sound of horses and carriages. There's a certain magical air to this time.
As I sit here writing this, I'm in a most glorious hot pink tulle creation – I can't help but be in the mood for an extra swirl and a little twirl – all while wearing a gorgeous little pearl necklace and pearl earrings (which, by the way, have a little story of their own. You’ll hear about it another time!).
This date, 23rd November 1858, is significant because it falls slap bang in the middle of the Romantic Era in ballet, a time when the graceful tutu was experiencing a period of breathtaking evolution. It’s all about that fluid, feminine and, well, frankly, dreamy style, and it’s a perfect way to express the emotion that is at the very heart of this beautiful art.
Oh my darling tutu fans, you might think it’s just the tutu, but you’d be surprised. Everything is so refined. A soft rose hue is the colour du jour. Think billowing satin, silk stockings, lovely dainty footwear and – get this – gloves! Gloves were such a big fashion accessory during this time and not just at the theatre, too!
If I had been here at this time, I'd be off to the Opéra de Paris to see a new ballet performance. The audience would have been absolutely captivated – we're talking opera glasses, feathery boas, the gentlemen sporting their most dashing cravats and their beautiful partners looking lovely in silk gowns and elegant bonnets.
One of the things that really excites me about this period is the romantic way that women in the audience dressed. The fashion was simply gorgeous! And I am obsessed with how the designs echoed those delicate, elegant moves of the ballerinas. I find it a brilliant example of how ballet isn’t just a beautiful art form, it's a true part of the culture!
In fact, I have it on good authority that my idol, the stunning and oh so very talented Marie Taglioni (she really knows how to float across the stage!), had been in a bit of a flap. (Who could ever think that Marie Taglioni could be flustered? It’s almost inconceivable, right?) The famous La Sylphide, her masterpiece, you see, had been stolen! But it wasn’t just stolen from a dance studio; it was snatched away right from the Opéra Garnier - talk about audacious! Well, imagine, a priceless masterpiece stolen right before your eyes – such gall, don't you think? Thankfully, it was soon returned and you’d never know it had ever happened – all back on stage a little while later. But even then, it had an air of mystery about it. How exciting, wouldn't you say?
At this time, we're really just starting to see tutus begin to become the iconic symbol of the art. You know that iconic romantic tutu that every little ballerina dreams about – it’s more often seen in ballet than not – a tutu with several tiers of layered tulle, making it a gorgeous billowing, swishy creation. This type of tutu, which the dancers would use in a number of famous ballet performances at the time (I'm talking about the likes of Giselle – I’m telling you, you just HAVE to see it!), became synonymous with the romanticism that people longed for – you’d think it would be impossible to resist its elegant charm.
You see, tutus had been around, but what makes this moment in time so fascinating is the way it blended this beautiful fashion element with a certain captivating elegance and finesse. You know, the haute couture of tutus, if you will. And, darling tutufans, the story gets even more dramatic as we progress into the 20th century.
That's all from Paris for this #TutuTuesday. Now that I have filled you all with so much delicious ballet inspiration – you’ll see all kinds of beautiful creations popping into your dreams - be sure to go have a delightful little dance. After all, it’s important to move those lovely little toes!
Until next time, happy dancing and of course, don’t forget your tutu!
Yours in tutu bliss,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Don’t forget, my beautiful tutu fans – my next post will be here on Tuesday! You won’t want to miss it.
