Bonjour mes chères! It’s Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing time travelling fashionista, back with another blast from the past!
This week, I'm whisking you all the way back to December 20th, 1864, a date brimming with exciting news for our favourite, twirling attire, the tutu! Buckle up, darlings, as we explore how tutus, or rather, their predecessors, were shaping the world of ballet.
Imagine stepping onto the cobblestone streets of Paris and witnessing the opulence of the Opéra de Paris. Today, this famous house celebrates a glorious premiere - the first ever staging of "La Vie Parisienne"! Now, what’s all this got to do with tutus, you ask? Well, dear readers, this lively, humorous operetta boasts stunning sets, vibrant costumes, and most importantly, some of the earliest glimpses of what would become the iconic tutu!
Think flowing skirts, tiers of delicate lace, and, most importantly, an abundance of beautiful, flowing fabric. These designs might not be quite what we think of today, but their beauty and elegance laid the foundations for the stunning tutus we see gracing the stage today. The dance scenes in La Vie Parisienne, though featuring traditional waltz and quadrille steps, foreshadowed the emergence of a new kind of female form in ballet - one that would eventually take flight in the full-length tutus of the late 19th century.
Back in Derbyshire, the news of the Parisian première travelled fast on the steam-powered wings of gossip. The newspapers buzzed with news of the spectacular costumes and, of course, the intricate dance sequences. I can just imagine the hushed discussions amongst my fellow ladies in the tearoom, eyes shining with excitement at the prospect of the beautiful fashions that this exciting new opera had unveiled!
Imagine the joy! My journey to December 1864 started as always: a whirlwind performance in my beautiful, hand-stitched, pink tutu at the Royal Opera House. A grand jeté, a perfectly timed fouetté, and then, before I knew it, I was whisked away to 19th Century Paris, my travel plans once again paid for by the magic of my love for ballet. The joy of performance!
I can’t leave Paris without experiencing the most exquisite shops that sell silks, satins, and laces, all just begging to be transformed into breathtaking designs for our beloved tutu. Oh, to have witnessed the artisans crafting these fabulous fabrics, each delicate thread forming a tapestry of elegance!
My trip took me to La Belle Jardinière, one of the most popular and renowned fashion houses in the capital. I stepped into this wondrous shop, with its gleaming glass counters and mannequins adorned in the most exquisite finery. Can you imagine, dear readers? There was no Amazon in those days - shopping was all about the thrill of discovery! I'm just thrilled to be a small part of the grand history of fashion, and to witness firsthand how the spirit of the tutu found its way into Parisian couture.
So, here’s my little dose of #TutuTuesday for the week. Next week, I’m journeying to Vienna. But let me know, my darlings, what are some of your favourite stories and historical snippets about the tutu? I'd love to hear about your adventures, whether in time or simply at a local dance studio! Keep sharing your love for tutus, and never forget: there’s a pink tutu waiting for everyone.
Your time travelling, tutu-loving blogger, Emma xx.
