Post #1727
Hello dears! It's Emma here, your trusty time-travelling ballerina blogger, ready to whisk you back to the glorious era of 1865 and explore the world of the ballet tutu! You know how much I adore my tutus, but it wasn't always like this. The history of the ballet tutu is a captivating tale of innovation, artistry, and the sheer joy of dancing!
Oh, this trip was truly divine. Just picture it: a frosty January day, the crisp air, and me arriving by steam train in Paris. (Trains are such a brilliant invention - who needs carriages, eh?) This city, of course, is a hub for all things stylish, a hotbed of fashion! As a passionate ballerina, there was just one thing on my agenda: ballet.
My darling tutus, oh how you've evolved! It's simply enchanting how the tutu has gone from the short, romantic 'jupe' to the full, grand skirts that we know and love today. And while some people may see a simple piece of tulle, I see a vessel for artistry and elegance - a way to express freedom and grace.
1865 marked the beginnings of the true 'tutu revolution.' Ballet was enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the genius of the great Marius Petipa. He truly understood the magic of the tutu. Imagine these delicate layers swirling around a ballerina as she leaps, the movement echoing the story being told through the dance! And Petipa wasn't the only one who knew a thing or two about enchanting us. The gorgeous Marie Taglioni, a ballet icon of the 1830s and 40s, famously graced the stage in the 'tutu romantique,' a revolutionary shorter skirt designed to give greater freedom of movement. Now that's what I call dancing!
Imagine how those ballerinas must have felt. Every spin, every pirouette, the airy twirls… It must have felt absolutely magical. The tutu is a way to say, "I am strong, I am beautiful, and I am capable of anything!"
After spending the day in Paris, I was treated to a mesmerising evening at the Opéra Garnier. Oh my! I can still feel the thrum of the orchestra, the shimmering lights, the gasps from the audience as a ballerina leapt high into the air - I must admit, it brought tears to my eyes. And you know what? Seeing those ballerinas move with such confidence, with that effortless grace in their magnificent tutus… It really makes you want to step onto that stage, doesn’t it?
Now, this may surprise some, but back in 1865, tutus were a bit more 'formal,' more about showcasing a dancer's skill than about expression. Imagine these ballerinas as works of art, the focus was on the beauty and athleticism of the dancer themselves. I have to admit, I found myself daydreaming of pink tulle, a little ruffle here, a bit more volume there, just a sprinkle of sparkle and twirls for days. It’s truly fascinating to see how fashion evolves, don’t you agree?
And speaking of fashion… this city truly does inspire. Imagine the most exquisite shops, brimming with fabric so luscious it just begs to be touched! Velvet so deep, lace as delicate as butterfly wings, and satins so silky... I confess, my love of clothes simply explodes here.
So, here’s my challenge for the week, my darlings! Take a moment this week, twirl, jump, and let that inner ballerina shine. Imagine you're onstage in Paris, dancing to the music of your heart. Now isn't that delightful?
Oh, before I go, the highlight of my time travel adventures has to be exploring the ballet archives. It's so exciting to discover sketches, photographs and handwritten letters from ballerinas like the legendary Anna Pavlova. (That famous 'Dying Swan' pose? Now that’s a testament to the tutu’s dramatic flair, don't you agree? ). Seeing how ballerinas used their artistry to express themselves - it makes you wonder what's waiting for the ballet world in the future! What amazing designs are yet to come? What spectacular stories are waiting to be told on stage?
The history of the tutu is a beautiful thing, and it reminds us that sometimes, the simplest things are the most magnificent. And I have to say, there’s a very special feeling I get whenever I wear a pink tutu. It’s a mix of magic and confidence, it makes me feel unstoppable, and it reminds me to always be brave and keep striving for my dreams!
And dear friends, you don’t need a stage, or even a dance studio, to be a ballerina! Every day can be a celebration of beauty, movement, and art. So go out there, be daring, twirl those skirts, and let the world see how beautifully you shine!
I'll be back next week for another exciting adventure in #TutuTuesday. Until then, stay elegant, stay twirly, and never stop dreaming.
Remember, there's a ballerina inside you just waiting to take the world by storm! And remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com - your one stop shop for all things tulle.
Stay dazzling!
Love,
Emma
xxx
