Welcome back, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling guide to the whimsical world of ballet history! This Tuesday, we're waltzing back to 13th April 1880. Buckle up, my lovelies, because we're going on a truly spectacular journey!
Oh, my dear, imagine: It's spring in the City of Light, Paris, that intoxicating melting pot of art and fashion! Imagine strolling through the elegant avenues, past the grand boulevards, feeling the springtime breeze in your hair as the scent of lilacs fills the air. Oh, darling, wouldn't you simply adore a frolick in a pretty pink tutu, twirling under the warm Paris sky? I certainly would!
Today marks the day a beautiful new opera house, the Palais Garnier, opened its doors! Can you imagine? It's a glittering architectural masterpiece! Such stunning staircases and opulent chandeliers, all ready to be lit by the dancing figures within. They say there are 3,000 gas lamps lighting it up! Think of the drama! Just as dramatic as the choreography, no doubt.
A Peek Into the Past
But let's step back a little, shall we? Imagine, if you will, the tutu we know and love, the delightful puffy tulle skirt of today, it was just beginning to be imagined then. Back in 1880, the ladies dancing on stage weren't sporting these beautiful skirts yet. You see, our current version of the tutu, the one you'd dream of wearing to your next ballet recital, was still in its infancy. They were a little more practical back then, what we call now "Romantics." The dancers wore much longer skirts, sometimes with layers of tulle beneath to give them a sense of lightness, a little more akin to a modern-day ballerina's practice outfit than the stunning theatrical vision of a tutu today.
Speaking of practical, just imagine the dancers back then, those hardy souls in their heavier outfits. They weren't dancing on the same perfect floors we see in the ballet today. In 1880, dancers had to be quite flexible, literally! Can you believe the stage at the Paris Opera was so wobbly they'd have to dance as if the ground itself were in a waltz! They must have had incredible strength! I wonder what they had for supper afterwards to get them through that? Now, I would be exhausted just thinking about it, I'd want my mum's shepherd's pie in Derbyshire straight after!
My Fancy French Finds
Now, my lovely ladies, before we journey back to Derbyshire and I tell you more about what was going on in dear old England at that time, a quick detour! There are a couple of things I spotted today, shopping in Paris, just for you! Oh darling, if I could have shipped my time machine home! I would have bought everything and loaded it on board for a journey to Derbyshire in time to visit our shop on High Street, Chesterfield!
The must-have accessories:
- Lace Gloves: oh darling, what would a true Parisian belle be without lace gloves? Theyāre the perfect finishing touch for a look of delicate elegance. I saw some exquisite gloves, just think how pretty those would look with a soft pink tulle dress! They add an air of sophistication, a touch of drama, just what we all need for that first date or a lovely luncheon.
- Feathers! They were big back in Paris in 1880. Itās a time to embrace the wild side of femininity! A feathered hat, an elegant fan, or perhaps a touch of feathers to adorn the hair, adding that touch of flamboyance, of playful sophistication. A touch of whimsy! Isnāt it a lovely way to accent a ballet dress? A touch of feathered magic in our hair adds to the illusion, makes us feel like fairies!
- Parasol: It's always important to look elegant when strolling through the streets of Paris. This doesn't mean one must stay inside. Instead, a stylish, beautiful parasol helps you feel extra feminine, protects you from the harsh sun, and also shields your beautiful delicate face from unwanted attention! They were an accessory for real ladies. The ladies who knew their Parisian history were sure to have their parasol to match their hats!
But back to our Paris adventure. 1880, it was a year for the debut of ballet legends! There was this charming Russian chap, Pavlova. She's absolutely fabulous and was becoming a real favourite, known for her delicate movements and artistry! Then, the wonderful Nijinsky who weāll all be talking about later. Just think of the performances. Those were truly legendary shows!
I wonder how he managed those amazing jumps and those wonderful spins on such a rickety stage? Oh, I do love dancing, it gives me such a thrill. Do you all dance? Oh, please do send me a photo if you have any! My email address is
Returning to Derbyshire and Back in Time
Oh, darling, if only we had time machines! Imagine having one of those, whizzing around time in our gorgeous pink tutus, seeing everything for ourselves, from every angle, every story! Well, we don't, so instead, I must be heading home to Derbyshire. I hear my favourite millinery shop in Derby is opening and, well, I think I could use some more feather hats and parasols, don't you?
This has been a spectacular voyage into the past, and itās important to remember that the ballet world, just like fashion, is ever evolving. From the Romantics of the 1880s, weāve moved to the classics of the early 20th century, those amazing shows with full length skirts and even the āAmerican Ballerinasā from New York City Ballet and now, our own ballet shoes take centre stage! What do you think will be the next big thing? Will it be tutus that light up or are made from candy? Oh darling, what are your thoughts?
Until next #TutuTuesday, don't forget to follow your dreams! If you like a touch of magic, why not wear a pink tutu and have your very own ballet adventures! And remember, darling, with every twirl, we celebrate the joy and grace of dance.
And remember to leave a comment below about this #TutuTuesday I always love reading them.
I'll be back next week!
Much love, Emma, www.pink-tutu.com
