Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling tutu aficionado, bringing you another fabulous installment of Tutu Tuesday!
Today, we're going on a little historical jaunt, travelling back to the 10th of April 1832. Now, if you thought tutus were just a modern phenomenon, think again, darlings! The foundations for our beloved tutu were already being laid way back then!
Imagine, if you will, a London brimming with elegance. We're not talking about the street fashion yet, though. We're diving into the hallowed halls of the theatre. The year 1832 marks a key point in the development of the ballet world, especially in the esteemed Royal Opera House. You see, my dears, this was a time of innovation and, if you'll excuse the pun, "cutting edge" fashion. The dancers of the time, with their graceful leaps and delicate moves, demanded a costume that wouldn't restrict their movements.
Now, think of the fashion trends of the era! Ladies, you'd be sporting long, heavy, cumbersome skirts and impractical, constricting undergarments. Can you imagine trying to dance in those?! Thankfully, a daring designer named Charles-Louis Didelot, brought a wave of change, transforming the stage. He decided that, to allow for freedom of movement and to accentuate the graceful flow of a dancer's physique, skirts needed to be shortened and lighter. He literally cut away layers of fabric, leaving dancers with a new, elegant and form-fitting outfit. A forerunner to the modern-day tutu!
Remember, my darlings, even though our modern, full, layered tutus were not quite yet in existence, the seed for those iconic forms had already been planted! It was a big change back then! Some considered it scandalously bold. They were shocked at the "immodesty" of showing a woman's leg in a stage performance! Imagine that! We’ve come a long way, my dear tutu lovers!
This historical date also gives us a glimpse of another important detail. Although ballet is an art form we primarily associate with France, 1832, it was during this time period, that the Royal Opera House in London, became the centre stage for its flourishing in the English scene. London! Why, that's right next door to my charming Derbyshire hometown! So thrilling to think that history was being made just a few short train rides away!
Now, I couldn't resist a trip to London this Tuesday, a spontaneous fashion jaunt, naturally! And while I took in the stunning architecture and soaked up the vibrant atmosphere, I, of course, made a pilgrimage to Covent Garden - it just wouldn't be right not to. This iconic building, has been the heart of London ballet for decades. As I walked past, my mind wandered to the countless ballerinas, gracefully gliding across its stage, captivating the hearts of audiences with their artistry.
Just as it does now! You'd think they could just transport us into these events of the past, wouldn't you? Just a few flicks of a wand or something! Oh to be in their audience!
Speaking of captivating audiences, that's exactly what I plan to do later today. I'm treating myself to a ballet performance, of course, but this time, with a twist!
Instead of a traditional theatre production, I’m indulging my passion for the "Street Art" of dance by catching a delightful ballet street performance by a fantastic group called “Tutu in the Streets”.
These fabulous artists showcase ballet’s beauty in the most unexpected places! My love for tutu, is intertwined with my passion for ballet itself! Think about it. All those magnificent movements, those delicate steps, and of course, that poetry in motion which brings our hearts and emotions to life! What a divine combination, wouldn't you say?
Of course, no visit to London would be complete without a visit to their incredible shops.
I've discovered a wonderful little treasure trove called "The Silk Boutique." Imagine, silk fabrics for the most delightful garments, my dear friends! If the Parisian couture scene has the slightest inspiration to "borrow" from our world's designs, they would most definitely draw their attention to a place like this. Imagine, oh the colours and the textures of these exquisite fabrics!
What’s a ballet lover to do! This time, I am thinking of bringing out some lovely pinks for my future designs! It just might have a slight touch of shimmer and shine! A very subtle sparkle, it goes without saying. We’ve got to have something to make our "future" designs stand out! A tiny whisper, just like the “secret language of fashion!” Don't you think?
Oh, and while we are on the topic of sparkles and shimmer, I simply cannot end this post without a mention of "the diamond ballet shoes.” Yes, my dears, they are REAL, sparkling diamonds! If that doesn't make you shout "oo la la” with joy! They were originally meant as a wedding gift to the famed ballerina, Marie Taglioni but you can imagine how this amazing news spread like wildfire, sending waves of enchantment throughout the dance community. Oh, wouldn’t we love to be backstage, just getting a peek! Isn't it fascinating how even diamonds, in a world of fashion and movement, come to life?! Imagine being just a whisper away, in those historic events, just like that!
I have the biggest, most glamorous grin as I type this! It’s quite overwhelming for someone from my little, quiet, provincial home to suddenly find herself amidst all this grand history and sparkle! Oh! What a week for our #TutuTuesday post, my darling Tutu lovers!
Stay stylish, stay fashionable, stay in your tutus and be sure to join me next week, for another fabulous instalment of #TutuTuesday. Until then, don’t forget to take inspiration from the tutus of the past, because there's magic in history waiting to be reimagined.
Lots of love and tutus!
Emma xx
Remember, dear readers, this post is set around 1832! Emma is our little time-travelling fashion enthusiast, bringing the "tutu" story to life, with a little bit of fictional creativity mixed in.
