Hello darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for a new #TutuTuesday post! This week I’m bringing you all the deets on the history of the tutu, but let's start with some girly chat, shall we?
First off, how divine are the new floral print ballet flats I picked up at Harrods last week? They were practically begging to be twirled in, I couldn’t resist. The shop assistants are always so nice to me, too. Perhaps it’s my charm? Or maybe it's because I always visit on a Tuesday afternoon, when everyone is relaxed. They always compliment my pink tutu, and they love a good chat.
This week, though, we’re taking a trip back in time, all the way to 1833, specifically 23rd July, the date of my latest trip! Can you imagine, dear readers, the fashion back then? Not one single tulle skirt in sight! Honestly, just thinking about those restrictive corsets gives me the willies. Imagine squeezing yourself into that day after day? The scandal! How can anyone even dance, never mind pirouette? Thank goodness the romantics started to loosen things up a bit! It's a movement with a wonderful name, don't you think?
The early romantic ballerinas like Marie Taglioni weren’t too keen on the rigid panniers and corseted stays of the era. They wanted movement and lightness in their costumes! Thankfully, some innovative souls – we need to applaud their bravery here - finally did something about it, like the wonderful Monsieur Jules Dupon, a master costume designer who's said to have been one of the first to really do the tulle skirt. Imagine the shock and awe! People were literally speechless! How bold, how liberating! He practically started a revolution. It’s fair to say that it didn’t happen overnight - the revolution, that is.
Think of how much fashion has changed since then! And I’m not just talking about the amazing styles we see today – like my latest feathered hat which I absolutely had to snag at that gorgeous vintage boutique on Kensington High Street. It pairs beautifully with my rose pink satin ballerina flatform shoes! Just imagine what people would have thought! I mean, the whole Victorian era, that was full of hoop skirts and crinoline! That was an evolution. Thank heavens for the bold and daring visionaries who paved the way for fashion’s next big steps – in this case, literally leaps!
If you're in Derbyshire and looking for some serious #TutuGoals, the best thing about 1833 is that The Royal Ballet, (founded much later but one day to become the pinnacle of British ballet, let’s all take a moment for them and their genius!), isn't even a glint in anyone's eye just yet! That doesn't stop the passion and energy that must have swirled in Derbyshire back then! Let’s imagine: imagine watching those elegant Victorian ballerinas in all their delicate grace, swishing their elegant tulle skirts. (We still need a bit of progress in the legwear department, darling - those leg length cotton stockings just aren't doing anything for me).
Now, enough about my past exploits. Back to my latest tutu acquisition - and yes, I know what you’re all thinking. It’s pink. It has to be pink! Why wouldn’t it be pink, honestly? I think that any ballerina knows, truly knows, that every good day is better with pink. There is just something magical about a good pink tulle skirt, a beautiful silk tutu, and some elegant dancing – it’s simply the very best thing in the whole world. Just saying!
So, keep an eye out for our upcoming #TutuTuesday post! I'm already busy researching, and planning my next trip to London! The West End theatre district is so lively in the evenings and just oozes atmosphere! Just the place to buy some gorgeous costumes – maybe even find the most magnificent feathered hat – or just watch a spectacular show, whatever my heart fancies. Who knows what adventures await?
Until next Tuesday, darling.
Love and tutus,
Emma. xx.
