Tutu Tuesday #86: A Step Back to 1833, A Dance in the Past!
Hiya darlings! It's Emma here, your Tutu Queen, ready to whisk you away on a journey through time! This week's #TutuTuesday is a special one. Buckle up, we're stepping back to 1833!
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Emma, no tutus in 1833? What's the point?" Hold your horses, dear reader! The evolution of the tutu is fascinating and filled with surprise turns. Even though the tutu as we know it wasn't quite a thing back then, the seeds of its magic were definitely sown!
This week we're on a whistle-stop trip to London, where things are really starting to blossom. Picture it - the year is 1833. The streets of London are buzzing with activity, the sounds of carriages and vendors mingling with the laughter of children playing. Fashion is experiencing its own exciting evolution, a glorious mix of old world elegance and burgeoning trends.
Think bonnets and frills, ladies with dainty parasols, and gentlemen in their dapper waistcoats and top hats. Of course, I'm always on the lookout for that touch of ballet inspiration, that flutter of a dancer's silhouette. And, thankfully, 1833 holds a delightful clue for our beloved tutu journey.
Back then, there was no 'tutu' as we know it. Ballet costumes were more like, well, gowns. But they were gowns with a flair. We’re talking elaborate, intricate layers, fabrics draped and swirled, and all that beautiful detail. The dancers' costumes were far removed from the practical clothes worn by everyday folks, creating a sense of spectacle and mystique.
On August 20th, 1833, let's say a dancer was showcasing their grace at London’s Theatre Royal. They were probably wearing a costume, not unlike a courtly dress, long flowing skirt and all, but with the sleeves puffed and cinched at the elbows. Think layers of tulle, fine net, and possibly a hint of lace, all creating a beautifully flowing movement as the dancer twirled and leapt. These elements, while still quite different from our modern tutu, are undeniably part of its history!
So, even if it wasn't quite a tutu yet, we see that captivating movement and the emphasis on visual storytelling already weaving their magic onto the stage.
And that's what the magic of time travel is all about. It shows us that every fashion element has a history, a story to tell. Every graceful step, every billowing swirl, and every intricate stitch is a connection to the past, a dance of progress and style.
Next week, we'll jump forward a bit in time. Who knows where our next #TutuTuesday adventure will lead us? Maybe a trip to Paris, a peek into the royal ballet court, or even a chance to catch a glimpse of the very first real tutus? Stay tuned, darlings, and remember - never be afraid to twirl in style!
Keep the tutu spirit alive, and let's keep dreaming, dancing, and celebrating everything fabulous and fabulous. Until next Tuesday, darlings!
And always remember, every day can be #TutuTuesday! You can join me in my mission to spread the tutu love. Even if it's just a touch of pink here and there, or maybe a tutu skirt for a day out, the spirit is contagious, I tell you!
Much love,
Emma, your Tutu Queen
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for #TutuTuesday! Each week, I’ll be taking you on a journey through the history of the ballet tutu! Share your favourite tutu looks in the comments and tag me @pinktutu on Instagram, I can’t wait to see!
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