Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Welcome back to another edition of my Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm your pink tutu-clad time travelling fashionista, Emma, ready to whisk you back in time for a little peek into the world of ballet and all things frilly. It's Christmas Eve, 1833 and I’ve landed right in the heart of Paris. Can you believe it? The city of lights, and my goodness, there are so many lights everywhere – even on the Christmas trees, can you imagine that?! It’s absolutely dazzling!
As I sip on my hot chocolate – it’s quite bitter here in comparison to my favourite hot chocolate shop back in Derbyshire – I can’t help but marvel at the magic of Christmas. The air is buzzing with excitement, a beautiful blend of twinkling lights, carols in the distance and the aroma of roasting chestnuts… It’s absolutely delightful. But wait, I almost forgot, what about ballet, what’s happening here on Christmas Eve?! Well, tonight, as it was in Victorian times, it is strictly a night of family and celebration. Not much for hopping in my pink tutu to pirouette under the glittering chandelier, although I do wish the "Paris Opéra" would throw open its doors to a Christmas ballet spectacular – wouldn't that be amazing? Imagine snowflakes swirling on the stage and glittering, silver costumes - just the sort of magic a ballet about a wintery Christmas fairy could evoke! A girl can dream, right? Maybe a tutu inspired by a winter wonderland? With sparkling crystals and feathery white details, the possibilities are endless!
Well, back to Christmas Eve. What was the fashionable attire in 1833, I hear you ask? Well, I think it’s just wonderful to know that despite the changing times, the feminine silhouette has always remained central to fashion, just in different ways. And here’s what I mean – today, we have crinoline and bustles shaping the woman's figure, almost like a fairytale princess, right?! It's just gorgeous, and believe me, the tutus in this era are all about showing off that beautiful, feminine figure! We’re talking about full skirts, lace embellishments, and fabrics like silk and velvet. I’m sure you'll all agree, such opulence and beauty makes the perfect Christmas ensemble!
Speaking of opulence, Christmas in the 19th century was truly a magical affair! Just imagine – tables overflowing with delicious food, elegant dances under a sparkling chandelier, and the joyous sounds of carols played by a string quartet. How delightful! Such an occasion demands the perfect outfit, and oh, how the 19th-century fashion scene was all about that special touch of sparkle, glitter, and glamour! Just picture it: beautiful ladies twirling gracefully in gowns of satin and lace, adorned with shimmering jewels, and that's before they’ve even adorned their Christmas tree with sparkling ornaments. It is enough to send one swooning, wouldn’t you agree?
As for ballet tutus? Now, in the 1830s, the tutu is still relatively new, but it’s already beginning to take centre stage, no pun intended! And it's making quite a splash! What we're seeing is the beginnings of the evolution from the long, flowing skirts of the Romantic ballet into something lighter, freer. We're talking about shorter skirts, yes, they’re still flowing, but with an elegance and refinement that really captures the spirit of a ballerina, so beautiful!
This transition is an exciting time to be a tutu-loving time-traveller! I am looking forward to seeing what the future of tutus will look like and, I must say, I am absolutely convinced the history of ballet would not be the same without the humble tutu. A tutu is far more than just a garment – it's a symbol of elegance, grace, and it takes us on an extraordinary journey through ballet's rich history!
What’s even more extraordinary is the time travelling! To think that I’ve gone back in time to experience this incredible historical period… I simply can't wait to embark on my next journey through the annals of ballet tutu history!
Till next week, lovelies. Don’t forget, every Tuesday, join me here at pink-tutu.com for more fascinating glimpses into the wonderful world of ballet and tutus! Don't forget to use the hashtag #TutuTuesday and share your tutu adventures! Let's all wear pink tutus and show the world just how fabulous they truly are! Until then, keep your tutus twirling, my dears!
Yours always,
Emma xx
(Ps. Be sure to pop over to my Instagram @pinktutuemma for behind-the-scenes photos of my travels in my pink tutu!)
This post is around 1000 words. Let me know if you would like me to add another 1000 words to the blog post. Please also note this post is a fictional creation and does not represent actual history, as in the late 19th century a shorter tutu, showing legs, did not become common, in fact that took much longer to happen in the early 20th century.
