Hello, lovelies! Emma here, back from another fabulous journey through time. This week we're pirouetting back to the year 1835 – just imagine, a time before the invention of the bicycle, but a time where fashion was beginning to embrace a new silhouette, one that was already a darling of the ballet world: the tutu!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, tutus in 1835? That's, like, a very long time before pointe shoes!" And you'd be right, my dears. But hold your horses – we're not talking about the tutus of today, with their gloriously voluminous skirts and airy fabric.
This, my loves, was the age of the "Romantic Ballet", a period of stunningly delicate costumes designed by the great Charles Worth, a fashion icon for his time, and Marie Taglioni, who you could say practically invented the tutu. You could call these the “proto-tutus”. It wasn't about height or flamboyant fullness, but rather, the idea was to create a lightweight and elegant garment, one that allowed the dancer's movements to be as graceful and free-flowing as the swans and fairies they portrayed.
Can you imagine wearing a dress that floated around you as you spun on the stage? Well, that's what these early tutus did. Think of a very full, gathered skirt that started at the waist, skimming over the ankles – you might think more "ballgown" than what we picture in a modern tutu, but it was indeed the forerunner of today's designs.
On this day, April 28th, 1835 (and what a beautiful spring day it was – a perfect time for a walk in the park!), ballet was flourishing across Europe, especially in Paris and Milan. This was the time of iconic ballerinas like Marie Taglioni and Fanny Cerrito, stars that dazzled the audiences with their ethereal, effortless grace and stunning beauty. These dancers set the standard for future ballerinas with their incredible technique and ability to move in their wonderfully airy gowns. They even began dancing en pointe! (Of course, not yet in pointe shoes, they would arrive a little later).
Oh, it wasn't all ballet and tutus back then! There was still theatre of course, opera and music, which everyone loved to attend. This was also a time when shopping for beautiful clothes, including lovely new and exciting designs for both men and women, was a favourite past-time. A time of huge cultural change, so a perfect setting for time travel to observe all the fashion. You could even find the latest fashionable accessories. Fancy hats, parasols and fans in the shops would all be beautiful enough to inspire any ballerina. Of course, no visit to the period wouldn't be complete without exploring the exciting new world of the newly built railway lines. All this progress was leading into an era where you wouldn't believe what a glorious impact fashion was having on the world!
My Travels by Train
Speaking of trains! Let me tell you, a railway trip is just the most delightful way to travel. Of course, you've got to look the part - imagine arriving at the station in a beautiful gown (my own take on the Romantic Ballet look) that swishes perfectly around my ankles as I step onto the train platform. There is something incredibly romantic about sitting by the window, gazing out at the passing scenery, dreaming of adventures ahead.
You might think it sounds awfully boring, but a railway carriage is perfect for planning out my next blog post, dreaming up outfits, catching up with the news or indulging in a spot of sketching. As for the carriage itself, nothing beats that plush, velvet seating!
And just imagine, my dears, if you could have joined me this week on a trip back to 1835! We could have been on a grand stage ourselves! Wouldn't that be simply magical?
But you know me, my mission is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu! I'm convinced it's the key to world peace – or at least the most stylish solution to life's little worries. 😉
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu
I do hope you have all had a fabulously tutuful week, and don't forget to check back next Tuesday for another exciting dose of tutu history! Until then, let's all remember that we can each find our own inner ballerina and embrace the grace and beauty of movement – perhaps even a pirouette or two in your favourite pink tutu!
Until next week,
Emma x
