Greetings, my lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina blogger, Emma, back again for another trip through time! Today, we're heading back to a particularly thrilling era, 1835, a time when fashion was taking a turn towards romanticism and tutus were just beginning to make their mark on the ballet world. Oh, I tell you, you just had to be there!
It's a crisp September morning, and the air crackles with anticipation. I've arrived in London, just in time to catch a performance at Her Majesty's Theatre. You see, this day in 1835 marks the debut of "Giselle", a ballet so enchanting, it still moves me to tears! Can you imagine? A tragic love story set to breathtaking music, complete with ethereal ballerinas and dramatic dances. Honestly, I wish I could have been there to experience the sheer magic for myself!
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Tutus are still in their very early stages. The ballerinas aren't wearing those glorious billowing, multi-layered skirts we're familiar with today. Instead, they’re sporting "tutus" which are really more of a form-fitting, knee-length skirt with a frill or two at the bottom. They’re quite elegant and romantic, and definitely foreshadowing the magnificence that was to come!
Don’t think that means these dancers are missing out on fashion! I'm absolutely swooning over the long, billowing dresses the women wear to the theatre. The puffed sleeves, delicate lace details, and delicate colour palettes - oh, how romantic! Men were equally dapper in their elegant frock coats, and they too, added a splash of colour and flair to the fashionable crowds.
This isn't just about the costumes either. I'm obsessed with the "Romantic era" aesthetic. We're talking delicate floral prints, ethereal shades of blush and lavender, and flowing silk gowns. Just imagining the beautiful fabrics swishing as these stylish folks walk past, swoon! I bet those fashionable carriages were overflowing with the latest trends.
Now, even though it's a grand and captivating time to be in London, I couldn't help but slip into the delightful countryside, my fellow Derbyshire-ites would understand. My train ride took me to a beautiful village bustling with harvest festival celebrations. This time of year, with its golden wheat fields and cheerful country dances, reminds me of those enchanting scenes you see on the stage! And oh, don't even get me started on the amazing vintage markets I stumbled across. Finding some charming fabrics and a few lace details to take home to my future museum. It just doesn't get better than this!
Here at pink-tutu.com, we're all about embracing our inner ballerina and expressing ourselves through fashion! While it may be decades before the grand tulle tutu reigns supreme, this time is showing us how fashion and movement can create pure magic.
Remember my loves, the history of ballet and the rise of the tutu is truly fascinating! Keep checking back here each week for more adventures, more fashion, and of course, more tutu love. You can share your own favourite historical tutu moments and your favourite outfits by leaving a comment on the blog below, and remember: Every day is an opportunity to dance through life!
Yours in Pink,
Emma
