Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu. It’s me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back again with another #TutuTuesday adventure in the past!
This week, I’ve popped my time-travelling tiara on and zoomed back to 28th February 1837. Oh, how exciting! What a momentous occasion – the very date when our beloved Queen Victoria ascended the throne! You can bet your ballet shoes there were balls and parties happening all across the land!
I can just imagine the glorious waltzes swirling beneath the glittering chandeliers. My darling readers, you must know that the elegant dresses of that era often included flounces and ruffles, almost like little baby tutus themselves. Fancy that!
And as I always do when I hop through the time-space continuum, I’m always on the lookout for anything tutu-tastic. Now, in the world of 1837, you’re not going to find any ballerina tutus just yet. They weren't even dreamt up then! They wouldn’t arrive for another few decades! But believe me, there’s so much inspiration to be found from this glorious era in fashion, particularly the ladies’ undergarments!
Did you know that the crinoline skirt, that bell-shaped masterpiece that became a staple in the 19th century, was designed for comfort and practicality? No, really! I know it looks as if it's going to cause a whirlwind with its enormous volume but the designers wanted the ladies to be able to move with more freedom! It allowed them to go for long walks, sit comfortably on benches without bunching up fabric in uncomfortable places, and – imagine this – even to go for a waltz! Imagine if that had been possible in the times before!
You see, darling readers, those hoop skirts that so defined the look of that period were far more than just stylish! They were practical. They were freeing! Now that’s a bit of sartorial ingenuity that I can get behind! The women of the time used petticoats made of cotton or wool, but imagine the wonderful things they could have created with silk and satin and pink tulle! It makes me dream of a Victorian time-traveling tutu tour, wouldn't it be divine?
Now, it's time to jump ahead to a bit of modern ballet fun, but let me tell you this, while the world might have been getting excited about its hoop skirts, ballet was just about making its debut onto the world stage!
That’s right, this fabulous era of elegant fashions and burgeoning dance styles was on the precipice of a true explosion of the ballet form. As we moved into the Victorian period, things began to change dramatically for ballet. No longer relegated to the courtyards, ballrooms, and private theaters, ballet stepped onto the grand stages! This was the dawn of an exciting new era – and trust me, darling readers, things were about to get tutu-rific!
As always, my sweet darlings, thank you for joining me on another trip down Tutu Tuesday memory lane! Remember, it's never too early or too late to start a love affair with ballet – whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just starting your tutu journey! Don't forget to come back next Tuesday for more tututilicious fun, and as always, stay sassy!
Now, let’s go for a spot of shopping! Where shall we go first - Paris, London or New York? Oh, darling! Decisions, decisions! But in this amazing era of fashionable women with elegant styles and exciting things happening on stage and on the streets, anything is possible! I just love travelling in time! Just don’t tell my credit card, I am buying everything!
Now I do want to do a quick shout-out to all my dearest fellow ballet fanatics and fashionistas who’ve been so wonderfully supportive of my #TutuTuesday adventures! It fills my little tutu-clad heart with joy to share this passion with you. If you’re a ballet enthusiast, feel free to share your favourite #TutuTuesday memories, fashion tips or exciting performance experiences below in the comments!
And of course, let's spread the tutu love! Let's encourage everyone to unleash their inner tutu, to twirl, to leap, and to live their best tutu life! Because darling, when you wear a pink tutu, you can do anything you set your heart to!
Until next time, Emma
P.S. I'm totally going to visit the Queen! Can you imagine having a royal tea party in a pink tutu?! We could discuss everything! Maybe she will be interested in getting a tutu too?! I must buy her one – oh, maybe a royal blue or ruby red would be good choices. That would be something to tell everyone. The Queen, wearing a tutu! How's that for some TutuTuesday History making magic, darling!
I hope this post is fun, family-friendly, and captures the style and personality you described!
Please let me know if you need me to adjust anything or add more details! I can also add in specific elements of ballet and dance history if you would like.
