Bonjour, my dears! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, ready to take you on another historical jaunt! Today, we’re twirling back to the 2nd of May, 1837 – the day Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. A rather momentous occasion, you’ll agree, but not just for Britain – it’s a significant date for tutus, too!
Now, picture this: the grand opera house is aglow. The chandelier sparkles, illuminating a throng of elegant ladies adorned in their finest silks and lace. But what catches my eye, you ask? Why, the dancers, of course, their movement as fluid as the swirling patterns on their skirts. We’re not quite there yet, dear readers, with those glorious tutus that billow and fly like petals in a gentle breeze – but we’re certainly getting there!
You see, in the early 1800s, ballet skirts – yes, that’s what they called them then! – were a bit on the restrictive side, long and full with several layers of petticoats for good measure. But things were changing.
A dancer named Marie Taglioni had already swept across the Parisian stage wearing a much lighter, shorter skirt. Her moves became faster, more dynamic – she moved with a newfound lightness and freedom, and with her every leap, she danced towards the tutus we know and love.
Back in England, while the stage remained dominated by heavier skirts, a whisper of change was on the breeze. It’s this moment on 2nd May, 1837, the day of Victoria’s ascension, that is rather poignant – a change is afoot!
But just how did that happen?
Well, think of Victoria’s reign as a symbol of change itself, of the blossoming of industrial society and the romantic movement. This change brought a greater emphasis on lightness, grace, and femininity in the world – and that naturally carried over to the stage as well!
For us, tutu-obsessed souls, this meant the evolution of skirts towards that iconic shape, a transition reflected in the ballerinas themselves. It's about expressing not just artistry, but an evolution of women, becoming bolder, more confident. They could now move more freely and dynamically!
While we might have to wait for the true tutu boom a few decades, think of this date as the very start. A whisper of change, of evolution, of lightness. The world, much like the skirts of ballet dancers, was preparing to spread its wings.
Don't forget, this week is all about #TutuTuesday on my website! Let's embrace this spirit of change by spreading tutu love – in pink, of course. What are your favourite ways to embrace the tutu trend, darlings? Do share your stories with me!
Until next week,
Emma x
P.S For those wanting a bit more detail, why not hop onto a train (which are oh so lovely in this era, don't you think?) and head to Covent Garden! This is the hub for ballet in England, a centre of vibrant fashion, music, and excitement!
P.P.S Oh, and did you know? Queen Victoria was quite the fan of ballet, too! She often enjoyed ballets at Covent Garden and even patronized the Royal Opera House. So it was not only the fashion of the time but a shared fascination for the artistic, a fascination with the beautiful movement.
P.P.P.S Don’t forget – stay tuned next week as I continue our whirlwind journey through the history of tutus, one glamorous step at a time!
And just imagine – in a few years, that iconic ballerina silhouette, the one that inspires our love of tutus, will grace stages around the world, a testament to the spirit of change we felt today. A true tribute to those who, just like Victoria on this very day, took a bold step towards something beautiful!
