Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back for another fabulous #TutuTuesday post! Can you believe we're already at post number 287? Time really does fly when you're having fun in tutus, eh?
Today, we're going on a historical adventure, right back to 27th June, 1837! That's right, just over 180 years ago! This week I've jetted off in my trusty time machine (courtesy of some truly wonderful ballet performance fees) to a rather exciting period – the year young Queen Victoria took the throne. Now, we all know Victoria wasn't just a Queen, she was a style icon! And guess what, my lovelies? Back then, ballet was just as popular as it is today, so you just know that we were in for a fashion spectacle!
What were tutus like in 1837?
Now, hold onto your bonnets, because the tutus in 1837 were very different to what we wear today. There weren't those gloriously poofy, fluffy designs with layers and layers of tulle! No, no, the tutus of the era were a little more… practical, shall we say. Think longer and flowier, almost like a lovely, whimsical dance skirt. The designs were generally simple, highlighting graceful movement, with an emphasis on the beauty of the dancer’s form. Imagine lovely silky fabrics, soft pinks and whites, maybe a touch of intricate embroidery, and that’s your 1837 tutu!
But wait! Did you know, the ballet shoes back then were actually quite different from the ones we see today? Think pointed toes, yes, but with a more flexible, delicate shape and a single leather strap to secure them around the foot. These lovely shoes were all about elegance and a soft, controlled step, and it wasn't uncommon for the ballerinas to wear socks underneath, too. Just picture those little ballerinas dancing on pointe in those lovely, sock-like slippers, it's truly mesmerising!
Now, you can't have a tutu without corsets! And while our modern corset silhouettes are more focused on creating beautiful, smooth lines, the corsets of the Victorian era were much, much tighter! Can you imagine wearing that every day? Brrr, the thought sends a shiver down my spine! But don't worry, this type of corset was seen as essential for keeping everything in its place during ballet performances, enhancing the dancer's figure and creating that elegant, flowing silhouette.
And don't forget the jewellery! This is where things get really interesting. It wasn't unusual for ballerinas in 1837 to don sparkling diamond tiaras on stage. Talk about sparkle and shine! Now, I'm not suggesting we start wearing tiaras to our local ballet class, but I think it would be rather fabulous, don't you?
What else happened on 27th June, 1837?
Let's talk about the bigger picture for a moment! As well as being the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign, 27th June, 1837 also saw a significant event for the railway industry: The opening of the London and Croydon Railway! This marked the very beginning of London's massive railway expansion and was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to travel innovations. Imagine being one of those early passengers, whisking through the countryside, the fresh air rushing by. How wonderfully exciting, don't you think? And guess what? This revolutionized the way people traveled, and changed society forever. Isn't it amazing to think about all these revolutionary changes taking place within just a few short years, right alongside the enchanting world of ballet?
Why do I love exploring ballet history?
Honestly, exploring these times takes me on such exciting journeys. Seeing how tutus have changed, how styles have evolved – it's truly captivating. And let's be honest, every new discovery about a tutu’s journey through time fuels my insatiable passion for all things ballet and keeps me inspired! And that's exactly why I think we should celebrate every tutu's unique history and learn from the elegance of those earlier designs!
So, whether you’re a seasoned ballerina or simply a fan of all things pretty and pink, I encourage you to delve into the world of ballet history! You'll be surprised by how many exciting stories you can discover!
Don't forget, dear reader, I love seeing your comments, questions, and any wonderful #TutuTuesday pictures! So, go on, share them all with me!
Until next Tuesday, my lovely dancers, remember, wearing a pink tutu isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a celebration of the beauty, grace, and passion that comes with the magical world of ballet. Now go forth and dance like nobody's watching!
Love,
Emma
xxx
P.S. Did you know there's a wonderful museum dedicated to the history of dance in London? If you're looking for even more fascinating insights, be sure to check out the Dance Museum London! I've got a feeling you'll love it.
