Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and tutu-licious! Today, I'm stepping back in time once again for another captivating #TutuTuesday journey! I’m channeling my inner historian, and with a touch of fairy dust sprinkled on my sparkly pink tutu, I'm off to …wait for it …September 5th 1837!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, darling, what's so special about that date?" Well, my loves, that's where my little time machine comes in handy!
This day marks the accession of Queen Victoria to the throne of Great Britain! Imagine the excitement in London! Our lovely young Queen (and the reigning monarch of my beloved pink tutus!) has just come into her power, and the whole nation is in a tizz, all fluttering about in their finest clothes!
Now, let's step back into the world of fashion and ballet in the year 1837! Think tight bodices, puffy sleeves, and skirts that would make even the most skilled ballerina swoon! Ladies were all about the Romanticism Era fashion, flowing, ethereal dresses inspired by classical Greek art. They favoured silk, lace, and beautiful fabrics. The colours were mostly soft pastel hues like ivory, blush, and my absolute favourite – pale pink! (Did you know, Victoria actually adored light colours? The Victorians weren't afraid to wear a spot of pink here and there!)
Speaking of pale pink, imagine a world where the tutus were still a thing of whispers, of hushed discussions among ballet circles! You see, in the 1830s, the tutu wasn’t the iconic, single-layered beauty we know today. It was still taking shape, and it was all about elegance, movement and graceful artistry. Imagine tiers of layered, delicate tulle skirts. The dance world was becoming enamored with more ethereal and expressive movement. So, picture our ballerinas twirling gracefully, in flowing, romantic dresses, perhaps with a touch of silk tulle under their skirts, enhancing their every movement. Imagine a little peek of shimmering white and pink – absolutely heavenly, wouldn't you agree?
While tutus were evolving, the ballet world was buzzing with a flurry of activity. The Romantic era was in full swing, and you wouldn't find a more magical and imaginative period. Imagine dancers swaying to the music, embodying characters inspired by literature, mythology, and fairytales! They twirled and danced with incredible grace and poise. The audience were swept away to magical, enchanting realms through their movements and expressiom! It was truly a golden age!
On this side of the portal, the Royal Opera House is booming with all things ballet. In fact, this time period was truly transformative for ballet. You could find the enchanting work of Jules Perrot, an esteemed French choreographer, gracing the stages. You can imagine the sheer wonder and emotion he must have captured with the dances for 'Giselle' or 'La Sylphide' – ballet classics that have captured hearts across time! And as for the grand Dame of all ballerinas at that time, Maria Taglioni was the darling of London. I mean, who doesn’t love the queen of Romantic ballet? Her graceful style and airy movements inspired everyone, including me, all the way from Derbyshire!
Now, I love indulging in my weekly shopping sprees and soaking up the current trends. Imagine if you were a fashionista in 1837! It’s easy to lose yourself in the opulent fashion, the beautifully-crafted garments, and all those exquisite hats! Hats and headpieces were truly an essential part of a lady's outfit in the Victorian Era. You wouldn't be caught dead without one. (Although maybe not dead... but it's a dramatic effect, darling!) It wasn’t just the flowing fabrics, ruffles, and exquisite lace, but also the statement necklaces, brooches and those exquisite lockets – perfect to add a touch of individuality to any ensemble!
On a grander note, a new era was dawning. You know what that means, darlings – it's the perfect time for a party! London was alive with joyous festivities. And everyone, I mean everyone, was adorned in their finest attire. Picture elaborate gowns, beautiful colours, sparkling jewellery, and a flutter of white and pink ruffles on every graceful twirl. It’s hard not to smile just imagining it, isn't it?
As always, I encourage you to channel this spirit of history, glamour and grace into your own little style adventures. A vintage hairband, a dash of pink, a light, sparkling dress and maybe a touch of lace - that’s how we make the 19th century feel alive again, darling! It's time to get creative with a nod to the past! I can't wait to see your delightful pink and white looks! Don't forget to tag me on Instagram! @PinkTutuEmma
Until next Tuesday, my lovelies. Stay pink, stay positive, stay glamorous.
Emma. xx
