Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu for another journey through the captivating world of ballet tutus! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us right back to the heart of London, England, on September 19th, 1837! It's a day that holds a special place in history and ballet. As you may know, I'm Emma, a pink-tutu-obsessed blogger from the picturesque county of Derbyshire. It's my mission to make pink tutus a fashion staple across all of history and even the future!
Today is a really exciting date for ballet history - because this is the date Queen Victoria became the monarch of England! I bet you didn't know that! This special day started a long era known as the Victorian period and this was a fabulous time for fashion and for ballet. This era saw amazing growth and creativity in the ballet world. From 1837 onwards, Queen Victoria's influence was key, you can tell just by how much the public was captivated by everything that was associated with her and how popular "royal" themes became in fashion, music, literature, and of course, dance.
I just love how Queen Victoria always looked so chic. If I were time traveling to the Victorian era, I would be straight to the tailor's to make sure my tutus reflected the period. My tutu wouldn't be like a puffy ballerina-style tutus at all. Tutus in this period were much simpler, shorter and had very few frills and flourishes. You can often see the romantic ballet era influenced by Roman themes in tutus, and I think this looks really elegant - lots of long flowing skirts! It's quite a look. Imagine - pink flowing Roman-style tutus, oh my! I think the pink-tutu vibe would have been very well received by Queen Victoria's court, don't you?
Let me take you back to what is going on in the ballet world, right here in London on this day in history. Ballet has evolved so much! For centuries the beautiful and exciting Italian style of ballet has been popular across the whole world and especially in Britain. In 1837 the ballet scene in England is definitely being taken over by what is known as Ballet Reforme a real shake-up for this beautiful art! And even more exciting, in this new and very much evolving ballet style it's all about making the female dancers the centrepiece of every performance! Ballet in this era became almost a "star" system! Just imagine, these very early versions of the "prima ballerina", so stylish, so inspiring, so elegant - so absolutely fabulous! Ballet has been my biggest inspiration in all of my travels through history!
The ballet scene in 1837 was so vibrant and alive! In London's iconic King’s Theatre we had one of the top performing arts theatres in the whole of Europe, even today it's still one of London's must-see theatrical destinations! The King's Theatre has also been on my travel bucket list, since I read all about the legendary dancer Marie Taglioni. Marie was such an icon - her skills on the stage have been legendary. They say she's the inventor of pointe - can you believe? The fact that she invented one of the biggest milestones in the history of dance! Can you imagine? Just the grace and skill in that move - pure perfection!
However, in 1837 a very different form of entertainment was dominating London - it's a must for every time traveler to see at least once, and that's the panorama! There was even one right on the bank of the river Thames - the London Diorama. You have to check this out on your next visit! It was such a wonderful blend of artistic spectacle and real-world imagery! The panoramic exhibitions brought the real world and historical scenes to life. What a truly extraordinary art form! And did I mention, they were totally obsessed with all things foreign! Can you guess the number one destination for Londoners in the 1800s? You got it! Italy, Spain and everywhere across the Mediterranean!
And I’m just getting started on what’s hot and happening! I just want to say one more time - I LOVE London's vibrant ballet scene - what a truly inspiring place! For example, did you know that Carl von Weber's famous Invitation to the Waltz has become absolutely the top tune to use for ball dances in London? So exciting! There's so much dancing and entertainment, it's a joy just being in the capital. But I am sure, after such a long time of watching the dances around the UK, and in particular here in London - I have to share the biggest revelation!
The most popular fashion in ballet today (at least 1837 today!), the best look, the one you will see on everyone who’s who, in all the finest dance academies is...wait for it… Pink Tutus! Yep! That's right! Think about it - when the light hits them onstage - what color can shine brighter than a beautiful pink? If I were Queen Victoria, my favourite color would have to be pink! Oh, the looks, the poses, the elegance! It's so simple and so versatile! So, pink tutus have got to be the hottest look - for both the ballet world and fashionable royalty too!
Oh my! How lucky that we had an era like this one to help build on all the dance and theater I see in all the centuries and decades before! From this point onwards, tutus became so much more fashionable. By the late Victorian period, a whole generation of female ballet dancers had grown up obsessed with tutus. The world of ballet became much more exciting and extravagant - for some that might seem frivolous. For me - It's what I was born to do! If you really want to make sure you know how the look works, let me give you my three top pink tutu tips: 1. Match Your Pink: No one's going to doubt how in touch you are with what's cool, unless your tutu is the perfect pink for your look! Go bright if you want that stage show confidence. You’re in a spotlight! 2. Know the Fabric: From a traditional soft silk to a crisp taffeta, the type of fabric you use on your pink tutu is going to make the difference between an edgy, sophisticated look and a whimsical ballerina fantasy. 3. Perfect the Details: Your perfect pink tutu starts with details - it’s a way of expressing the story your look tells. Are you trying to make a dramatic statement? What’s going on here? Get into your details, have fun with it! It's about making your pink tutu unique, about individuality! It's the best of what Victorian fashion and ballet can create!
Ok, you lovely bunch! It's time to close for the day, but keep the tutu dreams going. I'll be back with you next week for a brand new #TutuTuesday and some fresh news! Catch you soon! xx
