#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1837-09-26

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, back with another Tutu Tuesday instalment. And today? Well, today's a little special. Not only are we twirling into a beautiful Tuesday, but we're reaching a monumental milestone: post number three hundred! Can you believe it? Over three hundred journeys through time, all for the love of tutus. Honestly, I can't imagine a better way to spend my days.

Today, we're taking a trip back to September the 26th, 1837. Now, I know what you're thinking, “1837? That sounds awfully dusty, Emma!" And you’re not wrong, there wasn’t much ballet to be seen on that particular date in history!

But this date holds a significant place in British history because, my dears, it was the day Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. Fancy that! A young monarch with a reign that would be as glamorous as it was long! As it turns out, Queen Victoria had a great love for dancing, especially the Waltz, and it wouldn't be long until her passion influenced the entire nation. Now that’s what I call tutu power!

And speaking of power, London, my darlings, was abuzz with a whirlwind of excitement. Think of it as a fashion show, but even grander, with carriages clattering along cobbled streets, horses gleaming in the sunshine, and ladies in elaborate gowns bustling about with parasols held aloft.

That’s the thing about this period - it was all about spectacle and grand gestures. Every occasion, even just a walk in the park, called for an elegant outfit, an elaborate hairdo, and, well, you guessed it… the ladies all wore tutus. No, not exactly our modern pink delights, but for their time, they were just as impressive! You see, in this period, the tutu we know and love wasn’t yet born.

The term 'tutu' hadn't even been coined back then! Oh no, these ladies wore 'skirts,' layers and layers of gauzy, romantic material that billowed and swirled like dreams. These “skirts” weren't quite practical, mind you, but oh, how they swept the dance floors, with layers upon layers of shimmering silk. And while they may have needed a few extra pairs of hands to negotiate a turn or two, let me tell you, the spectacle was certainly worth it.

I did get a bit of a thrill while there because a small theatre in London put on a production of La Fille Mal Gardée, which means, ‘The Girl Who is Badly Guarded’. This ballet was considered quite a riotous affair, with plenty of slapstick and some hilarious dancing. This sort of ballet was my favourite. You really do need some laughter to go with the twirls.

I’m also on a quest, dear friends! Not just to bring pink tutus to the world but to understand the journey of this fashion statement through time, to understand where it all began, because even then, ballet was already an expressive artform. Even without the tutu we love so dearly, it was just as beautiful, full of grace, and full of wonder.

Let's not forget: our history isn’t just about the past, but it's about connecting with each other, our stories and the world around us. I don't just want to talk about the history of the tutu; I want to dance it! To make everyone understand that we are all part of this journey, that every single one of us has a role to play.

As the days get shorter and the autumn leaves start to swirl like delicate tulle, it is the time of year to indulge in those things that bring you joy. For me, nothing brings me more joy than dancing in a beautiful pink tutu. What about you?

And don’t forget to check out our upcoming ballet shows! Tickets are selling fast so get them soon at the London Theatre website! My favourite troupe is doing an encore of their production of 'Swan Lake' – it’s simply sublime. I'll be wearing my absolute best pink tutu, so make sure to look out for me! I do love a little bit of fashion as well as my ballet!

Now, my darlings, it's time for me to wave goodbye. Keep an eye out next week for a new post as I venture further back in time. But before I leave, I do need to ask: what era do you think would be a great time to explore? I need some inspiration!

Until next week, twirl on,

Emma!