Hello, darling Tutu-lovers! Emma here, back again with another fascinating voyage through Ballet Tutu history. Today we're taking a trip to 1837, October 17th, and trust me, it's a date you'll want to note down in your fashionable diaries!
This date is just bursting with history. For starters, it marks the birthday of Queen Victoria! The iconic Queen, a firm believer in tradition, was only 18 years old when she took the throne.
And how do we know this, you ask? Well, today is also the anniversary of the first issue of the Illustrated London News! Now that's what I call real journalism, darlings! Think Vogue for the Victorians, packed with all the latest news and trends. They even had stunning engravings depicting a newly-crowned Queen Victoria, looking simply majestic, in all her regalia.
As for ballet, we’re stepping back to the beginnings of a real revolution. Just a mere 27 years before, 1810, to be precise, Marie Taglioni, the Queen of Ballet, graced the stage. It was Marie, with her graceful moves, who inspired the change in costume from cumbersome crinolines to those airy, whimsical, ethereal tutus we know and love today.
But here's the thing. While 1810 brought the tutu to life, it wasn't really the tutu we know today. It was longer, and more resembling a billowing skirt that flowed and fluttered around Marie's delicate movements, rather than the tight skirts that graced our modern-day dancers. Think romantic, billowing, and whimsical!
Just imagine, back in 1810, that elegant swirl of white as Marie glided across the stage. It must have been truly magical! The tutu, while not yet the epitome of elegance and femininity, was already making waves in the world of ballet. It symbolized the shift from formal, dramatic grandeur towards a new focus on the beauty of movement itself.
Fast forward to 1837, and the world is just starting to grasp the full potential of the tutu. By this time, ballerinas were getting daring! It was about finding new ways to use the costume to express emotions and tell stories. And let’s face it, the tutu became an iconic symbol of that artistry.
Of course, the tutu as we know it wasn’t there just yet. The design had taken a shortened form by this date – we’re talking knee-length! That’s right, girls, shorter, revealing the beauty of those long legs! Can you imagine dancing in anything but a tutu? It wouldn’t be ballet, now would it?
Back in this year, tutus were often adorned with elaborate embroidery and decorative details. Think pearl accents, dainty lace, and even ribbons cascading around the legs - it was pure femininity in its purest form. It was a delicate balance between simplicity and grace, emphasizing the ballerina’s graceful movements with an abundance of flair!
But it's not just about the tutu. You see, the whole stagecraft was evolving in tandem. Imagine pastel coloured backdrops, reflecting the grace and airy movements of the dancers. It was a revolution! And this revolutionary design became a staple for dancers, transforming the art form into the expressive force it remains to this day. It just wasn't about dancing, darling! It was an art form, a statement, a symbol of grace and elegance, the embodiment of femininity!
So, as we look back on the day Queen Victoria came to power and a new era in journalism dawned, it’s good to appreciate the tutu’s humble origins. It's been on quite a journey, evolving over the years but still captivating us with its sheer beauty and captivating elegance. It's time to appreciate the history of our beloved tutu – the quintessential garment of grace and dance!
This journey back in time really brought me joy! Don't you agree? Let's celebrate the tutu for what it is! Remember to wear pink! Because that is our style, and a little touch of colour never hurts! Remember to follow us on www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling!
Emma x
