Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another journey through the enchanting history of the tutu! Today, we're hopping on the time-train, boarding a first-class carriage (pink, of course), and taking a trip back to 26th December 1837, just a few months after the young Queen Victoria ascended to the throne.
This date, I tell you, holds some delightful surprises for a ballet lover like myself. Remember those grand, floor-sweeping tutus we see in ballets like Swan Lake? Well, imagine our beloved ballerina twirling in something much, much shorter!
Back in the 1830s, ballet was undergoing a revolution. Think Romantic Ballet with a capital R! You know, those stories of fairy tales, ethereal beings, and enchanting spirits that leave you swooning. Imagine ballerinas in delicate, lightweight tunics and bodices, fluttering around the stage in an explosion of airy elegance!
While the word 'tutu' itself wasn't yet being used - we have that to thank for our darling Marie Taglioni, a ballet superstar, in 1841 - what we were seeing on stage were skirts that were just starting to become shorter, and often featured several layers of airy tulle. Picture delicate wisps of cloud dancing on stage. Just picture it! And those tiny tutus you adore, they hadn’t even dreamed of entering the world. They’d still have to wait a couple of years for the ballerina queen of Paris to inspire them!
My darling! Imagine what a sight it must have been! You might be surprised to know that ballet at this time wasn’t just for royalty and the upper classes. It was becoming the social event for all of society, from aristocrats to working-class audiences. Theatre was in its golden age and London was a hub for all the most fascinating forms of performance! Ballet was a form of entertainment for everyone. Imagine the excitement of a new era dawning!
We can find ourselves drawn into this incredible time by delving deeper into this historical moment. Let's explore what was happening on this specific date.
Christmas Cheer, 1837!
In Victorian England, Christmas wasn’t just a holiday, it was the event of the season! It was time for gatherings, family visits, festive food, and yes, even the gift of the theatrical arts! The festive mood must have filled the air! It’s fascinating to think that back then, our Christmas day traditions – that are so normal to us – were new and revolutionary. Think Christmas crackers! (Which were new! The Victorians were quite the innovative bunch!), Christmas cards and carol singing were also new! I wouldn’t be surprised to see some dancing to accompany these festivities.
The royal court in London would be a bustle of activity for the celebrations! Imagine the Queen and her ladies all in their finery and perhaps attending a ballet performance - a perfect way to spend Christmas day. There may even have been some charity balls taking place. Did someone say ‘pink and frothy?’ Oh, the possibilities for dazzling outfits!
But this isn’t all - Christmas day in 1837 also marks a pivotal event in the world of Ballet. Just two days earlier, a ballerina named Marie Taglioni took centre stage in La Sylphide, a piece that became hugely influential for ballet’s direction at this time. Imagine the swirling white dresses, the beautiful ballet techniques of the ballerinas, and the magical sets. Talk about inspiring some dancing fun! I can feel a ballet class coming on just from the sheer joy of seeing those ethereal creatures.
How To Channel The 1830s!
Even today, it’s so clear how the elegance of those romantic tutus can influence our outfits. You can add that romantic ballerina flare to your look by picking a flowing gown or even pairing your beloved tulle tutu with a chic blouse! Add in some accessories - lace gloves and delicate necklaces add that lovely fairytale effect that perfectly complements a tutu look.
Think ethereal and you won't go wrong. But of course, a little bit of glitter can’t hurt either. The more the merrier! We may have less fluff in our tutus nowadays, but we can definitely emulate the spirit of the Romantics with our style!
To embrace the true joy of a 1830s style Christmas (oh, the parties!) - create a sense of light and glamour! Pick festive colours: Think pinks, silvers and, yes, that delightful shade of champagne gold! We can bring back a bit of the glamour to Christmas parties - a delightful blend of contemporary and history - we are making our own ballet history right here. I am sure that would get the party started and add a lovely twirl to all the festivities.
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet inspiration and tutu news. Follow me on my ballet adventures, as I traverse the world exploring new tutus! Remember, darling, there is a perfect pink tutu for everyone - so find yours!
Happy twirling,
Emma 🩰💖
