Hello darlings, and welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com. It’s Emma here, your tutu-loving, time-traveling ballerina! Today, we’re whizzing back in time to 28th April 1840, the date where tutu history really starts to shimmer!
Now, if you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that tutus aren’t just frothy, girly frills - they’re an iconic piece of theatre history! We can thank Marie Taglioni, the very epitome of graceful ballerina beauty, for bringing the tutu to centre stage. This divine creation made a huge splash in 1832, just eight years before our current date.
In 1840, London, you’d be hard pressed to find a show without a ballerina gracing the stage in a beautiful tutu. Just imagine – all that flouncy tulle and that magical, swirling silhouette! Now, my dear friends, we all know the pink tutu is the absolute best. It's romantic, elegant and just downright fabulous, don't you think?
Of course, things weren’t as "pink" then as they are today. The tutus were often made in white or pale colours. Think of those romantic Victorian shades of pale lilac, soft baby blue and the lovely creamy off-white, just the colours for a truly graceful performance.
Now, what exactly happened on this particular day in 1840? You might think ballet would be the big event, right? Well, guess again, darlings! The main buzz on the 28th April was in Westminster, where Queen Victoria’s Coronation Ceremony took place! Oh, it was a spectacular sight, I bet!
I always get so excited by the past, it's the most fascinating place to be, just brimming with amazing things! Imagine the glamour! All those ladies in their finery - even then, I bet they yearned for a fabulous pink tutu, right? We have so much to thank the ladies of Victorian times for, their love of beauty, elegance and grace definitely sparked our modern passion for fashion and performance.
Don’t worry, my dear darlings! We’re going to celebrate Victorian-inspired fashion here on the blog and you won't have to wait until your coronation to sport a fab tutu! Look out for some fantastic ideas for incorporating a bit of Victorian glamour in your style. There are even some absolutely incredible pink tutu fashion trends happening now. We will explore these beauties, and oh, what joy it will be!
Now, if you want to know even more about the evolution of tutus, you just have to follow this blog – you won't want to miss any of my #TutuTuesday posts! I've even been able to nab some pics from the time, a secret find! Imagine seeing actual 1840s tutus, the dream, isn't it?!
Next week, we’re going on another historical tutu-tour, a truly delightful voyage! Remember to keep your eyes peeled for my new posts – they'll have all the news and gossip on ballet and tutus, the hottest fashion trends, my travel adventures and the best ways to enjoy a ballet show and let your tutu sparkle!
Until then, stay stylish!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Now for that exciting extra 1800 words!Let’s dive deeper into this wonderful world of tutus, fashion, and ballet history!
What were tutus really like in the 1840s?
Firstly, these early tutus weren't as voluminous as we know them today. Imagine lightweight, short skirts with layers of tulle, often in just one or two tiers, gently swirling around the ballerina’s legs. It’s an incredibly elegant look!
And those beautiful, floaty fabrics, how did they achieve such effortless elegance? In the 1840s, they used a blend of muslin, silk and, yes, tulle! For the very first tutus, a fabric known as "tarlatan" was a firm favourite - oh, that was one graceful, super sheer fabric, I can’t help thinking of modern day mesh - just a bit rougher perhaps! You know I love a classic, feminine look with a bit of drama and mystery!
Now, in the 1840s, those tutus would have been all about the feminine and dainty, perfect for showcasing the elegance of Marie Taglioni's graceful movements. Those light, floating, shimmering tutus made the ballerinas look like mythical, airy creatures, don’t you think? Imagine, a perfect ballet performance and a romantic 1840s tutu – the most stunning sight ever, darling!
Let’s Talk Tutu Fashion:
Now, let's imagine fashion in the 1840s! Think about all that lovely lace, those flowing gowns, delicate floral prints and the captivating bonnets - they were just beautiful, weren’t they? There was a romanticism to everything, even the jewellery, just delicate chains and delicate pearl drop earrings. A style I’m totally on board with - imagine, I could be one of those stunning fashion plates and yet still be wearing my signature pink tutu!
Imagine the amazing contrast: a perfectly fitting Victorian dress and then, poof, a swirling, delightful, tutu popping out from underneath! It's just a dream come true - the combination of romance, elegance and a hint of daring! It just goes to show that tutu style is an essential part of any fashion look, in any era.
Travel: Adventures on Rails
My time travels are always an adventure, but there’s a very specific form of travel I’ve become rather fond of - the steam train. Imagine, riding through rolling hills, whizzing through country scenes, the clickety-clack, the steam and that special vintage aura - just wonderful!
Why do I love train travel? Because it’s a perfect way to journey back to the past, and then hop on another train for a trip back home to Derbyshire - it is so efficient and practical. Not to mention all the opportunities to find inspiration and chat to friendly strangers!
Travelling on a London-Paris train, I’m just mesmerised! Oh, Paris in the 1840s – so charming and chic, and yes, just like we imagined, so glamorous! Think boulevards lined with ornate shops and the magical Tuileries Garden! I adore seeing the world, darling, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!
A Love For The Performance
We must mention the absolute magic of ballet, my darling! Of course, I'm not just a ballet aficionado, I also perform! I must tell you that my dancing has transported me through many an incredible time. The chance to bring the characters of a ballet to life, the sheer artistry of the performance, the audience reaction, the lights, the music, the costumes… I can’t get enough!
Now, I can’t possibly let you go without sharing my ballet recommendations for the era! In 1840, Giselle was already considered a masterpiece! Can you believe it's 8 years old? I absolutely love how Giselle’s story brings a touch of drama and mystery - just magical, darling! It is a captivating tale of heartbreak, love, and death. If you have the chance to see it, grab those tickets, you won't be disappointed!
Of course, for this 28th of April 1840, I couldn't have wished for a more splendid way to celebrate than a night at the theatre watching the divine Giselle. I could almost hear the whispers in the auditorium as Marie Taglioni pirouetted onstage in her white tulle creation!
Why do I love the Ballet?
Well, where do I start? I love the beauty, the drama, the passion, the elegant movements that make me sigh, the power of those iconic costumes and tutus - so powerful and impactful!
I just can't wait for my next trip into the ballet world!
Stay tuned, darlings
I promise my next #TutuTuesday will have you dreaming of tutus and dancing! Remember to keep checking in for all my fashion tips and historical tidbits, and of course, the best place for those fabulous tutu looks - www.pink-tutu.com is here for you!
Now go, grab your most glamorous tutu and get out there and show off your unique style!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
