Greetings, my lovely Tutu Tribe! It’s your favourite time of the week – Tutu Tuesday! This week, I'm going on a little journey back in time, hopping onto the magic train and venturing to the year 1840!
Yes, you heard right. We're travelling all the way back to the year 1840 – December 15th to be exact. It's not just any day, my darlings. It’s the day that the London Royal Opera House opened its doors!
As you all know, the Royal Opera House is one of the most prestigious theatres in the world and its opening was a significant event in ballet history. Can you imagine, darling, how absolutely thrilling it must have been to witness such an occasion? I wouldn't miss it for all the tulle in the world!
Now, back in 1840, things were quite different in the world of ballet. Ballet costumes were a lot more… structured. Forget our glorious fluffy tulle, the ballerinas of the time were decked out in floor-length, fitted garments that would've made it difficult to twirl with much panache. They even wore panniers under their skirts to give them a pouffy silhouette – it's practically impossible to perform a pirouette in such things!
But oh darling, don't get me wrong, I have a certain fondness for those early ballet costumes. Their elegance and elaborate embellishments had a charm all of their own! We're talking silk and velvet and beautiful corsetry! Imagine, even back then, women were embracing a feminine shape, a symbol of strength and artistry. I'm not surprised the ballet was as popular then as it is today!
Did you know, my dearest friends, that back then ballet was practically the ultimate fashion statement? It's not a far cry from today’s street-style stars. Can you imagine rocking up to the Royal Opera House wearing a beautiful gown and feathers and seeing the looks on people’s faces? Absolutely exquisite! I could almost hear the whisperings of, “Oh, my, just look at that darling! What a beautiful ensemble!" * (Now I’ve started dreaming of going to a theatre in 1840!) *
Let’s get back to the present, darling. As much as I'd love to talk about corsetry and panniers, let's dive back into what’s really exciting, the magic of the tutu!
You know, I think that’s something special, that something that has taken ballet costumes to new heights! Can you even imagine a world without the graceful twirls of the ballerina, their pink tutus shimmering and floating in the light, drawing the audience in? I just can't! I would definitely miss the soft swish of tulle, and I think the world of dance would too.
However, I can see the allure of those elegant floor-length ballet dresses, couldn't you, darling? They were graceful, sophisticated, and truly a reflection of their time, even if they might make you trip! I love history and fashion and ballet, *you guys already know this, so I’ll keep that in mind when planning my next tutu ensemble. It might just include a pannier and some exquisite corsetry, and a little bit of silk…
Until next time, my Tutu Tribe, keep on twirling!
XOXO, Emma
P.S.: Have you ever worn a pannier? I’d love to see what your latest fashion creation is – feel free to share your stories and photos in the comments!
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #FashionHistory #RoyalOperaHouse #London
Remember, the key to achieving that authentically feminine, upbeat, and bubbly blogger persona is in Emma’s language. Embrace the exclamation points, use lots of positive, playful language, sprinkle in “darling” for a touch of vintage flair, and keep the focus on fun, lighthearted content about ballet and fashion history! Don't forget to reference her passion for travel, shopping, and pink, too!
