Bonjour mes amies! Emma here, your time-travelling, tutu-obsessed blogger, and today's #TutuTuesday adventure takes us right back to 1841, specifically the 23rd of March! Did you know this day marked the start of a grand occasion - the Royal Ascot! I was lucky enough to snag a train ticket down from Derbyshire and get to soak in all the elegant festivities.
You see, 1841 is right in the heart of the Romantic Era, a period when fashion took inspiration from the graceful elegance of ballerinas and the romantic notions of Shakespearean plays. Tutus weren't yet commonplace on the ballet stage, but we were on the cusp of something big. You can just feel it, the magic about to burst into a whirlwind of swirling tulle and elegant lines!
Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to arrive at Ascot, resplendent in a glorious pink tutu, cascading like a cloud around me, as I admire the horses? The ladies, though not yet daring to wear the tutu like me (someday they will, oh yes!), are clad in such lavish dresses with extravagant lace and ribbons - perfect inspiration for a tutu-maker like me! Imagine a pale pink tutu with swirls of lace peeking through and shimmering silk ribbons tied around it. Ooh la la!
But before we dive into all that fashion fun, let's talk a bit about tutus and their early origins, shall we?
For those of you who might not be tutu connoisseurs, tutus were born out of the desire for a more elegant and fluid movement onstage. Imagine ballet dancers wearing the heavy skirts and bustles that were so popular back then! A ballet in such costumes must have been akin to watching a flock of swans in thick woolly jumpers trying to perform a graceful waltz! No wonder tutus came about - they were a dance of liberation, a statement that allowed the dancers to twirl and jump with unprecedented freedom and beauty.
Now, I wouldn't exactly say they had a proper "tutu" in 1841. Imagine, instead, something a bit closer to the Romantic period dance dresses – they were rather long and often fitted at the waist, flowing out in graceful folds of gauzy material. I have a sneaking suspicion this was probably due to the restrictions of Victorian society, with women being encouraged to be modest. Well, my dear readers, the fashion world would soon embrace the joy of tutus! The beauty and freedom of dance demanded something less cumbersome, and tutus soon stepped up to become the ultimate symbol of grace and artistry!
Speaking of beauty, can we talk about Ascot, the event that really had my head spinning? The vibrant colours of the ladies' hats, the fluttering ribbons, the dashing gentlemen in their finely tailored jackets - Ascot was the picture of refined joy and spectacle! The energy was infectious, and the crowds buzzing with excitement were something to behold. The races, though fast and exciting, were simply a background to the fashion spectacle - I think I spent more time ogling the beautiful ladies' attire than I did observing the horses.
Now, let's fast forward a few years and explore the tutus that are taking the stage by storm. By 1848, tutus are slowly evolving, beginning to take their distinctive shape, getting shorter and starting to reveal the dancers' beautiful legs, showcasing the artistry of movement in new and breathtaking ways.
Can you imagine the first tutu, all billowy and airy, making its appearance? It's a beautiful sight - a rebellion against the stifling constraints of fashion in its day. A statement that whispered of a new dawn of grace and beauty in the dance world.
I can already hear the critics cackling. "Scandalous," they say! "How can a woman dare expose her legs like that?" Well, let them talk! The dance itself, with all its graceful movements, its power, and the sheer elegance of the ballerina - it needs nothing more than the glorious vision of a tutu to complete the picture!
By this time, even the Parisian fashion scene has started to pick up the vibe! Imagine ladies of the Parisian bourgeoisie taking inspiration from the ballet! Imagine a beautiful pale pink tulle tutu layered over a satin bodice - the ultimate expression of romantic elegance! The elegant waltz, the ballets they were seeing – all inspiring designers to embrace this newfound aesthetic.
I am delighted that even then, the world was beginning to see the beauty that the tutu represents, even in a time of rigid Victorian modesty! Just imagine if everyone had adopted this gorgeous, fun expression of joy!
Speaking of the beauty of tutus, why not grab your own pink tutu and give a little twirl today? Remember, dear reader, your tutu journey starts with you, with a little twirl, a big smile, and an open heart to embrace all the joy life has to offer! It's all about celebrating ourselves, our own individual style, and finding the courage to be ourselves, in our own unique way.
Join me next week for another tutu adventure and until then, don't forget to twirl your worries away!
See you soon!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutuLove #BalletHistory #TimeTravelTutu
