Hello, darling tutus! Welcome back to your favourite Tuesday treat - Ballet Tutu History, the only blog where tutus reign supreme! 💖 It’s me, your Pink Tutu Queen, Emma, back from another dazzling adventure through the time vortex, this time landing us in the glorious year 1841. This is post number 517 - can you believe it?! Time sure does fly when you're twirling!
This week we’re waltzing back to the 19th century, specifically, November 23rd, 1841 – and believe me, you wouldn't want to be missing out on the action. This very date, we were graced with the birth of Émile Ollivier, the man who would go on to become Prime Minister of France! 🇫🇷 It's hard to imagine him not in a chic frock coat, wouldn't you say? He just radiates that kind of distinguished air... which makes me think about fashion, oh how it’s evolved since 1841. Let’s dive into it, shall we?
The Birth of the Tutu – A True Tale of Triumph!
I’ve always had a passion for history. How else do you think I discovered that on November 23rd, 1841, the iconic tutu was already gracing the stages of the world, making its dramatic debut in the Ballet “Giselle”? Can you imagine life before the tutu? The dancers were confined to cumbersome, billowing skirts – so very un-tutu-ful! Thank goodness we’ve got the tutu today to help our bodies move with the most captivating freedom! A tutu for every style, from the romantic and graceful "Romantic Tutu" of the 1800s with its soft tulle layers and gentle flowing lines – to the sleek and contemporary "Modern Tutu", we've had a phenomenal journey, don't you think?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Where are the glorious fashion pieces from 1841? Don’t worry, darlings! Our little trip back in time wasn't about tutus alone. There were amazing costumes to be seen! I was particularly charmed by the 1840s trend of the “bloomers,” a loose, baggy undergarment that allowed for more freedom of movement, which you could actually wear over your favourite leggings or trousers! I snagged some pretty bonnets and fancy frocks for my vintage collection. If I’m ever feeling like embracing the past, I’m definitely wearing those bloomers with a gorgeous pink tutu and maybe a lovely pearl necklace – very elegant, don’t you think? 😉
A Whirlwind Through London – 1841!
Speaking of freedom of movement, I spent the day in London, the heartbeat of the Victorian Era. Think cobblestone streets, gaslight flickering, carriages rumbling by – it's a world you just have to experience to appreciate. They had these incredible tea rooms, where I had the most delightful afternoon tea with cucumber sandwiches and delectable pastries! What an absolutely magical way to unwind after a morning spent browsing the delightful shops in Piccadilly!
But it’s the ballet that really made the trip special. The Covent Garden was humming with excitement, with everyone getting ready for the debut of "Giselle", the production that set the stage for the evolution of the tutu, as we know it! You see, darling tutus, fashion is so interconnected to ballet. It’s more than just beautiful clothing – it's art, it’s passion, and it's about expressing yourself with elegance.
Taking Tutu-licious Travels By Train!
Oh, the excitement of it all! You know, my darling tutus, before hopping on the next train for my next fashion time-hopping adventure, I can't let you go without a fun fact. 🚂 I rode the very first passenger railway, the London and Birmingham Railway, back in 1841. It was a bit less glamorous than the sleek modern train we take today, but it was the most exhilarating ride! The whole carriage felt alive with energy, like it was anticipating the world it was about to be connected to.
The train became the ultimate symbol of the new age. And so, here I am – sharing my love of dance, fashion, history and, of course, tutus with you! Remember, every day is a chance to make the world a more beautiful, more tutu-filled place. Whether you're on stage or in your own personal life, let your creativity shine through, and let the magic of fashion take over!
Don't forget to leave a comment below – I love hearing your thoughts and questions, dear tutus! What kind of dance would you most like to see in the Victorian era?
Till next week, darling tutus! Stay beautiful and don’t forget to #pinkyourtutu! 💖
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
