Welcome, darlings, to Post #619 of Pink-Tutu.com! It's a beautiful Tuesday, and you know what that means: another dive into the wonderful world of ballet tutus! This week, I've travelled all the way back to November 7th, 1843, and oh my, what a time it is!
As always, I've donned my most fabulous pink tutu, fit for a royal ball, and packed my travel bag with a healthy dose of excitement. This trip's all about getting you lovely lot acquainted with the fashion evolution of the ballet tutu. It’s such a beautiful garment and I’m passionate about seeing how the dancers and designers kept refining it, transforming it into the iconic symbol we know and love today.
Stepping Back in Time
1843! Think Victorian era, Charles Dickens, and a burgeoning romanticism sweeping through art and fashion. Imagine bustling London streets, the scent of horse-drawn carriages, and gentlemen with top hats and monocles – what a sight for sore eyes! But for us, dear tutufils, this time is significant because the ballet tutu was already experiencing its first metamorphosis!
You see, before the 1800s, ballet dancers twirled about in gowns that were rather restricting, you can imagine – heavy fabrics, corsets, and not much chance for showing off the leaps and bounds! It’s easy to imagine what a frustration it was for those talented performers, with their leaps and jumps often limited by bulky clothing!
Thankfully, we can give a big shout out to Marie Taglioni, the reigning queen of Romantic ballet. With her signature delicate moves, airy costumes, and ethereal performance style, Marie completely redefined what the ballet look could be. It was she who helped popularise the tutu as we know it – a shorter, layered skirt that let the dancer’s movement take centre stage! Imagine a ballerina pirouetting, a delicate cloud of tulle fluttering around her – so inspiring!
But back in 1843, it’s a whole other world! Tulle, that wonderful airy fabric we love so much, was still a fairly new creation, and the tutu was just starting to blossom! You’re likely to find longer tutus, often paired with panniers for added volume, which would have given a full and graceful appearance. Can you imagine those petticoats with a tulle overskirt? Such a beautiful layering effect, wouldn't you agree? The designers would also often add decorative embellishments, beads, sequins, even satin ribbons!
Ballet Beauty in 1843: A Touch of Grandeur!
Speaking of grandeur, just think what ballet performances would be like! I’m sure it would be a breathtaking experience. Imagine attending a show in a theatre draped with velvet and chandeliers sparkling brightly. A packed audience dressed in their finest attire, the air alive with excited chatter and anticipations!
I wonder what pieces were performed in theatres across London and Europe that November? Did audiences delight in "La Sylphide," a quintessential Romantic ballet? Maybe "Giselle" took centre stage, its haunting story of love, betrayal, and supernatural tragedy sure to capture everyone's attention. Oh, what a magical evening it must have been!
And it’s not just in the theatre! I hear it’s becoming increasingly popular for “ballet soirées,” intimate gatherings in private homes where people enjoyed musical performances. The music of Chopin, Schubert, or maybe Liszt would fill the air as a dancer or two showcased their skills, elegantly whirling and twirling in a perfectly fitted tutu!
More than Just the Tutus!
Of course, it’s not all about the ballet! Shopping for vintage costumes and materials is just as enjoyable. I’ve been scouring London's most elegant haberdasheries to find some truly beautiful lace and delicate satin to create a truly unforgettable 1843-inspired tutu. We have to get this design perfected and the colour palette for next week’s #TutuTuesday look!
You know I’m all about a dash of sparkle, a hint of glamour and lots of femininity, darling! So what shall I add to create a perfect 1843 look? Lace details? Beads in soft pastels? A hint of ribbon trailing just so, flowing like a gentle whisper with each turn? You’ll have to come back next week to see what we’ve dreamt up!
The Power of Ballet, The Magic of a Pink Tutu
Whether you’re stepping into a 19th-century theatre or spinning through the streets of London in a fabulous pink tutu (your very own, of course), let’s keep celebrating the beauty and the timeless elegance of the ballet tutu! Every time I put on my own pink tutu, I feel so alive and empowered. And you know what? That's what this entire blog is about – spreading the love of ballet and all things pink tutu!
So, what’s next? We’re on a train bound for Paris! Yes, I’m headed to Paris where I hear there’s a grand event happening this November – The Paris Opera Ball! Can you believe it? A ball where fashion and dance converge in a dazzling celebration of everything grand and opulent. Now that is truly the perfect occasion for my next #TutuTuesday blog. We can see what tutus graced that event, discuss its history and maybe even try to replicate a bit of its style. It’s sure to be a truly glamorous affair, darling, and I can’t wait to take you with me!
Now, off to pack and make my way to the train station. Keep those pink tutus spinning!
Until next week, darling!
XOXO
Emma
