Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another instalment of my Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm just bursting with excitement to take you all back in time today to a wonderfully whimsical date, the 16th of January 1844. Grab your feather boas, darling, and let's step back into a world of lace and tulle!
Now, you all know I'm a passionate believer in the transformative power of the tutu - it's the ultimate symbol of grace, elegance, and pure, unadulterated joy! But back in 1844, tutus as we know them today were still in their nascent stage! Oh, they were present, don't get me wrong. The sheer romance of the Parisian ballet was still a favourite amongst the European aristocracy.
So, how did the ballerina’s attire look back then? Think wispy white silk, loose-fitting trousers (known as “chausses”) tucked under an intricate and billowing white dress! The real focus of the look, darling, wasn’t about showing skin, it was all about the flow! Think a cascading waterfall of fabric that would create a dramatic swirl and twirl as the ballerinas moved across the stage! It's certainly a very different vibe from the tight-fitting tutus that would become the signature style of ballet dancers later on!
Now, 16th of January 1844 wasn't just any ordinary day - this was the date the legendary ballerina Fanny Elssler made her triumphant return to the stage! Can you imagine, darlings?! It's like the Beyoncé of her day, taking to the boards after a well-deserved hiatus. Everyone, it seems, was thrilled with her return - newspapers carried rave reviews, and audiences roared their appreciation.
Fanny was renowned for her dynamic and fiery performance style! She practically reinvented the ballerina's presence on the stage! Just picture a vision in white swirling gracefully across the boards with such energy and power! Fanny's talent had made a big impact on the ballet world, influencing the design of ballet clothing. In fact, her stage presence was said to be so charismatic that her outfits had become a conversation starter amongst the society! Can you believe it?! The tutu was already becoming a star, even without a modern, iconic shape!
Let's talk a bit about what happened on this date in 1844, shall we? Remember my passion for all things train-related? (Let’s be honest, darling, who doesn’t love a scenic railway journey!) Well, in 1844, the “London & North Western Railway Company” started running its new passenger trains along its famous branch line in the English countryside. Imagine steam locomotives chugging along a winding, verdant track! Oh, I can just see myself, dressed in a dainty floral dress, gliding down a carpeted carriage while reading a new fashion magazine. Très chic indeed, darling!
However, the year 1844 was sadly also marked by tragedy: a terrible fire took the lives of 24 people at a gas works in Edinburgh. What a terrible way to begin the year. It's a stark reminder of just how unpredictable life could be in those times! And despite all of its technological advances and thrilling happenings, there was a certain charm about those times. There's something wonderful about a period when women wore floor-length gowns and lace mittens - it makes me think of tea parties and whispered secrets. Such elegant formality!
But, my dearest blog readers, let's not forget the most important part of this journey: the tutu! It's been inspiring awe, igniting passion, and transforming lives for centuries, darling! And that’s the key to our Tutu Tuesday posts. I’m passionate about ensuring that the tutu remains a symbol of female empowerment, of beauty, and above all, joy. So go on, my loves, pick out your fanciest pink tutu and twirl your way into a brighter day! 💖
I’ll be back next week with another exciting blog on my favourite #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History! And until then, I hope you all have a truly twirly, fun and fashionable week!
See you next week, darlings!
Emma 💖
