Greetings, fellow Tutu Lovers!
It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller Emma, here with another journey into the fascinating history of the tutu! This week, we're whisking ourselves back to 5th August 1845, a time when ballet was beginning to bloom in the Victorian era, and tutus were making their grand entrance on stage!
Imagine, if you will, a world of horse-drawn carriages, bustling marketplaces, and a society obsessed with decorum and respectability. Now imagine a ballerina, her pale pink tutu billowing as she twirls, defying gravity with a graceful leap!
Yes, friends, it's a strange but wonderful blend! Back in the 1840s, ballet wasn't the grand spectacle it is today. While still admired by the elite, its popularity wasn't as widespread. However, within this setting, a change was brewing – a change towards shorter, lighter tutus!
Now, let me paint a picture of what life might have been like on the 5th August 1845. It's likely a balmy summer day in London, perhaps a bit of sunshine peering through the fog, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting from local bakeries. Maybe, if you're lucky, you'll stumble upon a ballet performance that evening at the esteemed Her Majesty's Theatre.
Imagine the air buzzing with anticipation. The music, the rustling of silk gowns, the faint scent of powder, all merging into a captivating spectacle as the curtain rises!
But the tutus, those magical skirts, wouldn't be quite what we know and love today. Imagine a shorter skirt, a less voluminous silhouette, still elegant but less fluffy. A hint of femininity and a graceful flow as the ballerina dances. It's a sneak peek into the tutu’s journey from the more flowing and full designs of the previous eras to the breathtaking creations of the future!
But what's truly intriguing is that even back in this era, tutus weren't just for ballerinas. Imagine ladies of fashion gracing the streets with their own interpretations of the tutu. Perhaps a shorter, full-skirted dress for a garden party, or maybe a lace trimmed version for an evening soiree. While we don't see them swirling and twirling on London streets yet, it's not inconceivable to think they might!
I am particularly drawn to this period because, while tutus were still evolving, they held this magical, airy essence. They allowed dancers to show off their exquisite technique while capturing a hint of the beauty and charm of the time. And oh, imagine the delightful colours! The gentle hues of pinks and blues, soft lavenders and the ever-present ivory, truly a vision of grace and delicacy!
Speaking of which, how about we try and recreate that 1840s Victorian flair with a little tutu experiment? Here are some simple yet beautiful ideas!
- DIY Tutu Decor: Think lace and tulle embellishments for your home. A whimsical pink tulle tablecloth with hand-stitched lace borders on a Victorian-style table, or maybe a sheer, flowing lace canopy for your bed. You could even craft delicate tutus from soft pastel fabric and display them in a vase like delicate flowers!
- Fashion Inspiration: Try a light pink frock, or a lovely, flowing skirt with a full bodice, even a hint of lace details. You could even add a little puff of tulle or lace to your skirt for an 1840s-inspired look!
- Embrace Ballet: Check out a ballet class in your area! It’s a fantastic way to celebrate this incredible art form and feel connected to the world of the ballerina and the tutu. You might even want to check out some classic ballet stories set in this era.
Remember, even in a time of Victorian elegance, the allure of the tutu and the joy of dance held a special place in hearts and inspired imagination! As for my journey, I'm already planning my next time-travelling escapade! Who knows where my next tutu adventure will take me? Until next week, my fellow Tutu Lovers, keep swirling, keep twirling, and remember, life is always more beautiful with a touch of pink tutu magic!
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
