Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! 🩰💕
It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and today's #TutuTuesday is taking us back to the 19th of May, 1846. Imagine that! I've popped back in time, with my trusty time travel gizmo hidden in my (naturally) pink ballet bag, and I'm here to tell you all about the wonderful world of tutus, as it was 177 years ago!
Now, we all know the tutu has become a symbol of grace, beauty, and artistry in the ballet world, right? But where did it all begin? And what were ballerinas wearing in the Victorian Era?
Well, my lovelies, the tutu's story starts much earlier, back in the Romantic period, which started in the 1830s. Prior to this, ballerinas were quite frankly swathed in layers and layers of fabrics. I mean, just imagine a skirt the size of a dining table! Think billowing petticoats and heavy brocade, oh dear!
However, a new wave of artistic expression was upon the dance scene and that meant new and exciting fashion! We saw a change in ballet choreography which required lighter movements, faster pirouettes and more elegant lines, with a desire for dancers to be airy, ethereal and free… all the things you'd want to be on the stage!
The iconic "tutu" - now in my opinion the most gorgeous costume on the planet - emerged during this era, gradually gaining popularity as the century unfolded. The evolution of the tutu wasn't overnight - It was like a beautiful ballet itself, slowly unfolding with the artistry of each new movement.
Our tutu today, this exquisite creation, was quite different from its earlier incarnations. In fact, the Victorian ballet tutu was called a "Pagode". Think shorter, more simple and just as elegant as the graceful ballet they inspired.
Back to 19 May 1846, let's chat about what was happening in the world of ballet! This particular day, there wouldn’t have been a new premiere of a show but, with the Romantic period in full bloom, I’d probably be off to see a production by the Parisian Opera Ballet, which were pioneers in showcasing these stunning, light tutus to the world. I can picture them on stage, swirling and pirouetting - so very charming! I bet they had some incredible colours too, imagine rich blues, vibrant reds, and, of course, lovely pastel pink, all woven into the ballet!
Tutus and London
I've popped by to London from Derbyshire today (via the wonderful railway, my, but how I love those carriages! So sleek, elegant - like the ballet!), and, after seeing a show at Covent Garden, it’s time to find myself the perfect, tutu-worthy outfit.
You’d find some fabulous, colourful, fabric stores in London right now! Whitechapel and Seven Dials, those streets are buzzing with excitement! I bet I’ll even find a pretty satin to make my own "Pagode"! A challenge I'm happy to embrace, after all, it is my mission in life, after all - to encourage everyone to try a tutu at least once! There’s no feeling like swirling those layers! 💕
And speaking of swirls, did you know the tutu is still worn in the Romantic repertoire today? That’s how powerful fashion and ballet go hand-in-hand, they stay with us over time. They're just so timeless! That’s the magic of ballet tutus! A graceful swirl of creativity that goes through the ages, as enchanting as a whisper.
I can't wait to go shopping, darling Tutu Twirlers! And if you want to learn about more #TutuTuesday ballet history, be sure to keep following my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com. Catch you all next Tuesday!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
(p.s) If you see me in my pink tutu in the time-traveling carriages, do give a wave! )
