Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back with another fabulous journey through ballet history! This week, we're stepping back in time to March 30th, 1847, a date that's, dare I say, rather unremarkable in the world of ballet tutus. But hold on, fashionistas, as even the smallest of details can whisper exciting stories from the past.
This week, I've travelled to London. A bustling metropolis with cobbled streets, charming tea rooms, and the grandest theatres imaginable. Oh, the costumes! But even here, tutus are still in their infancy. The Victorian era favoured flowing skirts, intricate embroidery, and opulent silk fabrics. I find myself longing for a touch of pink tulle in this sea of velvet and lace, don't you?
On this day, however, we find an exciting development in the world of dance - a new ballet, La Fille mal gardée, premiered in London at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden! While the choreography is more dramatic than whimsical, this ballet has an intriguing detail: It showcases the lively story of a young woman fighting for her love, escaping the watchful eye of her overprotective mother. While not directly connected to our love for tutus, it highlights a growing focus on narratives in ballet. Think, "Romeo and Juliet," "Giselle", even "The Nutcracker".
Don't let me fool you; 1847 is a world where "dancing for leisure" is mainly a privilege for the upper-class. And while I do wear a rather lovely, (dare I say) avant-garde, pink tulle skirt to celebrate this trip - it's all "pink tulle-ish".
Remember, my fellow pink tutu enthusiasts, we are trendsetters! Every time we sashay in a perfectly twirling pink tutu, we leave our mark on history! And that, my darlings, is exactly what we are aiming for!
Now, what is my outfit? I've paired my gorgeous blush-coloured tulle skirt with a pearl-grey satin bodice and an adorable little cape that trails just enough to hint at my pink petticoat peeking through. The matching gloves and silk bonnet give the outfit an added touch of elegance and charm. As for shoes, nothing less than satin slippers with a delicate lace trimming! Of course, a matching pink feather boa to add a touch of drama is mandatory!
As we step into the cobblestone streets of 1847 London, let's remember the magic of tutus, past, present and future! Don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com to follow my tutu time travels!
Until next Tuesday, my darlings, Emma, your pink-tutu-loving time traveler.
#TutuTuesday Tips:
- *This week, celebrate by trying a new type of dance. Maybe it's ballet, but even a swing dance class might spark that tutu feeling within you! *
- *If a pink tutu isn't your style, let's embrace the diversity! *What kind of "tutu" represents you this week? A bright yellow dress with frills, a gorgeous green scarf, anything with layers of loveliness! Go explore! **
And remember, always twirl! It's the only way to leave your pink tulle-mark on history!
Let's not forget about the most important element of this #TutuTuesday journey: fashion. This is the Victorian Era! Let's bring out our inner princesses with the fashion tips below!
1847 Fashion Tips
From the "what to wear" diary of Emma:
- Embrace the Bell Sleeve: Oh, they are the epitome of elegance and romance! They have been seen on bodices, jackets, even frocks, They give you a dainty grace as you move and allow you to twirl gracefully
- *The "crinoline" or "cage" under skirt: * This is our key to create a gorgeous shape under a flowing frock! They are essential to give our outfit that grand, airy feel, a little like a ballerina's skirt!
- Be a fan of the "fussy" necklines: I mean ruffled lace! I say, these dainty, delicate lace elements add the extra little "something special" to an ensemble.
- Don't forget the details! Think pretty ribbons and bows - a great accessory for your waist, hair or as trim! Think delicate, charming, almost...a ballet slipper for your hair!
*Don't let the grand ladies of London think we can't join the fun! Go on! Be fabulous in our own pink-tutu way!! *
Until next Tuesday, Emma
(You'll need to repeat this structure but move forward in time until you reach 1847)
