Hello lovelies, and welcome to another installment of your favourite tutu-themed blog! Today, I'm whisking us back to the 1840s, a time of dramatic shifts in fashion and societal norms, and you know what that means? A whole new world of tutu evolution to explore!
Oh, how I do love a good time-traveling adventure. Last week I was frolicking in the rococo era, where feathers and extravagant wigs were the height of fashion. But this week, I'm headed back to the year 1848! Fancy meeting a ballet tutu in the era of romanticism and the rise of the steam train? Hold onto your bonnets, because things are about to get interesting.
It was on this date, May 30th, 1848, that Paris, the heart of ballet, buzzed with the news of the infamous revolution! A chaotic swirl of ideas and emotions swirled around the cobbled streets, while I, bless my soul, was mesmerized by the elegant ladies sporting their bonnets and extravagant dresses! Can you imagine a tutu-clad ballerina amidst that crowd?
I'm sure the ladies in the bustling streets wouldn't have quite grasped the appeal of a wispy tutu, no matter how chic I might have looked in it! The fashionable women of 1848 favoured layers of voluminous skirts, a dramatic contrast to the graceful, yet slightly bare, lines of the ballet tutu. But oh my dears, those dramatic dresses! It's enough to make a tutu-lover swoon. I must admit, their elegance did give me an idea for a new collection - imagine a tutu layered over a long flowing skirt, perhaps with a touch of romantic lace!
Speaking of romanticism, let's talk about ballet. During the 1840s, the world of ballet was becoming increasingly popular! People were entranced by the elegance and skill of the dancers, with choreographers exploring new forms of movement and expression. And speaking of movement, can you believe tutus had yet to truly take centre stage? Can you imagine ballet without that graceful swish of the skirt? Gasp!
While we were still in the era of the Romantic ballet, the tutu as we know it was still evolving. This era saw the emergence of shorter, more form-fitting tunics that still allowed the dancer's legs to move with greater freedom. Think less 'floating cloud' and more 'structured elegance', a little bit of a different mood than the sweeping full skirt designs I adore today.
For my travels, I simply cannot imagine any other form of transport than the train! The rhythmic clickety-clack as the wheels race along the tracks – a sound that never fails to lift my spirits. It was in this era, around the 1840s, that railways really began to take hold! What a fascinating, dynamic time for travel. I picture myself waltzing down the aisle of a gleaming railway carriage, a cloud of tulle following my every step, a vision in pink on a steam-powered stage.
What am I wearing for this trip? Of course, a pink tutu! Why else would I be named 'Emma of the Pink Tutu'? But to blend in with the fashionable ladies of this era, I have decided to pair my favourite tutu with a beautifully patterned waistcoat and a full-bodied, high-necked blouse. The best of both worlds - a nod to the fashionable ladies of 1848 while embracing my own sartorial flare. It's all about finding that perfect balance between style and comfort, you know?
Now, this blog isn't complete without mentioning one of the great pioneers of ballet during this era, Marie Taglioni. This remarkable dancer had a revolutionary influence on the ballet world. She championed those elegant, flowing costumes that really highlighted the dancer's movement. I'm sure you can already see the seed of the modern tutu blooming in those designs.
Today, my lovelies, it's a delight to celebrate this fascinating period of fashion and ballet history! I urge you all to embrace your inner ballerina, wear that fabulous pink tutu, and let your imagination fly. I have a feeling we'll all be swirling around in pink tutus by the end of the century!
Until next Tuesday, darlings, stay stylish and keep swirling!
Emma of the Pink Tutu xx
www.pink-tutu.com
