Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu clad time traveler, bringing you another fabulously frothy #TutuTuesday installment from my latest time-hopping adventure! This week, we're swirling back to the enchanting year of 1850, and oh my goodness, the fashion! It's all about the waltz, and let me tell you, those ladies are spinning in their frocks like graceful, ethereal butterflies. And guess what? The tutu was born!
The Rise of the Romantic Era Ballet:
Before we dive into tutus, imagine this: ballet, right? Not the elegant, athletic performance you know and love today. No, imagine it with cumbersome costumes and intricate choreography that often involved hopping and skipping rather than flowing, fluid movement. Well, in 1850, things were changing! The Romantic Era, full of love stories, poetry, and imagination, was blooming in ballet too. This was all thanks to the brilliance of Marius Petipa, a genius who revolutionised the world of dance with his revolutionary La Fille du Régiment, first performed in 1840, introducing the beautiful ballerina to the forefront and showing her power and graceful moves. This must have been amazing!
The Debut of the Delicate Tutu:
And here’s where our dear tutu steps onto the scene! Think of this - Carlotta Grisi, a ballet goddess of her time, a true legend! She was absolutely tiny and dainty, almost like a porcelain doll. She wanted a costume that flowed around her, accentuating her grace and delicacy and her new steps, lighter and faster, - so what do they do? They create the tutu, my lovelies! A wondrous, diaphanous, fluttery concoction that gave her the airiness she needed to really show the grace and beauty of her movements! And that, my dears, is the story of how the tutu, as we know it today, took its first graceful steps into the world!
1850s Fashion Inspiration:
Speaking of grace and beauty, Victorian fashion was positively breathtaking! Think of the bell-shaped skirts, so full and dramatic, and those bonnets, a delightful, decorative detail. And did you see the intricate hats and parasols? Oh my, a true feast for the eyes!
Imagine all the colours, my dear readers, imagine all the vibrant prints. Floral designs, elegant stripes, and exquisite paisley patterns... a dream come true for a dressmaker! But remember, it wasn't just about being fashionable, my dears; etiquette ruled the day! There were so many unspoken rules about which colours to wear at what time of day, how long your dress could be, and the amount of jewelry acceptable for each event. Luckily, I travel with an amazing book detailing the perfect dress for any occasion... thank goodness, that!
Let’s Talk About Pink, My Lovelies:
Of course, my absolute favourite hue, pink, was in all its glory in 1850! Pink was favoured by the aristocracy, signifying grace, elegance and feminine beauty, oh, how I loved that. Even the colours, and the materials, and everything about 1850s fashion was just a tad bit extravagant!
Exploring Victorian London:
So, if I was in Victorian London on 17th September, 1850, what would I do? Well, first things first, I'd definitely take a trip to Covent Garden, one of London's most prestigious theaters, where all the ballet stars dazzled! Can you just imagine? It would be like being transported to a world of romance, elegance, and grace. And what a sight! All those dancers in their perfect tutus, those incredible gowns... it'd be absolutely breathtaking, like a dream!
I'd then indulge in the delectable world of Victorian fashion, spending hours lost in the finest department stores, marveling at the elaborate designs, and maybe purchasing a few gorgeous outfits - maybe even a tutu! Maybe it’d be a cream one, like the colour of meringue... dreams!
Taking a Stroll:
Oh, and I'd most certainly stroll through Hyde Park, London's green haven, observing the beautifully-dressed crowds. Imagine - the gentle rustling of silken gowns, the delicate clinking of fine china at tea parties... pure bliss!
Ending With a Sweet Thought:
And what's a better way to finish the day than with a spot of tea at the grand Ritz Hotel, enjoying a sweet treat with fellow enthusiasts? Maybe I'll wear a pink tea party hat! Maybe, even a matching tutu...
What To Expect:
Now, on this specific date, the 17th of September, 1850, the first ever public performance of the famous Giselle took place in London. Now that would be such an experience - a captivating story, exquisite costumes, and, of course, those breathtaking ballet movements, perfectly displayed by the delicate, graceful ballerinas! I must have seen it several times back then - it’s like falling into another world... a true spectacle for the senses, with an utterly enthralling performance that makes you forget everything else. It's like a symphony, a mesmerizing dance of dreams, truly magic!
My dearest readers, join me in embracing the elegance, the beauty, and the utter delight of this glorious era! Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner fashionista and add a little bit of pink and sparkle into your day, for the magic of ballet is truly within each and every one of us.
And who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to put on a tutu, even just for a day, to feel the thrill of being a graceful ballerina, like myself, a delicate princess dancing through a dream!
Now, my lovelies, what's your favourite piece of fashion history? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget, we're going on another fabulously fashionable time-hopping journey next Tuesday. So, make sure you come back to www.pink-tutu.com and don’t forget to hashtag #TutuTuesday so I can find your comment! See you then!
Lots of love, Emma xxx
