#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: A Glimpse into the Victorian Era! (Post #1019)
Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and today we’re stepping back in time to the 1850s, to July 8th 1851 to be exact! Buckle up, my dears, because we’re embarking on a little history lesson – but a tutu-fied one, of course!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. "Emma, it’s 1851 - wasn't fashion all boned corsets and long, flowing skirts?" Well, yes, darling, but remember that the tutus we know and love today started to make their elegant appearance right about this time, so buckle up!
The Ballet of 1851
To truly understand tutus in 1851, we must first understand the ballet of the era. It wasn't all leaps and twirls like our beloved "Swan Lake" yet - oh no, darling! This era was all about telling stories with elegant, flowing movements. Think of it as the pre-cursor to what became our iconic ballets of the late nineteenth century.
Our lovely ballerina, Marie Taglioni, was setting the stage for what tutus would eventually evolve into. The iconic "La Sylphide" debuted in 1832, and she became famous for wearing skirts made of a special type of tulle that swirled and flowed beautifully, much more airy than the traditional, long, heavier gowns of the day.
Imagine, my dears, delicate tutus made of thin white tulle, with tiers and tiers of shimmering fabric that could capture the light. The tutus were quite short back then, ending at the knee and leaving the ankles free, creating that captivating glimpse of slender, elegant limbs as they danced. The effect was ethereal and enchanting - no wonder it swept audiences off their feet!
London's Great Exhibition
Now, the world was in London this day. Can you believe it? This city that never sleeps has seen it all, from the arrival of the Roman's to Shakespeare's masterpieces to the birth of a great fashion empire - well, they also had the world on display at the Crystal Palace on July 8th. A fantastic place full of glass and amazing innovations. It sounds utterly breathtaking! Imagine, my dears, seeing an exhibition dedicated to showcasing the world's ingenuity and artistic wonders!
Fashion In The Victorian Era
Remember that everything back then had a delicate touch. Everything was quite beautiful, if not a bit fussy! For women, the main fashion trends in 1851 included delicate silks, satins, and lace with big bell sleeves and a waist that was cinched with a very specific corseted bodice. You know I always encourage embracing my shape as nature intended it, but a good corseted waist can elevate any dress, my dears!
Think of all the glamorous possibilities! Dresses and jackets trimmed with a plethora of decorative trims. And a truly magnificent explosion of colours - oh, my darlings, if I could travel back, it would be for a day of endless fabric shopping!
And then there were hats, my dears! Oh, the hats! Big and bountiful with elaborate feathers and embellishments – nothing could be more dramatic or stunning than these creations, the epitome of 'over the top' but totally gorgeous. Hats for every occasion - I'd probably pack for a whole trip!
Pink Perfection
Now, let’s talk colour. Whilst the traditional palette leaned heavily towards black, dark shades and blues, and a little red, the Victorian era was starting to explore lighter tones too. Can you imagine that, darlings? Pastel pink was starting to make its appearance, just like I envisioned. I like to think, though, that it had something to do with the magic that a little ballet magic, brought in with it, and tutus too, darling, tutus!
I just love imagining what these Victorian ballerinas felt wearing their early forms of the tutus. How liberating it must have felt for them, moving so freely after years of constrictive dresses and hoopskirt underneath - their feet no longer weighed down by heavy layers of fabrics!
The Dance Continues
That, my darlings, is a little taste of 1851 - the year when fashion was entering an age of elegance and creativity. Just as I am today - with my own spin on this gorgeous world.
It was a world that set the stage for a stunning century to come, and tutus - though they are constantly evolving - are still at its very centre, forever dancing gracefully into the hearts of every dancer, lover of fashion and all those that dare to embrace the power of pink.
What did you think of today’s little foray into history, my lovelies? Are you tempted to give the classic 19th Century ballet styles a try for yourself? Share your thoughts below and join me for our next journey in tutu history next Tuesday!
Until then, keep twirling! Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com