Hello, darling readers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing historian, ready to whisk you away to a time before sequins and sparkle, back to the very beginnings of this fabulous fashion icon - the ballet tutu! Buckle up your dancing shoes, darlings, because this week's journey takes us right back to 1851, a time when tutus were still a whispered secret, a hint of a fashion revolution to come!
As a fashionista and ballet devotee from the bustling heart of Derbyshire, England, my heart simply leaps with joy whenever I travel back in time, especially to a period just before the fashion explosion that we all know and love! And guess what? This particular date is EXTRA special, a truly iconic moment in dance history.
Today, July 29th, 1851, marks the opening of the Great Exhibition in London! Oh, my dears, this wasn't just a shopping extravaganza, no no! This was an exhibition of the finest innovations from around the globe, a spectacle of scientific progress, artistic masterpieces, and a chance for the world to marvel at the wonders of human creation. It's where the Crystal Palace, a masterpiece of iron and glass, showcased some of the very latest innovations from the world. I'm talking intricate weaving, mechanical marvels, and yes, darling, even ballet!
It wasn't all tutus and tiaras, mind you, but that's where I come in. This exhibition also had an emphasis on entertainment, a perfect opportunity to bring the art of ballet to a broader audience! And what better way to captivate the public than with elegant performances by some of the greatest dancers of the time? The stage was set (literally!) for a captivating showcase, with Maria Taglioni, a real dance goddess, taking center stage, in a beautifully crafted, although, quite conservative tutu for her time! I know what you're thinking: Maria's costumes weren't quite the fluffy, multi-layered beauties we associate with ballerinas today. They were shorter and simpler, with fewer layers, allowing for a more dynamic movement and showcasing the grace of each ballerina. But oh, darling, they were the foundation upon which the entire tutu story would bloom!
Imagine, if you will, being swept back to this dazzling era! The grand spectacle of the Crystal Palace, filled with the clink of champagne glasses and excited whispers about the latest inventions. And there, amidst it all, the exquisite ballerinas pirouette and jeté with effortless elegance, their delicate costumes creating an ethereal atmosphere. Oh, it's pure enchantment!
The stage wasn't the only place to glimpse the latest dance trends, dear readers. The fashionistas of London were equally fascinated by the graceful ballerinas, finding inspiration in their streamlined and beautifully fitted costumes. These tutus became the whispers of a fashion revolution, paving the way for more flamboyant styles, and yes, a trend that would go beyond the ballet stage.
Just think! While we were in a phase of practicality in the 19th century, the simple yet stylish ballerina silhouette with its slim bodice and flowing skirt influenced a new aesthetic for feminine clothing. I have to tell you, the silhouette was still modest, darling. We weren't yet on the cusp of a revolutionary burst of the "tutu" as we know it today! But, what a seed was planted at this time! It all started here at the Great Exhibition in 1851!
It's not just about the looks, darlings! Tutus of this era represent a revolution in dance! They were not just fashionable garments, they allowed ballerinas like Taglioni to express the emotions of the dance. Gone were the restrictive layers of heavy costumes that limited their movement, and in came freedom, a graceful fluidity that allowed ballerinas to soar with elegance.
Oh, and talking about fashion, the world at the time was completely obsessed with white! White signified a youthful, almost angelic style, making the white tutus popular with both dancers and society! Imagine being able to purchase white fabric by the yard... a glorious dream!
And then, dear reader, things started to get really fun! As time rolled on, those initial simple skirts evolved, incorporating more intricate details. The fashion world, ever a source of creativity, responded to this new elegance by embracing new techniques and textiles, creating even more fabulous creations! They were experimenting with tulle, net and silk, making them look lighter and fluffier - a transformation for the stage and for society!
Let's face it, dear readers, these tutus weren't just costumes, they were a sign of the times! They spoke of innovation, progress, and elegance, setting the stage for a dazzling future for dance. And what better way to celebrate these revolutionary developments than with our very own pink tutu-wearing celebration? It's time for #TutuTuesday!
So, next time you see a ballerina pirouetting on stage, don't just admire their skill! Think of those early days, of Maria Taglioni in her first tutu, setting the stage for a fashion and dance revolution that we're still celebrating today!
And to make this #TutuTuesday truly special, let's take a peek into what's happening in the fashion world on the other side of the pond, across the ocean! The 1850s was an era of hoop skirts, with those fabulous large, circular shapes adorning even the simplest of garments, the perfect embodiment of feminine flair. * Imagine a tutu for every occasion! Wouldn't that be fabulous! I mean just imagine... A tea party tutu, a wedding tutu, an evening gown tutu.... I think we should all go get creative with some tutu designing, right?!*
Oh, darling, until we meet next Tuesday, do continue to revel in all things fabulous and elegant. And don't forget, wear pink, wear your tutu! And you just might catch a little of the magic of the 1850s!
* Until next time, keep it stylish and graceful, Emma *
*PS: Make sure you check out our fab "Pink Tutu Boutique", darling! I’ve even created a gorgeous special, this week only: Buy a Tutu, Get a Tiara! *
* www.pink-tutu.com *
