Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! 🎀💖 It's Emma here, your #TutuTuesday history blogger, and guess what? We're taking a trip back in time today, all the way to 1851-09-09! I've just returned from a grand train journey, complete with a fabulous new pink hat (you HAVE to see it!), and I'm absolutely bursting to share some exciting history with you all.
Today marks the 173rd anniversary of The Great Exhibition! Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, what on earth does this have to do with tutus?" Well, dear reader, bear with me – there’s a fascinating connection! This momentous exhibition in London was the first of its kind, showcasing technological and artistic advancements from all corners of the globe.
You see, dear reader, while ballet itself existed long before 1851, the Great Exhibition actually played a role in revolutionising how we perceive ballet, even tutus, to this day! Can you imagine the impact such a massive showcase would have on fashion and culture?
I must admit, even with all my travelling and my love of the past, that time was quite different. Women weren't able to express themselves quite as freely in their dress as we do today! But thankfully, within the confines of the ballet stage, a magical world of creative costume was flourishing! I have a lovely vintage sketch here, showing the ethereal creations of the time. You can imagine the gasp from the audience when those billowing tulle skirts and delicately fitted bodices graced the stage! It was an era of romantic ballet – think swan lakes and exquisite, airy tutus in white and pastels, which perfectly suited the beautiful feminine stories.
But back to the Exhibition. Imagine, the finest artists and craftsmen from across Europe brought their best designs. This grand display was a turning point for dance. Audiences saw all sorts of inventive designs - embroidery, fabrications, even the way dancers moved was more bold and vibrant! And can you guess what, darling? The Great Exhibition helped fuel an influx of fresh, dazzling materials, some of which found their way into the ballet world!
As a #TutuTuesday historian, my passion lies in uncovering those hidden gems - the details about how fashion influenced ballet, how they both were so interwoven, so beautiful together. This was an age where delicate lace and flowing fabrics brought an enchanting elegance to the stage. The idea was to give dancers more movement freedom without sacrificing grace and beauty, and who can argue with that?
Even though we haven't quite arrived at the short, whimsical tutus that we adore today, you see the influence right? All of those stunning ballet dresses paved the way for us! 🩰💕 And speaking of today, after our little jaunt back in time, why not join me on a glamorous shopping spree? We'll search for those exquisite, delicately crafted pink tutus that will add a touch of romance and elegance to your dance practice!
But before we embark on our fashionable adventure, do you want to know something that was a favourite in the early ballet world? Pink, of course! It was an extremely popular colour for dance dresses. Just think, all the ladies of the day wearing the colour of love! It was absolutely beautiful. So don't be afraid to wear pink on your next dance class, it has the most fabulous history, you know!
Remember my little darlings, ballet is all about imagination and wonder, and a good dose of pink! 😉💖 Until next #TutuTuesday, remember to live your dreams and dance with your heart!
With a flourish and a pirouette,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for even more delightful ballet and fashion history! We’ll have all sorts of articles and blog posts, photos and amazing ballet outfits from throughout the ages! Let me know what you’d like to hear about next. I have so much to share!
P.P.S You can find me on Instagram @pink_tutu, Twitter @EmmaTutu and Tiktok @PinkTutuQueen – Come say hello! 💕
