Bonjour, mes amis! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveler, and welcome back to another Tuesday adventure in the world of Ballet Tutu History! Today, we're hopping aboard the time machine, leaving behind the bustling streets of modern London and whisking ourselves back to the year 1851.
As you all know, a girl's gotta stay on trend, and today's fashion-forward destination? The Great Exhibition!
Oh, how I wish I had been there! Just imagine the sheer opulence - glittering displays of innovative inventions, masterpieces of art, and of course, the very latest in Parisian fashion!
Now, picture me there, twirling amongst the throngs of well-dressed folk, my delicate pink tutu swaying with each pirouette. It wouldn't be a pink tutu as we know it today, but a dainty, layered skirt with ruffles that would make my heart flutter! You see, darling readers, the tutus of the 1850s were far from the iconic romantic ballerina costume.
It wasn't until the late 19th century, after the brilliance of Marie Taglioni in La Sylphide in 1832, that tutus truly took flight and soared to fame, inspired by the romantic ballerina, whose ethereal movements transformed how the tutu was used and envisioned. She created a visual and an emotive revolution.
But let's rewind to the grand opening of The Great Exhibition, where the Crystal Palace – a wondrous spectacle of glass and iron - stood proudly in Hyde Park. Can you imagine the wonder of it all? The excitement buzzing around?
One hundred and seventy-five countries, each showcasing their finest creations, including inventions that would change the course of history, including a telegraph machine and a steam engine. All this, and, imagine, the latest fashionable Parisian fabrics were being shown too, for the pleasure of discerning British eyes, with designs featuring elaborate floral patterns in every hue imaginable, delicate embroideries, and of course, lace, lace and more lace, making these the must-have textiles for those exquisite, feminine silhouettes.
I bet you’re thinking, “Emma, darling, where's the tutu? Where's the fashion fix?” Well, my lovely, remember those beautiful floral patterns, embroidery and lace? Well, all this found its way into the latest ballet wear too, especially for the skirts and bodice for that elegant and airy ballet look that took centre stage. Think lace embellishments adorning the delicate tulle fabric, silk brocade bodices adding an air of sophistication, and ruffled hemlines swirling and twirling around. It must have been pure bliss for the ballet enthusiasts of the day!
Imagine the tutus worn by ballerinas during this time, perfectly mirroring the feminine ideals of the day. Delicate fabrics, such as soft gauze and satin, helped the dancers express grace, flowing like water, creating beautiful lines on stage, like beautiful blossoming flowers in a sunlit garden.
Imagine:
Imagine the joy of a delicate ballerina, a delicate wisp of a young woman, moving in a soft tulle skirt with embroidered details as the centerpiece of the garment, her slender silhouette enhancing the movement, elegance radiating with every turn,
Imagine seeing her grace through a dance in a ballet inspired by stories of fairies, or tales of romance and love - so very Victorian.
I've spent hours dreaming about this, my readers, just like a romantic dream!
Now, let’s not forget about colour - another defining characteristic of fashion in the 1850s, even in ballet. You couldn't escape vibrant shades of pink - think dusky rose, blushing pink, and pale pink in shades that we see as quintessential 'Victorian.'
Those exquisite pinks and lighter lavender shades made their way onto ballet costumes and reflected a softer, more sentimental period - an idealized femininity, reflecting delicate beauty, refinement, grace and sentiment, all so Victorian, and quite frankly, very much still reflected in fashion today, so what I think is very fashionable then, is still very much fashionable now. And yes, it will remain fashionable for centuries to come, I am sure, because it represents everything feminine! Just think - how exquisite would it be to see a ballerina’s pink tutu bathed in the shimmering light of the gaslights, those same gaslights that transformed London, even back then?
I could write more on these details, but you dear readers know how passionate I am, and I could continue to talk about them all day. I could give a discourse on how a certain ballet dress was designed in such a certain style because of some romantic idea in a book from the same period in history. My goodness, so many fascinating links, isn’t there? Oh! So much I could write, but I have so much else to say.
You know my mission: get everyone wearing a pink tutu!
Every day, I search the nooks and crannies of the past, pulling the fascinating world of tutu history into the light, but for now, my darlings, it’s time for me to go, for today I have a dance recital in Derby to see - a Ballet Class for grown-ups in my little home town - such a fabulous treat to be in Derbyshire, after my adventures - I feel so lucky! I may even spot a fellow pink-tutu lover there!
Until next #TutuTuesday, dear friends. Until then, embrace the twirl, stay stylish, and remember: it's never too late to unleash your inner ballerina.
Lots of love and sparkly steps,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
