Helloooo my darling tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, back again with another exciting instalment in our Tutu History Time-Traveling Adventures! As you all know, this Tuesday marks our #TutuTuesday – the day where we delve into the fabulous evolution of our favourite frock!
This week, we’re whisking ourselves back to 1852, a pivotal year in the history of ballet. Let me just say, getting here was a right old adventure – those steam trains are not for the faint-hearted! But it was worth every bumpy ride to get to witness something utterly captivating, which I shall share with you all now…
London: A Ballet Bonanza
This week’s adventure takes us to the grand old capital of England – London. In 1852, the London ballet scene was positively sizzling!
Stepping off the train at Paddington, the air was thick with excitement and anticipation. Fancy ladies in extravagant dresses (let me tell you, bonnets were huge back then) jostled for position in front of the theatre entrances. There was something special in the air, and the entire city felt infused with an air of refined elegance.
The Stars of the Show
Now, one of the big names to look out for at this time was Marie Taglioni. Talk about a true ballet legend! Imagine a vision of grace, poise and beauty. She practically defined what it meant to be a ballerina. She, along with others like Fanny Cerrito, made ballet the entertainment of the era.
The ballet costumes were all about the softest, most romantic designs imaginable. Flowing fabrics and simple, elegant silhouettes - everything had to exude an ethereal, ethereal quality. No fussy ornamentation or over-the-top designs for these ballerinas!
And then there was it: the tutu. But hold your horses, darling! This wasn’t the tutu we know today. Imagine the most gorgeous, frilly skirts you can picture – more like a puffed, layered fabric, extending beyond the knee. Think "ballroom belle" with a hint of "airy fairy".
This is the design that kickstarted the ballet tutu trend. No, there wasn’t the dramatic layers and short lengths just yet – that was a journey yet to be travelled! But this was where it all began. And my dears, it was truly magical.
Taking Inspiration from History
We all have to remember: Fashion, just like dance, has always been a constantly evolving art form. Each decade brings a new, unique spin.
Seeing this pre-modern version of the tutu, made me realize something wonderful: There’s always been a place for the beautiful, effortless elegance of the ballerina. In 1852, the dancers captured it through grace, movement, and costumes that reflected that romantic period in time.
Now, this time travelling ballerina is ready to do the same with a little pink, and a whole lot of tutu!
Coming Soon: Tutu Transformations!
Stay tuned next Tuesday, my loves. I’ve got some very special ideas for how you can all embrace your own unique “1852-era tutu” style. And let’s face it, isn’t it the perfect excuse to dress up like a ballet darling?!
Until next time, wear pink, twirl freely and remember – you're always just one pink tutu away from making magic!
XOXO
Emma
