#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1854-03-21

Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another instalment of our weekly Ballet Tutu History dive! This Tuesday, we're whisking back to the year 1854 - a time of bonnets, bustle skirts, and the blossoming beginnings of ballet's romantic era.

Now, imagine a scene straight out of a Jane Austen novel! A grand ballroom bathed in candlelight, gentlemen bowing, ladies in exquisite ballgowns... but hold on! Look closely and you might just spot the faint whisper of a tutu fluttering amidst the silks and satin.

You see, dear readers, 1854 wasn't all about long skirts and elaborate embroidery. Ballet was gaining momentum, and whilst it wasn't quite ready for its close-up (think 'Black Swan' level fame!), it was definitely starting to twirl its way into the hearts of London's fashion-conscious elite.

We're not quite in the midst of the classic romantic tutus just yet, but the seeds of the 'poetic dance' were starting to sprout! Ballet was making a gracious and graceful foray onto the scene, moving away from its previous emphasis on heavy costumes and toward a lighter, more flowing, expressive form.

Think wispy silk, ethereal costumes, and delicate lines – just imagine a delicate blossom swaying gently in the breeze. And this, my darling tutu devotees, is where our story starts to get really exciting!

For my little peek into 1854, I'm sporting a stunning pink tulle tutu – I simply can't resist a splash of pink, can I? - a piece so fine and light it feels like it's dancing on a cloud! I paired it with a pale blue camisole with a touch of lace and a velvet jacket, perfect for a jaunt around town and to take in a theatrical performance.

Speaking of which, let's jump back to 1854 and dive into the world of ballet on this particular date, 21st March!

What's in store for the ballerina today?

The Royal Opera House is brimming with activity. There are rehearsals galore for "La Fille mal Gardée," the beloved ballet by the choreographer Jean Dauberval, a delightful tale of country folk and a love story with a twirl! This captivating production has been captivating audiences since 1789, and 1854 was no exception, as the graceful ballerinas glided and swirled to the beautiful tunes.

But that's not all! If I'm feeling particularly ambitious, a short journey to Covent Garden might just offer up another exciting cultural experience - an opportunity to catch a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens's "The Tale of Two Cities!" I love a bit of theater too. And what a fantastic day for it, wouldn't you say?

Of course, no time travel trip would be complete without a little shopping adventure! 1854 was a vibrant time for London’s boutiques and fashion houses.

While the tutu as we know it was still taking shape, a trip to a Parisian dressmaker would surely have uncovered a wealth of elegant silk ribbons, laces, and fabrics that could have easily been incorporated into early versions of this delightful dance attire. Imagine: soft chiffons and velvet, perhaps even a touch of brocade, a vision of swirling colours and romantic style!

For those who might find it a little more daring to sport a tutu in public - perhaps for a grand ball or even just a charming stroll through Hyde Park! – there were certainly enough styles of fashion for every taste, every size and shape. Elegant and feminine, yes, but still a reflection of the changing trends of the day!

This trip was especially delightful as I could travel in style on a brand-new railway line! Oh, it's the very same line that stretches between the beautiful Derbyshire countryside and the bustling metropolis of London. The perfect mix of nature and urban bustle!

The train, a marvel of modernity, brought me swiftly to my destination with a swift and pleasant ride through fields, hills and winding rivers! As we rushed along, the English landscape unfolded outside my window, each passing sight like a still from a grand Victorian film, captivating and utterly charming!

And now, let’s hop back to 2023. I'm back home in Derbyshire, my tutu is off, and I'm happily typing away at this week's blog post.

I'm off to my ballet class later, where I can't wait to share some of my favourite twirls and leaps, all in honour of those very early days of the tutu. The early ballerinas would have loved it, I'm sure!

But before I go, don't forget to share your tutu stories, fashion find, and favourite ballet experiences! Post them below, share them with your friends, and don't forget to use the #TutuTuesday hashtag!

Keep twirling, keep dancing, and keep on dreaming in pink,
Emma!

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