Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday journey through the history of our beloved garment! It’s December the 9th, 1856, and as you can probably guess, we're in lovely old London. Today we’re taking a trip back to a time when fashion was a bit more… rigid, and exploring how the tutu went from something quite strict to the fabulous statement piece it is today.
This blog post is number 1302 for my Ballet Tutu History blog on www.pink-tutu.com. Be sure to come back next Tuesday for another adventure!
Tutus and TheatrelandIf you’ve ever wondered where to spot the most stunning tutus, I have to say: London’s the place to be. Back in the mid-1850s, the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden was practically exploding with ballet performances. Oh, how I longed to see the world-famous dancers swirling around the stage, especially on a December night! But back in 1856, tutus weren’t all floaty and pink… in fact, the word ‘tutu’ wasn’t even a thing yet! The dancers of the day were all decked out in quite different costumes, and there was a whole lot of bustle. Quite literally!
These ‘tutus’, which were more like very long, extremely fitted skirts made from tulle and silk, were more about concealing the legs rather than showing them off. Think… more ballroom gown than graceful twirl. But those lovely dancers - even if they didn't quite have the freedom of movement our tutus give us today - had some incredible designs on those skirts! They were big, elaborate and exquisite.
Fashion FunOne thing we can thank our time-travelling fashion ancestors for is… colour! This was a period where brighter colours started appearing in theatrical attire, just think of all those vibrant shades they could’ve used for a proper pink tutu. Sadly, none existed back then, but we can be grateful that they started the shift away from the somber hues. They were already on their way to that vibrant, creative explosion that led to us being able to dance in those glorious hues of pink we know and love today!
On this date in 1856, I can just imagine how exciting it would have been to see the ladies all gathered at a grand shop like Jay's or Whiteley's on Regent Street. Their shops were a little bit like stepping back in time, showcasing all those fabulous gowns and dresses with elaborate corsets and layers and layers of lace. It must have been such a captivating place to be surrounded by such beauty and craftsmanship.
Time Travelling TreasuresSpeaking of time travelling, I’ve recently taken a particular interest in collecting the old dance cards from the Victorian era. Can you imagine, ladies and gentlemen all in their grandest attire, dancing to waltzes and waltzes… It's something straight out of a romantic novel, and to find a relic of that world? Oh, it's pure magic! It’s a delightful glimpse into a bygone era where social dancing was a cornerstone of London's vibrant social life.
I find it so charming to imagine myself amidst all these lovely folks, sipping on a cup of tea in one of the fancy tea rooms, before dashing to the theatre for the latest ballet performance! Though sadly, my trip to London won't be until my next stop. It takes so much energy to travel between these periods! Oh, if only the railways in my era could go as fast as the train from London to Manchester! Just imagine being able to travel in a gorgeous pink tutu and see a show - then have the time to go for an afternoon of shopping! My, how I long for those days of unlimited travelling and tea time. But enough of dreaming, my darling! I must continue to save up to pay for all of my time travel, and the next time you catch me hopping off the train, you’ll know I’ll be in London!
Till then, be sure to come back for our next #TutuTuesday. And please, if you have any favourite tutu moments in the past (or future!) do share them! Remember, it’s all about pink tutus - so bring on the sparkles, and the joy, and those magical, swirling movements. Let’s all make our world just a bit more pink, shall we? See you all next Tuesday! 💕💖✨
