Blog Post #1328
Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday post from the depths of history!
This week, I've taken the express train (complete with a lovely old-fashioned compartment and plush velvet seats - it's all about that vintage charm, don't you think?) all the way back to June the 9th, 1857! Imagine - no electric lights, no cars whizzing about, and, gasp, no ballet streetwear! It's all such a far cry from my chic 2023 life of pastel pinks and poofy skirts, isn't it?
But let's not dwell on the downsides of history. I've got a particularly exciting story for you this Tuesday. As a lover of all things tutu-related, I was thrilled to discover a tiny, glittering detail from this particular date that simply HAD to be shared.
So, settle in with your tea and biscuits (the traditional, no-nonsense Victorian style, of course!), and prepare to be utterly enchanted!
A Dance Under the Stars: 1857's Ballet Magic
Believe it or not, dear readers, ballet in 1857 wasn't quite the cultural powerhouse it is today. But the sparks were definitely flying, and, for one particular group of enthusiasts, the world of dance was taking centre stage in a spectacular way!
Imagine a summer evening in London. The sun's setting, painting the sky with streaks of fire. The air is full of the gentle hum of crickets and the sound of carriage wheels rolling down cobblestone streets. And then, nestled amongst the heart of the city, there's a ballroom, dazzlingly lit with hundreds of candles, the floor polished to a perfect gleam. And within that room? Magic.
On June the 9th, 1857, a special kind of magic was brewing in a small ballroom. It wasn't just any ballroom, mind you - it was the private ballroom of the famous Royal Opera House! It was a night filled with opulent attire, swirling music, and the most captivating performance London had ever seen - the Ballet.
Now, let's be real - it wasn't the grand spectacle we know today with its lavish sets and modern stagecraft. But it was theatrical! The stage itself, quite literally, was on a stage. Imagine the tension! The intimacy! You can just feel the energy of the room as those delicate ballerinas floated across the floor. It's almost impossible to not be swept up in the elegance and beauty of it all.
Tutu Trends: A Glimpse into Ballet Fashion
Let's delve a bit into the wardrobe, shall we? Now, back then, the tutu we know and love was just beginning its journey towards its iconic status. While still mostly made from tulle and silk (I love a bit of shimmering fabric myself!), these early tutus were quite a bit different from their modern counterparts. Think, short. Like, really short! You can hardly call them "skirts" - more like flourishes of elegant tulle swirling around the dancers' legs. The movement and the light, it just creates a spell!
Of course, being 1857, everything was just a tad more rigid. Imagine all that boning in the corset - yikes! I don't envy the dancers of those days. They had to fight to move! And don't even get me started on the layers and layers of undergarments! (A girl could barely breathe!).
Still, as a modern-day ballet enthusiast, I must admit - the simple elegance and effortless grace of the tutus in those early days was simply stunning. The contrast with today's extravagant, larger-than-life designs is rather remarkable!
Time Travelling for Inspiration
This week's trip was about much more than just the date, dear readers. You see, for a true Tutu Queen like me, every step into history is a chance to uncover inspiration for my own personal style. Just imagine, a whole world of tutu shapes and sizes - imagine the endless possibilities!
The next time you catch a ballet performance, remember those early days, when every swirl of tulle was a stroke of brilliance, and every leap, a testament to the power of human grace. And as for me, I'm already sketching out my next Tutu Tuesday design, inspired by those first glimpses of tutus shimmering under the stage lights!
Oh, and just one more thing! Have I told you how much I LOVE to travel by train? I swear, every carriage I ride in becomes a private world of glamour and adventure. Imagine being able to simply hop aboard a steam train, settle into a plush seat with a book and a cup of tea, and travel to the furthest reaches of history! I'm practically giddy at the mere thought!
Until next week, my lovelies! Keep those tutus twirling and your spirits soaring. And don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to catch up on all my time-traveling escapades! 💖
Yours truly,
Emma, the Time Travelling Tutu Queen.
