Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your resident tutu aficionado, beaming to you live from…well, that’s the beauty of time travel, isn't it? Today, we’re stepping back in time to August 18th, 1857. Imagine the excitement! A brand-new month, with crisp air and the promise of adventure, all in a beautiful historical setting. I’m actually in London, bustling with activity, where tutus are really beginning to take the stage (pun intended)!
From Skirts to Swirls:
Oh, the magic of the 19th century! While fashion had already seen the emergence of the crinoline, making skirts quite voluminous and delightful, the evolution towards the tutus we know and love was just taking its first elegant steps. We’re talking about shorter, lighter skirts, a bit less structured, paving the way for that glorious swirling silhouette we adore today.
This period was all about a delicate balance - think ethereal fabrics, lace, and a whole lot of ribbons! Just imagine: swirling fabric with the slightest touch of tulle, perfect for a graceful pirouette and creating a breathtaking display of movement. Imagine waltzing with that perfect skirt flowing behind you! So much romance!
Ballet: A Grand Affair:
You've gotta picture it: The theatre, resplendent with gas lamps and ornate balconies, alive with whispers of excitement and anticipation. In the heart of London, the stage is set, and dancers adorned in elegant dresses with just the beginnings of those short, fluffy tutus take centre stage. Oh, the delight! I could just imagine myself in a beautiful gown with just a hint of tutu to showcase those graceful leaps and twirls.
Today in 1857, the London Opera House would have been a symphony of sights and sounds! Opera and ballet performances, oh, the drama and romance! You'd catch people dressed to the nines, and the anticipation and excitement would just hang in the air, don’t you think?
The Parisian Twist:
Of course, our tutu story wouldn't be complete without a trip to Paris, the fashion capital of the world! Yes, my friends, Parisian ballet was on fire with elegant short skirts and a glimpse of those tutus! They were a perfect canvas for the incredible stories and drama told through the dance, don’t you think? And speaking of drama, have you seen the exquisite choreography? It truly mesmerized audiences and would definitely put even the most sophisticated 21st century fashionista to shame.
Tutus for Everyone!:
My ultimate goal is to inspire everyone to wear a tutu, because why not? These fluffy friends bring out our inner ballerina, encourage joy, and remind us that even everyday life can be filled with twirls and laughter. The 19th century had its own share of "tutu-ly delightful" fashion moments, laying the groundwork for those grand, romantic ballet costumes we cherish today. So, ladies, let's make this day all about the wonder of a swirling skirt, a bit of whimsy, and that unyielding, sparkling energy that comes with twirling. Embrace the wonder, unleash the inner ballerina, and step out into the world with confidence! Remember, in the world of tutus, everyone can be a star!
Until next week, happy twirling!
Emma xxP.S: Do you love history as much as I do? Share your favourite moments in tutu history! Tag me with your own Tutu Tuesday adventures! #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #PinkTutu
P.P.S: Make sure you catch my favourite Ballet Show - you'll find details in my blog post on how to snag some tickets and follow the amazing tutu fashions of the 19th century! 😉
