Welcome back, lovelies, to another #TutuTuesday journey through time! This week, I'm whisking you back to the glorious 1850s! It's June 1st, 1858, and oh my goodness, are we in for a treat! The theatre scene in London is just bursting with excitement, and I'm feeling ever so fluttery, darling, as I shimmy my way into the Royal Opera House in my most fabulous pink tutu (I think I've worn it 3 times already this month, can you blame me?!)
Now, my darlings, before I dive into the sartorial delights of the evening, we need to have a little chat about the fascinating history of our beloved tutus, and I've just got to share this absolute gem with you!
It seems that even back in 1858, fashion and ballet were already intricately intertwined. Can you imagine that?! I've been rummaging through some dusty archives and discovered a delicious piece of trivia! It turns out, it wasn't always so easy for ballerinas to leap and twirl with ease. In the mid-1800s, they had to shimmy around in these massive, heavy skirts that resembled more like a ball gown than a dance outfit. It was absolutely suffocating and hindered their movements terribly! Imagine being stuck in that heavy clothing when all you want to do is dance!
But fear not, my dears! Enter the *"crinolines"!* This groundbreaking garment was the ultimate game-changer in the dance world. Essentially, it's a frame-like underskirt that provides shape and volume while being incredibly light! I found an original one in an antique shop earlier this week, it's quite the marvel, and I must admit I did sneak a peek beneath its layers... whispers It really is quite an ingenious contraption.
But back to the 1858 ballet... You won't believe this, dears, but there was a gorgeous ballet called "The Corsair" that had everyone swooning! Can you imagine?! And guess what else?! The lead ballerina was none other than Carlotta Grisi! She was absolutely legendary and had all the men gasping in admiration, of course. (The gasps were probably just the heavy, crinolined dresses making rustling noises.) But, honestly, the crinolines did help create the dramatic silhouettes of the gowns and contributed to the dramatic flair of the ballet - talk about a win-win!
Talking about dresses! It wasn't just about the dancers... It seems the audience went all out as well. You should have seen the grand ladies with their beautiful ball gowns - layers and layers of silk and lace with extravagant jewellery to boot! A symphony of sparkle everywhere, darling, just like my latest pink sequinned tutu...
I confess, after the performance, I did find myself popping into one of London's lovely boutiques (my personal version of time travel!), and snagged this divine little pink hat, perfect for a weekend stroll around the beautiful Hyde Park... A lovely afternoon taking in the scenery and admiring all the latest fashions - it was absolutely divine, darling, even without a pink tutu!
And speaking of my precious tutu... Don't worry, darling, I never leave home without one! You never know when an opportunity for a graceful spin or a whimsical twirl might present itself, don't you think? The other day, I happened to be taking a scenic stroll near Buckingham Palace when the royal carriage went by - how could I resist a few twirls and a grand curtsey?
And remember all you fabulous readers, this is what my time travelling #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog is all about: encouraging you all to embrace the pink, to embrace twirling, to embrace the power of a fabulous tutu!
Now I mustn't be too cheeky, but have you ever considered joining the "Pink Tutu movement?" It’s a wonderfully whimsical concept, and we're growing with each and every day! Together, let’s take the world by whirlwind with pink tutus as far as the eye can see!
Oh darling, just imagine all the joy and spontaneous dance sessions we could have together, with tutus galore! I can almost hear the softest "twirls" of laughter all around... Just imagine!
Until next time my lovely reader, and don’t forget to stay #Fabulous and twirl often!
Yours in pink,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. I do love a good travel by train for my time travelling jaunts, darling! Just imagine the beautiful vistas, the soft clickety-clack of the wheels, and the ever so delicious aromas of the warm buttery croissants that my local boutique cafe is serving up...
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #1850sFashion #TimeTravel #Pink #TravelBlogger #Derbyshire #Crinoline #Ballet #Fashion
