Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, back with another captivating trip through time, brought to you by your favourite pink tutu wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger.
As usual, my darling readers, I am currently twirling in the most delightful, blush pink tutu as I prepare to whisk you all away to the enthralling world of ballet history! This week we're venturing back to 1st March, 1859! It's time to step back in our trusty time machine, and let's begin our journey together.
(Picture of a gorgeous, pink tutu and an elegant train, possibly a Victorian steam train)
Imagine this! We've arrived in the grand metropolis of Paris, a city where ballet, fashion, and sheer elegance reign supreme! The city hums with the rhythmic sound of carriage wheels and bustling crowds as everyone prepares for the evening’s exciting event. The grand Théâtre de l'Opéra is bustling with excitement as the night's performance draws near. Tonight's performance is The Sleeping Beauty. I just adore The Sleeping Beauty. The costumes, the dancing - pure artistry. Just imagine all those wonderful tulle tutus flowing and swirling around the stage!
(A drawing of the Palais Garnier Opera house. A few dancers twirling on stage, dressed in historical 1859 ballet costumes, with lots of swirling tutus in their colours. Maybe some are white but mostly they are pastels. Maybe there is even a ballerina dressed in a pink one like the one Emma is wearing!)
Now, let's delve into a little fashion history, darlings! The tutu we see today, with its graceful and voluminous layers, hadn't fully evolved in 1859. Ballet dancers at that time still wore more 'romantic' costumes - think elegant gowns and longer skirts, rather than the shorter, more streamlined silhouettes we are accustomed to today. It's fascinating to see the evolution of this timeless garment! We can thank Marie Taglioni for setting the scene with her groundbreaking "romantic" dancing, where the tutu was used to accentuate her airy and graceful movements, marking a turning point in ballet history!
*(A drawing of a ballet dancer wearing an early form of a Romantic tutu. A soft pastel colour maybe. She has long hair. Think of an example from a book about 19th Century Ballet!) *
Back to 1st March 1859! What other events were taking place on this significant date? That very day, a historical landmark for Britain was unfolding in London! On the 1st March, 1859, The Crystal Palace opened to the public as an extravagant museum of industry and innovation, a vision of beauty and progress - the wonder of glass and steel and the genius of industrial ingenuity.
(A drawing of a Victorian gentleman with a top hat holding a book. Another Victorian lady wearing a gown, possibly with a fancy hat. A steam train passing, heading toward London.)
My time travelling mind always gets very curious about these days and all of those magnificent Victorian fashion styles, and the glorious and majestic Victorian Era. The elegant carriages, the ladies’ bonnets and parasols... Oh, and I must tell you about my wonderful vintage shop I found in a little Derbyshire village just a week ago. The dresses, hats, and jewellery were just divine! You wouldn't believe how many fabulous vintage tutus I picked up! I can't wait to start wearing them for my future travels in time. The style, the design, they are just beautiful.
Now for a special #TutuTuesday treat, darling readers! How would you have looked as a stylish lady in 1859? We'll get some fashion inspiration by jumping into the realm of fashion, style, and historical costuming and recreate your perfect 1859 look. Imagine yourself, twirling and fluttering, wearing the latest fashions in Paris:
Take the Tutu-tastic Test:
Your Perfect Shade: Pink! Of course, my dears. That's the ultimate choice!
The Tutu: Think Romantic era styles, a flowy and ethereal length, not too short! A delicate shade of pink tulle, adorned with maybe a sweet little bow!
Your Statement Accessory: The ultimate symbol of chic in 1859: A glamorous fan! A flourish, a touch of air, a graceful accessory!
The Finishing Touch: A little black lace and velvet? You must embrace the luxurious fabrics that were so popular during that era!
(An image of a woman from a painting around this time, holding a black fan in her gloved hand, she could be in the fashionable pink, romantic style of Emma!)
It's so lovely to see you all back on this special Tuesday, my dear readers. I do love those 19th century, French style tutus. If you happen to come across any on your adventures in time - I really do need to build up my collection!
Until next time, my sweet tutues, keep twirling!
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
