Oh, hello darlings! Emma here, back again with another delightful trip through #TutuTuesday's journey of this fabulous garment we all adore: the tutu!
Today, my lovelies, we're waltzing back in time to September 27th, 1859 - just imagine the gaslights, the horse-drawn carriages, the bustling streets of London... And of course, the theatre, where the tutu was becoming a star, a shimmering icon of grace and beauty!
Now, I know you might be wondering why 1859 is so special. Well, imagine, my dears, if you will, the world's most celebrated ballerina, Carlotta Grisi, was in the throes of dazzling Parisian audiences with her performance in "Giselle." It's said that Grisi popularised the shorter tutu that you might see dancers sporting today, all those romantic, billowing layers that make even the most casual observation a delight! It's that kind of iconic impact that I absolutely love about our history - the tutu becoming this emblem of elegance, like a wisp of a cloud on the stage!
Fancying a Fancy Ride?
Remember that feeling of getting onto a steam train and embarking on a journey, seeing all the beautiful countryside flash by? Well, darlings, today is all about that too! The first direct train route between London and Dover opened on September 27th, 1859! Now, that is some progress, isn't it? I can just picture all those ladies with their stylish hats and frilly dresses, riding off to Dover to see the grand white cliffs and take in the ocean breeze.
This was also a time when travel was becoming a much more affordable and accessible adventure for many people. Can you imagine a day trip to the seaside by train, followed by a charming play with graceful dancers? Ah, wouldn't that be simply exquisite!
Shopping Spree for Style
You know, I can't resist a bit of a splurge, especially in the land of fashionable wonders! So imagine my delight when I discovered that Harrods, London's grandest department store, started its own haberdashery business on this very day in 1859! Think fabrics, ribbons, trims, and all those beautiful things to embellish your very own wardrobe... The thought makes me positively giddy! Just a small peek at those lavish shop windows filled me with so much excitement!
As the 19th century swirled, fashion, dancing, and travel went hand in hand. In a way, the Tutu was the perfect expression of all three! Who could resist those intricate patterns and colors? I even managed to get my hands on some authentic, gorgeous Victorian lace trimmings... Can you believe my luck?! I've got so many ideas swirling in my head for the perfect pink tutu using those intricate, beautiful threads!
The Beauty of Ballet
My travels always involve a sprinkle of theatre, my darlings, for that's where the heart of the tutu truly lies! The Sadler's Wells Theatre in London was already becoming famous in 1859. They hosted a fabulous performance of "Cinderella," featuring all the grace and elegance of ballerinas twirling their magical tutus on stage. Imagine the delight! That's my idea of an absolute treat!
These moments, in history, with tutus on the stage, elegant ladies, and magical dance steps, that's what I find truly captivating about my time travel, isn't it? It's all those snippets of beauty that connect us to the past, where elegance wasn't just a word but a way of life.
Now, don't forget, darling, that every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com, I'm going to keep taking you through time with another exciting Tutu Tuesday, a new adventure, and maybe even a little dance in the past!
So put on your pink tutus and let's take a magical journey through the history of ballet and the world of the Tutu. Until next Tuesday, my dears!
Stay graceful, stay sparkly,
Emma
