Welcome back, dear readers, to another enchanting edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History!
Today we’re taking a little trip through time, landing in the month of March, 1860. Now, while we might be far away from the iconic tutus we adore today, the dance world was still twirling with elegance and artistry. So, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of something bubbly, it is Tuesday after all!) and settle in for a delightful history lesson – all in the spirit of our beloved tutu!
As a proud Derbyshirian, I'm always excited to see how dance is woven into the fabric of different times and places. My time-traveling tutu has taken me across continents and eras, and this week, we're stepping onto the stage in… London!
London was the heart of the dance world in the 1860s, buzzing with ballet performances, theatre shows and glittering soirées. While tutus were definitely in the picture, they weren't quite the tutus we recognise today! Think more structured skirts with tiers, and a more dramatic, slightly 'poufy' shape than the sleek, graceful lines of the contemporary tutu. They were often crafted from silk, tulle and layers of lace, and, to my great joy, often graced in shades of pastel pink, which as you know, are my absolute favourite!
I’d been performing that evening in a charming, intimate theatre tucked away in a cobbled street, just a short walk from Hyde Park. Imagine – a grand performance under a crystal chandelier, surrounded by gentlemen in formal wear and ladies in sweeping gowns, and me, a Derbyshire girl with a twinkle in her eye and a tutu in a stunning shade of blush!
Following the show, I had a little browse at the shops, soaking up the latest fashion trends. It was here I discovered something quite delightful! The shops were awash with fabric of bright colours like lilac and coral! It wasn’t quite pink, but I’m certain a pink tutu would have been the most fashionable item to wear. The bright colours were a departure from the subdued palettes of earlier years, suggesting a bolder, more playful attitude towards fashion. I imagined all these colours swirling around me in a whirlwind of silk and tulle!
While tutus might have taken a slightly different form in 1860, the same essence of grace, elegance and a hint of mischievous sparkle was already present in the performances of that era. Think delicate movements, graceful extensions, and perhaps a dash of cheeky flirting! Oh, the delight!
The World of Dance in 1860
So, what else was happening in the world of ballet in March of 1860? Let me regale you with some snippets:
- Opera houses were the place to be for ballet. The Royal Opera House in London was particularly alive with dance performances, showcasing both new and established choreographers.
- Ballerinas were known for their impressive technique. This was a time when pointe work was really taking centre stage, with ballerinas demonstrating their mastery of this difficult skill. I can only imagine the dedication it required, balancing on the very tip of their toes, it's pure magic!
- The tutus themselves were not the primary focus, as in modern dance, but a mere component of a wider performance. They were a part of the spectacle, contributing to the artistry and narrative of the ballet. However, my oh my, they were beautiful. I can still remember the elegant flounce of the silk and the soft rustle of tulle!
This, my dear readers, was a time of great artistry, and while tutus may have been less whimsical in style than today, they certainly possessed a captivating beauty, and set the stage for the graceful tutus we all know and love today. And trust me, after years of traveling, I've seen a lot of tutus.
*Remember to stay tuned to www.pink-tutu.com, dear readers, for more delightful insights and fashion finds on #TutuTuesday! *
Next Week’s Topic
And, now that I have you fully enmeshed in my blog, do come back next week as we continue our trip through time! In next week's #TutuTuesday we'll be exploring a rather exciting time in tutu history! Imagine tutus for the first time at the Ballet Russe. Can you imagine that? The glamour, the brilliance of colour and design, the incredible dancing, it's electrifying! We’ll delve into how this artistic movement changed the world of ballet and our darling tutu!
Until next time, keep dancing!
Emma xx
P.S. As you can see, it's never too early to embrace a love for the pink tutu, and never too late either!
