Hello darlings, and welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! 🩰💕 It's Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire-born, pink tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed time-traveller, ready to take you on another historical fashion journey!
This week, we're hopping on the train (a steam engine, naturally!) and hurtling back to 30th July 1861! Imagine a world without Netflix, where the hottest trends were crinoline and bustles! What a time, right?
Well, even back then, ballet was already making a grand entrance onto the world's stage. In 1861, ballet wasn't just about graceful moves and fancy footwork - it was all about the costume. Think frills, feathers, and yards of fabric!
And you know what? Back in this era, it wasn't just about ballet. Even in regular, everyday life, women were wearing things reminiscent of what we call tutus today. Take a look at these gorgeous crinoline skirts! (Honestly, could they be more dramatic? I'd love to take one for a spin on my travels!) These big, fluffy, bell-shaped skirts were practically built for swirling and twirling! The resemblance to a tutu, although not entirely identical, is uncanny! Imagine them with some silk ribbons, maybe some pearl embellishments? It's enough to make any tutu-lover's heart skip a beat, isn't it? 💕
Now, I hear you asking, “Emma, where can we see these fascinating fashions from the past?” Well, darling, fear not! Luckily for us, fashion history has been meticulously preserved in various museums across the globe. From the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, we can get up close and personal with these fascinating garments and truly appreciate how they helped shape the history of fashion and even ballet.
But what was going on on July 30th, 1861, specifically? Well, let's journey back in time to Paris, where fashion truly reigned supreme! Imagine: cobblestone streets, charming cafes, the aroma of fresh pastries and… a symphony of fabric rustling. That's because this date marked the opening of the famous “Grand Opéra de Paris,” an architectural marvel in itself, where some of the greatest ballets of all time premiered. Now, don't picture sleek and modern - this opera house was built in the dramatic French neo-Baroque style, complete with gold trim, majestic columns, and… you guessed it - the ultimate stage for grand tutus and shimmering costumes! ✨
Speaking of tutus, did you know that around this time, a revolutionary design came onto the scene? Before this, ballerinas were sporting layered and elaborate tutus that could easily weigh them down. Enter: The "Romantic Tutu," a lighter and less bulky creation. This revolutionary style made it easier for ballerinas to dance freely and allowed for more graceful and delicate movement. And, of course, it's a design we still see (and admire!) in modern ballet today!
Now, dear reader, this post is already becoming longer than my favourite, triple-layered tulle tutu. But I couldn't leave you without talking about the other iconic part of any grand performance - the stage itself! This, my dears, was when the stage became a spectacle! Imagine huge proscenium arches, ornate boxes filled with members of society, and gaslights illuminating the whole scene! It was almost like watching a theatre in itself, full of rich fabrics and extravagant embellishments, like a live-action version of our favorite costume drama!
And guess what else happened in 1861? We got the first *tutu-style skirt for everyday wear! * Think "Victorian Hoop Skirt" - less frilly but still dramatically flowing. Imagine the fashion of those times - from luxurious ball gowns to elegant tailored outfits - all leading the way towards what we know today as "balletcore." Now, if you don't get out there and get yourself a fabulous tutu, I don't know what to say to you! (Maybe just “Go and get that tutu!"?)
My dear fellow tutu enthusiasts, 1861 was a fascinating year in the world of ballet and fashion! It was a time of extravagance, grand performances, and the emergence of revolutionary tutus. So, the next time you see a ballerina gracefully twirling across the stage, remember the grand history of this beloved costume! Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @pink_tutu for more fascinating journeys into ballet history, fashion tips, and (of course!) some seriously stylish pink tutu inspiration!
And, remember, darlings, the only thing better than one pink tutu is… two pink tutus! 😉
Until next Tuesday, happy twirling!
XOXO,
Emma 💕
