Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, your very own pink-tutu-clad time travelling ballerina, back from another fabulous trip into the annals of fashion history! Today, I'm whisking us back to a date that will have all you ballet buffs brimming with excitement: August 27th, 1861. Grab a cuppa, darlings, and get ready to immerse ourselves in the captivating world of tutus!
Now, imagine this: the streets of London buzzing with horse-drawn carriages, the smell of freshly baked bread filling the air, and the grand theatres shimmering with the promise of an enchanting evening. Yes, we're in the heart of Victorian England, a time when fashion was bold, grand, and quite frankly, absolutely delightful!
This date, August 27th, 1861, was a Tuesday, of course, and guess what, my lovelies? Tuesdays back then weren't just any Tuesday. No, this was 'Dancing Master' Day at Covent Garden, a day devoted to celebrating the elegant art of ballet! Now, imagine a grand theatre filled with glittering gowns, ladies sporting impressive bonnets, and gentlemen dapper in their top hats. And of course, the highlight of the evening was the magnificent ballet performance – a display of graceful movements and dazzling costumes that would make any tutu-lover's heart flutter!
Now, before you picture a sea of full-blown, billowing tutus, I have to reveal a little secret. Back then, my darlings, the tutu was evolving! We're not talking about the wispy, knee-length tutus you see today – though there were some! Instead, dancers were experimenting with longer, flowing tutus, often reaching just below the knee, creating a lovely silhouette that both flowed and provided an air of dramatic elegance.
Just imagine the scene – the soft glow of the stage lamps, the delicate swirling of silk, the intricate choreography, all woven into an enthralling tapestry of art. The audience would be swept away, gasping with awe at the grace and skill displayed by the dancers.
And as a bonus, ladies and gents, those "dancing masters" didn't just dance. They were teachers, mentors, and artists – and their passion for ballet permeated the very fabric of Victorian society! Just like today, ballet was seen as a form of expression, discipline, and refined beauty. It was an art form that drew people together, from the highest classes to the humble theatre goers, to revel in the elegance and wonder of movement.
Of course, I can't talk about fashion history without mentioning a little bit of my own beloved pink! While pink may have been considered a colour for babies and boys in those times, it was starting to find its way into the world of fashion. A beautiful blush or pastel pink might have adorned a gown or even a theatre fan – and a whisper of pink within the tulle of a ballerina's tutu wouldn't have been unimaginable at all.
Think of it – pink tutus, my darlings, even back then! What a glorious thought. And maybe, just maybe, this time period will inspire some of your own creative ideas for a bold pink tutu look! After all, as I always say, there's never a wrong time to channel a bit of pink magic into your wardrobe, no matter where you are in time!
So, this Tuesday, why not let this slice of history inspire your next dance lesson or even your outfit? Feel the grace and freedom of a long, flowing tutu, or perhaps create a look with a hint of delicate pink. Remember, my darlings, the world of tutus is constantly evolving, so embrace the possibilities, celebrate history, and above all, have fun with fashion! And don't forget, my darlings, keep on dancing!
Yours truly,
Emma
#pinktutu
P.S I have been lucky enough to fund my latest time travels with a series of fantastic ballet performances! There's nothing I love more than spending an evening in a magnificent theatre, immersing myself in the beauty of a ballet. Last week I even saw a magnificent production of Giselle, and oh my goodness, it was breathtaking!
P.P.S Fancy a little journey to 1861 London? The train ride is fabulous, and if you're after a shopping spree, just visit the emporium at Liberty London. Just don't forget your pocket watch, ladies! And a big thank you to my dear readers for making me want to travel, share, and of course, wear my beloved tutus!
Don't forget to join me next Tuesday for more captivating journeys into the history of tutus!
