Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on a journey through time with me. Today, we're setting our time machine dial to 30th September 1862. Buckle up your pink shoes and get ready to twirl back in time, because we're going to explore the world of ballet fashion, circa 1862!
It's all about the Bustle
If you picture ballerinas of this era, they wouldn't be twirling in the short, frilly tutus we love today! Think flowing, knee-length skirts, all with an emphasis on the back - the Victorian bustle was a big thing, you see! A real, puffy, padding-heavy, big-bottomed affair that must have made balancing a challenge. But the ladies were strong, weren't they?! And I admire their commitment to making fashion grand, even if it did mean compromising on the flexibility of their costumes.
Romantic Delights on the Stage
Think elegant, ethereal and whimsical. A touch of fairy tale charm with swirling sleeves, ruffles and the ever-popular lace trims. A true embodiment of "romanticism", the movement dominating art at that time, and very much carried through in the ballet world too! It's the beauty of the artistry of the performance that makes up for the slightly cumbersome and very different costumes of the day. And don't even get me started on the intricate hairstyles...it took ages, I hear! But that's part of the allure, isn't it?
Fashion Shopping Fun (with a Victorian Twist!)
Back then, fashion shopping wouldn't be about online stores and delivery trucks. The main avenue for those latest fashion bits and bobs would be fancy Parisian shops, brimming with exquisite gowns, lace trims, silk fabrics, and – I've gotta be honest – it’s still got my heart aflutter, even 160 years later. The world of fashion, it was so exciting! I imagine being there, flitting around the fabric stalls with my favourite lady-friend, just soaking it all in. Now THAT would be a lovely shopping adventure, wouldn’t it? I reckon we'd find the perfect material for my new tutu design, even if it did involve a whimsical bustle… ;)
My Current Favourites!
It's always so much fun discovering new tutu designs, but some classics remain top picks! I recently picked up a glorious peach-coloured tutu in Paris – it’s just begging to be worn in a delicate "Swan Lake" scene. And my most recent splurge? A delicate, silvery white tutu that would be perfectly dreamy for "Sleeping Beauty." It's truly breathtaking with all the twinkling lights... I’ve a special date lined up with this beauty in Paris next week, with a full performance, a show stopping finale! (You've gotta follow my social media darling, for the deets! I am going to be recording the whole evening so I can make an "Emma" style version of the iconic finale... imagine that?!)
Tutu Tuesday Tips!
Remember, dear friends, there’s no dress code too exciting! Whether you are out in the world or back at home enjoying your favorite show on DVD (did I mention that's what we use in the 21st century?), don't be shy to add a touch of whimsy with a pink tutu! We love to see all our Tutu Tuesday followers embrace the style, so make sure to tag #PinkTutu in all your photos. Don't be afraid to play with colour and experiment, like we're doing this week - maybe an antique, Victorian-inspired colour pallet could be your look, perhaps with some delicate lace? Or a showstopping, sparkling pink, tutu. It’s the little details that make it oh so elegant, and bring us so much joy, don't you agree?
Today's Tutu Tuesday
Today, the world is a little different - while it is 30th September, the world hasn’t had much in the way of theatrical delights… there was, however, a massive fire at a factory near Stalybridge in my homeland Derbyshire, and what did the courageous women of the town do? They raced into the flames to help the firemen! It's truly amazing how our women in the past, with their flowing gowns, big hairstyles, and an overwhelming dedication to helping others, would be so incredibly heroic… even in the face of danger. I know many of you in the audience are brave souls too. But a pink tutu always adds some extra courage, just a thought…
Sharing My Time-Travel Adventures!
I know, darling, it sounds incredible… time travel, huh? But I’ve had a few close calls with the time-travel agency because I wasn't being sneaky about it, always rocking up in pink… it doesn't exactly blend in! But I managed to win over the Agency with my stellar dance routines, the most exciting showstoppers in Paris and London and beyond! But alas, it takes money to travel through time, so my adventures must be kept under wraps (unless you're looking for a dancer at a London party… I can also be available to entertain, on certain nights. )
This #TutuTuesday journey has been delightful, don't you think? Until next week, darling, keep twirling and keep it fabulous! Don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com, to receive your weekly #TutuTuesday posts.
Until then, love from, Emma xoxoxo
