Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday here on Pink-Tutu.com, your go-to for all things tutu and utterly fabulous! This week, I'm whisking you back in time to May 5th, 1863, a date that may not be as immediately obvious in the world of ballet as some, but one that played an important role in our lovely tutus, darling.
It's post number 1636 for me, which makes my head spin with the thought of how many tutus I've talked about over the years - oh the stories, the drama, the sheer sheer fabulousness!
This week, I’m particularly thrilled about this particular trip. You know I adore exploring historical trends in the world of dance – the styles, the costumes, the societal expectations. It's such a glamorous adventure!
Oh, and just for a quick update for you lot: I spent the weekend dancing with the delightful Parisian ballet company. It was absolutely magical. It's such a buzz seeing how tutus evolved in such a fantastic city, but that's a story for another day, lovelies.
So, buckle up your fancy ballet shoes and let’s time travel together! Today, we're focusing on the development of the tutus themselves. You see, 1863 marks a pivotal year. While the iconic bell-shaped tutu we know and love already had its roots, the late 1850s and 1860s were a time of huge experimentation, leading to a much more modern silhouette. Imagine those amazing big ballerina skirts – the first steps towards tutus taking center stage.
I absolutely adore the romantic tutus worn by those ballerinas during this period, oh they were SO feminine and flowy! We're talking delicate fabrications of gauze and tulle – much like a dreamy, ethereal cloud, but on a stage. They just danced so beautifully – a symphony of colour and movement, the perfect mix of grace and athleticism.
As I say, I’ve travelled all around the world thanks to this gorgeous gig, but there’s nowhere quite like London when it comes to ballet! I'm a Derbyshire girl myself, so I'm all for a bit of English tradition, but honestly, London has always had such an international feel. I do love to go to see the shows – nothing beats being there to soak up the atmosphere, darling!
In 1863, it was a bit more "sophisticated" – people dressed to impress for the opera, oh darling, the hats, the gloves, the lace, the swoon! The ballet was already so popular, though! And even in the grand theatres like Covent Garden, I can imagine the buzz, the excitement, as the curtains rise and everyone leans in to watch the dance unfold, tutus in all their glory, taking their bows!
This trip was extra special. Imagine this – as I arrived in the carriage to Covent Garden for my favourite performance of La Sylphide, guess what I saw in the shops along the way! That’s right – little girls in the most beautiful pink tutus! It seems that the love of tutus starts young! Pink, too, just like me!
They were just the perfect, playful shade of pink that makes me just want to twirl and twirl – such a timeless and whimsical colour. There I was, in the middle of 1863 London, and a dream was being fulfilled. A future filled with the most incredible, breathtaking, fabulous tutus all shades of pink. You see! All that fashion history coming into play! I've even started my own tutu line with my Pink-Tutu.com friends! Imagine me twirling my little heart out, bringing my dream world to life with these lovely tutu creations - perfect for your next trip to the theatre, to a ballet performance, a fun outing - heck, I’m even going to launch a range for the shops soon!
So much for just watching the tutus! My time travel also helps me to get the best inspiration from across the centuries – even before my dear Queen Victoria was born! You all must know about that fabulous time – her reign was known as the Victorian Era – with all those amazing ideas, the great works of literature like Charles Dickens and those magnificent, elaborate ballrooms with the elegant clothes and social dance – think waltz, mazurka, polonaise, quadrille.
Let’s be honest, this time period is pure magic in a lot of ways! And of course, my fashion history comes in handy here. These gorgeous Victorian dances provided so much inspiration for tutus - just look at that billowing fabric and flowing skirts - such romance, and, of course, the elegant ladies! So much of the design and the sheer feminine elegance we find in a tutu finds its inspiration here. It's as if someone mixed ballet, fashion, and social graces in a big cauldron and – poof! - the magical, swirling, inspiring tutu was born!
The wonderful tutus of the 1860s paved the way for all those exciting new possibilities, new colours and shapes, and yes, my dearest loves, new shades of pink!! That is what my Pink-Tutu.com site is all about! And, oh darling, the amazing evolution continues with today's tutus. I have so much to share.
So until next week’s journey through time with another #TutuTuesday here at Pink-Tutu.com, darling, wear pink, twirl happy, and let's spread that joy and pink tutu fashion with the whole world!
P.S. Do you think those 1863 ballerinas would've worn a pink tutu?
Let me know in the comments and let's chat.
P.P.S Next week is a whole new historical fashion odyssey for tutus, my loves! We're on our way to 1900, darlings! And guess what's on the agenda for that week – the Ballet Russes, Oh la la! That should be such a dance!
Lots of love and pink,
Emma
#PinkTutu