#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1863-12-29

Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time traveller, and welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday. Today we’re waltzing our way back to the 29th of December 1863 – oh my!

Buckle your tap shoes and get ready to travel because, darling, it’s a historical journey you won’t want to miss! Grab your teacup and let’s have a proper chinwag about the ballet world and the fashion of the time!

Oh, London! I'm practically giddy to be here. I mean, think about it – the year is 1863, and London's the place for ballet. We're talking the Royal Opera House, darling, the home of the Royal Ballet, the jewel of Victorian theatrical performances! Imagine, ladies, seeing a show featuring graceful dancers in opulent costumes. Just imagining makes me feel a touch giddy and gives me a good reason to bust out the frills!

And guess what? Today marks the opening of a special engagement for The Royal Ballet. Tonight, they’ll be performing the charming ballet "La Sylphide." I can already picture the delicate wispy costumes, the airy steps, and, of course, those glorious tutus. Imagine all the stunning ballet tulle! I’m utterly convinced the fashion of this period could inspire a whole line of gorgeous pink tulle creations. (Ooh, darling, wouldn't that be smashing!)

You see, ladies, back in the 1860s, the tutu was still a young invention, and in some ways, it’s just getting started. Imagine – for some time the dancers were waltzing in bulky costumes! (Can you picture the restrictions! That's simply unthinkable for me, darlings, simply unthinkable!). The tutus of the Victorian period are lighter and freer than ever before, allowing ballerinas to express themselves in their performances with much greater elegance and grace. And it's all thanks to a visionary costume designer – Marie Taglioni.

A real pioneer, you see, Marie had a wonderful idea to give the ballet world a light, elegant skirt that allowed ballerinas to really express themselves! Oh, can you just imagine having to dance in something stiff? Such a relief! The romantic period of the early Victorian era and its ballet dances celebrated romantic ideas and beauty – it was all so elegant and flowing!

I always get a flutter of excitement seeing how costumes evolve through history. These iconic tutus are practically iconic. We owe it all to this revolutionary vision. She’s truly changed the whole ballet world and has opened up opportunities for creativity in fashion!

Oh, and speaking of the Royal Ballet’s performance of “La Sylphide” tonight – you know that means it’s going to be a whirlwind of fashion! Fancy dress! There’s such a delicious thrill and drama that goes hand-in-hand with ballet performances! It’s an explosion of tulle and colour! And, darling, just imagine all the gorgeous accessories! I’m already thinking of finding an opera glass at a local market to really get a look at every beautiful detail!

Imagine, ladies, arriving in a beautiful gown, with delicate gloves and feathers, oh, maybe even a shawl for the crisp December air! And that’s just the ladies. The gentlemen arrive in fine tailored coats, waistcoats, top hats, with elegant cravats, oh, the details, darling, the details! And don't even get me started on the gentlemen’s fine shoes! (Such exquisite footwear! Perhaps something I could use for my blog in the future! Hmmm…)

It's all such a stunning display! Don't forget, it’s the Victorian era, ladies! There's no end to the beauty and glamour, and ballet is truly a shining jewel!

Speaking of the real star of the show... my fellow ballet lovers, the true stars are the ballerinas, of course! Seeing a woman fly across the stage in a tulle skirt and feathering shoes is pure inspiration! It truly is something quite extraordinary, the beautiful movement! What is it about their grace that inspires us, darling? They embody so much energy! You know, I have a real dream that someday every ballerina will get to wear pink tutus in the show – oh, what a beautiful sight that would be! Perhaps one day my time traveling will see that happen. I must definitely be sure to get a little notebook with me in case I see the perfect pink design I can add to my shop for later.

So ladies, if you're looking for inspiration in London on this fine day – make a bee-line for a ballet! I assure you, it will be a dazzling night full of enchanting performance, dazzling attire, and perhaps a touch of inspiration to help create a tutu for a ballerina! Until next time!

With love,

Emma xx

Well, that's it for today's journey. And what a fabulous journey it's been, don't you agree, my lovelies? From those beautiful dances to those splendid fashions – my mind's awhirl! It's just magical how the world of ballet can transport us so easily through time!

Now, my dear readers, let’s chat a little bit about the practicalities. You know, there are times when you're just travelling in your favourite outfit. That means my beautiful pink tutu isn't going to do much good when I'm travelling to these other time periods! Let’s just say there are some times when it is not practical. It doesn't always mesh so well with certain events, even those in a more historical and, say, more ‘classical’ time period! Oh, and, it can cause a little drama... and yes, darling, drama isn't always what you want in an event.

Luckily, I have a stash of modern garments in my time-traveling bag! Well, I couldn't travel back to all of these extraordinary events and leave myself dressed in just a pink tutu, now, could I? The modern clothes don’t attract quite so much attention... You see, there is something truly delightful about just letting everyone focus on how beautiful my tutus are when I perform... and that's exactly how I do get around... Oh darling, don't worry, it’s all very lovely! But you know how showy it can be to have an entirely pink costume – and let's face it, my little time traveling adventures get quite chaotic – with more attention it could all be a bit too much! I need some anonymity when it comes to my traveling, darling, or no one will see my performance at the opera!

So, you see, that's where those lovely modern pieces come into play. When I'm out in public, and I'm not making my debut in a show (darling, a ballerina’s got to keep those surprises in the wings for a show, now haven’t we all learned that?), those pieces keep me grounded. Oh, but if I'm walking past a pretty vintage store and see a beautiful vintage frock for my tutu collection, you know it’s making it’s way into my bag... You wouldn't believe how many vintage shops I have found tucked away throughout history. You have to get to know where those stores are in these past eras – that's how I keep my little ballet and costume wardrobe looking so very charming... you know what? Perhaps I could share some of my little time travelling tips in a future post. Do tell me what you think about it!

Now, with that, my dears, I bid you a fond farewell, and may your tutu-filled week be overflowing with twirls and twinkles! Don't forget, darling, we're going on another extraordinary journey next week... just join me right back here next Tuesday for another tutu-ingly wonderful post,

With love and many a twirl,

Emma xx