Good morning, my darling Tutu Tribe! It’s Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time-traveling ballerina, back with another delightful dose of tutu history for your #TutuTuesday. Today, we're stepping back in time to a rather fascinating date - 12th January 1864! 🕰️
Now, I must admit, the year 1864 might not exactly scream 'tutu galore', but trust me, darling, even back then, those wispy layers of tulle were beginning to capture hearts. 😉 Imagine, the cobbled streets of London, the grand avenues of Paris, bustling with horse-drawn carriages and a whiff of coal smoke in the air. That’s the world we're stepping into today, and, surprisingly, even in this more modest era, a certain sort of tutu was starting to find its place.
Of course, back then, we're talking about a different breed of tutu – a more practical, demure version. Think delicate layers of tulle, more suitable for a waltz or a graceful pirouette rather than the dramatic leaps we enjoy today. And the colour? Well, you guessed it, dear reader – predominantly white. So elegant, so crisp, so very refined.
Ballet and Its Glittering Debutante
The 12th of January, 1864, was actually a rather important day in ballet history, a date marked by a particularly special premiere in London, "La Vivandière," by Jean-Louis Auber, a ballet in four acts featuring some quite fetching tutus! My oh my, those layers were swishing like silken clouds, perfectly suited to the tale of a lively and charming peasant girl who joins a regiment of soldiers! (There's a lovely irony in seeing those beautiful ballerinas twirling and skipping in their flowing tutus – pure artistry set against a rather warlike theme). I'm off to London myself this week to see "La Vivandière" performed at the Covent Garden theatre, you bet I'm grabbing the front row seats for this performance – I hear it's divine for a ballerina aficionado.
Now, the 12th of January itself might be just another date on the calendar for most, but for a lover of tutus, it holds a little extra sparkle, wouldn't you agree?
Fashion and Those Sweet, Sweet Trends
Now, my lovelies, back then, fashion was a little more subdued, darling. Think tight corsets, billowing skirts, and those delightful bonnets – hats I can't help but think would look wonderful topped with a mini pink tutu, imagine that! However, for all the frills and bows, fashion wasn't exactly a bastion of "colour-me-pink". (Sadly, but I'll have to put a good word in with Queen Victoria, perhaps convince her to paint her drawing rooms pink?)
Speaking of my beloved colour pink, we see a hint of its dominance emerging towards the end of the 19th century! But for now, tutus in 1864 remained more chaste, often paired with a bit of pale blue, such a lovely pairing!
And who were those graceful ladies wearing these lovely, flowing creations, you ask? Well, ballet was largely the domain of 'professional ballerinas', a select group of talented individuals, usually from upper-class families. It wasn't the accessible art form it is today, my dear reader! The training, the costumes, even the very notion of dancing was something enjoyed by the elite – almost a private art for a select few. I, however, am here to tell you that this doesn't have to be true for us. Everyone deserves the right to twirl, so I implore you: put on your pink tutus, my darling friends, and take your ballet adventures beyond the confines of history and right into your lives. Go forth and embrace the spirit of grace and beauty!
Let's Talk Transportation!
Of course, back in 1864, even for those daring souls who dreamed of owning a tutu, acquiring one was a task! Not like the plethora of online shops we enjoy today. Those ladies had to visit a seamstress, a process requiring patience and a dash of that charming 19th-century fashion sense! (Remember, patience, darling, patience.) And remember, travel for those fancy tutus could take weeks! Think grand steamboats, horses, and sometimes even those amazing hot air balloons that made London look like a swarm of coloured paper lanterns. So enchanting.
Time Traveling in Tutu and Style
This brings me to my grand travel! Yes, for all you fashion-loving, travel-loving tutu-wearing ladies, remember - a life spent traveling and discovering new ballet productions is one I recommend! And as a modern-day time traveler myself, you could say I am all for adventure! While my trips take me by a much faster method than a steamer – oh those trains! What an absolute joy of modern-day convenience! - I find there's nothing quite like hopping on a train, maybe catching a ballet show, a new collection of clothing, and some truly marvelous fashion! My dear friends, think of the world just waiting to be explored - we can visit so many places with our amazing, delightful tutus, can't we? Just remember my travel advice: always pack at least one new pink tutu in your bag, never go unprepared!
A Little About Our Tutu-tastic History
We all know that fashion comes in circles. Like the movement of the planets, certain styles reappear. I adore it when vintage elements from these lovely periods of the past become fashion forward in the modern era – there's so much inspiration for our beautiful ballet tutus. For instance, we're seeing those delightful long skirts gaining popularity again - perfect to pair with a small, short pink tutu for a little dash of rebellious fun, darling! (Can we have this next year, please?)
So remember, ladies, even in the more modest era of 1864, that glimmer of tulle and ballet artistry was taking its first, delicate steps towards the grand, exuberant fashion statement that the tutu has become today. And with that in mind, dance, my friends! Dance to your own rhythm, embrace your individual style, and always remember that your pink tutu is an expression of confidence, beauty, and freedom!
Until next week, my lovelies, keep those pink tutus twirling! 😉
Your time-traveling, pink tutu wearing ballerina,
Emma
