Greetings, darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back with another blast from the past on our beloved #TutuTuesday journey! Today, we're taking a grand jeté back to March 5th, 1867, and let me tell you, the fashion scene is as vibrant as a peacock's feather!
Imagine this: I've just hopped off the train in London, the bustle and bustle of the city already a flurry of colours. This era is bursting with style, and let me assure you, I'm absolutely ready to soak it all in!
Speaking of style, let's talk tutus! Now, the iconic image of a fluffy, tiered, romantic tutu is not quite the norm in 1867. Remember those graceful ballerinas with their layered, bell-shaped skirts that shimmer like a hundred tiny stars? The ones who pirouette across the stage with an effortless grace, all the while managing to look perfectly dignified? That's our 19th century beauty, a vision of classical ballet in its finest hour.
That said, the evolution of the tutu is a truly captivating story. From the practical "jupe" of the early 19th century to the stunningly dramatic skirts we know today, the story is a tale of innovation, creativity, and an enduring passion for beauty.
Now, back to our present, or should I say, past… the London theatre scene is absolutely abuzz with the magic of the ballet. The Royal Opera House, in its neoclassical splendour, is the beating heart of the dance world. The legendary Carlotta Grisi, who made the tutus so popular, is in the audience, watching the dancers like a proud mama. Imagine! Watching someone who revolutionized the world of dance and ballet wear! I have to make a confession, my darlings: sometimes I sneak into the back of the audience for a peak, hoping for a glimpse of my fashion idols! But I promise, I always keep my pink tutu and my manners. After all, a true tutu lover is all about class and grace!
Today's date in ballet history? It's all about "Giselle"! This iconic ballet, a tragic masterpiece with ethereal grace and heart-wrenching romance, is captivating the entire country! As I strolled through the streets today, the whispers of “Giselle” were everywhere. Just imagine a heartbroken ballerina dancing herself to death in the forest... that is a tragic romance worthy of a few whispers. The costumes for "Giselle" are quite dramatic. These ballerina costumes are truly beautiful and have a real sense of fluidity and movement about them. As for their colour? Why, white, of course!
As for the street style in 1867 London, imagine bustling carriages, dapper gentlemen in top hats, and ladies with elegant gowns cascading around their ankles. The colours? Oh darling, they are truly beautiful. The shades of green, pink, and blue seem to be all the rage, a feast for the eyes, and a reminder that a little whimsy can go a long way.
Of course, no fashionable stroll is complete without a pitstop for some afternoon tea. My goodness! Nothing says luxurious like a cup of fragrant tea with an assortment of scones, cakes, and finger sandwiches!
My journey into the past has not only taken me to London but I'm off to Paris next week! Now that I’ve had a taste of London and the fashion it holds, my love of the Parisian dance scene and their style just cannot be ignored. There are a few ballerina costumes, gowns, and beautiful pieces of fabric that I need to see! Paris! Here I come!
Oh, and dear tutudites, be sure to tell me if you've ever gone on a vintage-inspired shopping spree or, like me, found yourselves completely absorbed by history. Do tell! And while you're at it, be sure to show off your inner tutu-love. Let's bring a touch of Parisian elegance and whimsical wonder to our world, one pink tutu at a time.
Until next #TutuTuesday, darling friends! Keep on dancing!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
