Hello dears, it's Emma from the Derbyshire countryside! It's another beautiful #TutuTuesday and today, I've taken my very own sparkly pink tulle journey all the way back to December 31st, 1867. Yes, this gorgeous tulle masterpiece has seen a fair bit of history. I even wore it to the opera yesterday! I had a rather fancy evening dress underneath, of course. Nothing but the best for this time-traveling ballerina.
Now, letâs dive into the past.
What a year it was for tutus. Now, when weâre talking 1867, it's all about the romantic period of ballet. Those long flowing skirts with billowing layers of tulle. Theyâre just so beautifully dreamy!
In Paris, at the Paris Opera, you'll find tutus of tulle layered to the ceiling. There was quite the rivalry between ballerinas Maria Taglioni and Carlotta Grisi, both queens of the dramatic âRomanticâ tutu. The longer, the better, and the more dramatic, the more dazzling they were to audiences, of course!
They loved the long and flowing tutu skirts so much that the 'romanticâ ballerinas were often too heavy to dance easily.
What did we wear? Back then, the dancers would need strong core muscles just to keep the beautiful layers from flopping down. Now, imagine balancing on your toes with several pounds of tulle dragging you down! It takes quite a lot of strength. And as you all know, I can twirl on my toes, even in this rather fabulous, light-weight tulle tutu. Iâm just saying, modern-day ballerinas have a little less work to do, with these much lighter designs! We look amazing though, don't we!
The Romantic period also gave us those enchanting stories about fairies and princesses. These ballerinas had a real passion for expressing emotion in their movements, which the romantic tutus with all their flowing tulle definitely emphasized! They were definitely a joy to see in full flight if you happened to be sitting in a darkened theatre back then! Can you just imagine all those twinkling lights highlighting that magical tulle. Just think about it. Oh! Isn't it dreamy!
Christmas time 1867.
As you all know, I am a big fan of all things ballet! The British Public and Royalty alike are completely smitten with ballet. Just picture this - London on the evening of 31st December 1867, and there you'd find a grand, opulent Christmas ball hosted by none other than the Prince of Wales, now King Edward VII. A dazzling event full of elegant ladies and gentlemen in beautiful costumes, dancing the night away!
The highlight? The spectacular ballroom dancing and the incredible tutus worn by the famous ballerina, Lucille Grahn! This was one lucky lady; she was at the absolute height of her fame, performing all around Europe. This, my darlings, was the real golden age of tutus. Lucille wore such gorgeous tulle for her dazzling performance. She definitely wowed the guests and everyoneâs mouths were ajar. A stunning, flamboyant tutu of pink! Can you just imagine it?
Just one question - when is it too much tutu? Is there ever such a thing?! I think not. Even this rather flamboyant 1867 fashion made a big statement - what a magnificent sight it must have been for those lucky enough to be in attendance. It made the night truly magical, wouldnât you say?
In the days leading up to Christmas the theatres are a buzz! You can find audiences crammed into their seats all eagerly awaiting a magical night at the theatre. And speaking of theatersâŚ
In Londonâs Drury Lane Theatre, the first performance of a play called "A Christmas Carol" took to the stage that December of 1867. It would have made a wonderful night out. Everyone loved it. Of course, there are so many magical plays on right now too. They have some wonderful productions. Did I mention I just got back from seeing a performance of the "Sleeping Beautyâ at The Royal Opera House! Isn't that divine! All that beautiful music, that beautiful setting and of course those tutus. Itâs just all so delightful, donât you think? Just a lovely, magical evening all around!
And with all these theatre and ballet performances, can we talk tutus?! Those dramatic, graceful, flamboyant tutus! Don't they just take your breath away!
This new fashion trend of ballet is all about grace and the feminine, wouldnât you say! The perfect place to flaunt the fabulous romantic tutus! Whatâs even better? I heard that The Bolshoi Ballet are already booking tour dates all across Europe. Canât you imagine? Theyâre even planning to take their beautiful tutus and performances right to our lovely London next Spring! It's definitely time to start booking your tickets ladies.
Speaking of fabulous tutus and outfits.. Did you know theyâve just opened up the newest designerâs boutique on Regent Street! Oh my gorgeous! It's divine I picked up a new dress the other day in this luscious burgundy shade with the most sparkling jewels and a delightful, fluffy feather boa. * divine*
That is why I'm always shopping for my next big ballet adventure.
The train station is a bit of a mess - everyone's getting ready for a trip out to visit their families.
Itâs always so much fun going to the railway station. A really wonderful chance to catch a glimpse of some amazing styles and some real stand-out, fabulous tutus.
All my favorite outfits â itâs like an explosion of fashion, it really is! I love to watch people go by. Some wearing the very latest trends, some are more conservative, and of course, we've got the wonderful, fabulous tutus. The real star of the show though is my favorite train trip, from Derbyshire to London. All aboard! My favorite fashion trends, shopping for a great night out!
Until next Tuesday,
Yours in Tulle, Emma x
*Don't forget to check back every Tuesday for more of my Tutu Travels through History! Check out www.pink-tutu.com and join in the fun!! And don't forget to let me know your favorite style in the comments below. Maybe I'll visit it on my next time travel! *
