Hello lovelies! It's your favourite time-travelling tutu-enthusiast Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another sartorial adventure through ballet history. This week, Iâve been transported back to a time when elegance and grace reigned supreme â April 19th, 1870! Itâs been an absolute whirlwind of silk, sequins, and a whole lot of swishing tulle.
Can you believe that back in the day, ballerinas didn't have a plethora of tutus to choose from? Imagine that! Itâs enough to make a girl weep! Back in the late 1800s, ballet tutus were simpler, just a beautiful base of soft, white tulle with just the hint of embellishment.
So, whatâs the biggest fashion craze in this era? The Romantic era in ballet! Imagine waltzing with a tutu that flows like a cloud and dances with you like the wind! Absolutely breathtaking! The romantic tutus, like a fairytale come to life, were long and flowing with layers upon layers of soft tulle, creating a dreamy, almost ethereal look.
The tutus back then really embraced the natural shape of the female form. This was a far cry from the earlier style of "classical" ballet, which often featured a much tighter, and frankly, rather restrictive costume that made it look like they were practically wearing a mini-dress instead of a skirt!
And what did ballerinas do for fun on a typical Wednesday night in April 1870, you might ask? Well, of course, a trip to the OpĂ©ra Garnier in Paris! This majestic house of dance was already one of the most celebrated in Europe, showcasing incredible talent and magnificent productions. Now, even though it was called the âopera,â ballet was a HUGE part of the scene. Paris, after all, has a bit of a reputation when it comes to dance, hasnât it? ;) Itâs like a big, beautiful swirling dream come to life!
Speaking of swirling dreams, I found myself on a beautiful sunny afternoon wandering through the Tuileries Gardens in Paris. Can you imagine my joy when I discovered a delightful little shop selling fabrics? Now, I know you lot are all about vintage and re-purposing, and there I was, just being tempted by the beautiful shades of white and cream. Honestly, the urge to get creative and start a little project on the spot was nearly overwhelming. Youâd have thought I was looking at a beautiful vintage tutu that just had my name on it!
Paris, always Paris, eh? So many fashion influencesâŠ
Of course, my trip back in time wasnât all about Paris. After the bustle of Paris, it was lovely to be able to enjoy the more laid back countryside life back in Derbyshire. You simply canât beat that country air for fresh ideas! While my passion for tutus is universal, nothing beats returning to my home.
Now, I canât sign off without my #TutuTip for the day. Have you tried combining different shades of pink together? This era in ballet history was all about experimenting with colours! Why not channel your inner ballerina with a dusty rose pink tutu, paired with a delicate salmon-hued top for a look that is undeniably beautiful. And don't forget to add a splash of coral or cherry pink for an extra dose of pizazz!
I know what youâre all thinking â how can I bring a bit of 1870âs fashion into the present day? Hereâs the thing - Embrace the flow and romanticism of that time with soft, romantic pieces. And the beauty is â itâs about the whole outfit, from the beautiful colour to the shoes to even the bag. Donât forget â it's all about putting your own spin on these timeless looks!
See you next #TutuTuesday! Until then, may your days be filled with twirls and all the joy a pretty tutu can bring!
Keep dancing!
Emma xx
