Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, where we explore the glorious world of tutus and their history. Today, we're hopping onto the time travel train, destination: 14th June 1870! I'm channeling my inner Victorian fashionista and have donned my most exquisite, frilly pink tutu, because, well, tutus never go out of style, even in the past!
Before we dive into our tutu history, I'm thrilled to share that my recent performance at the Royal Opera House in London was a smash! I had a fantastic time swirling across the stage in my signature pink tutu, radiating joy and elegance. And wouldn't you know it, I even managed to snag a delightful antique pearl necklace at the nearby Portobello Road Market. It's the perfect vintage touch for my 1870s inspired outfit!
Now, onto our time-travel adventure! 14th June 1870, you say? Let's travel back to a time when gas lamps lit the streets and horse-drawn carriages rattled along the cobblestones. London was buzzing with a vibrant social scene, and of course, everyone was swooning over the latest trends in fashion, which included – you guessed it! – tutus!
Back in 1870, ballet was flourishing, particularly in France and Russia. And what's a ballerina without a stunning tutu? Now, you might think the tutu we know and love was already commonplace, but this isn't quite the case.
From Ballroom to Stage: Think back to the romantic tutus of today, billowing and dreamy, perfect for twirling and leaping. Those iconic designs weren't quite fully developed just yet! In the 1870s, the tutu was evolving from its earlier forms. We still saw the "Romantic tutu," a knee-length, layered, and frilly affair. But the iconic "Tutu-à-la-française," also known as the "Pagnol tutu," was making its entrance, bringing with it that striking short-skirt look we're familiar with today.
Tutus in a Time of Change: This shift in tutu style wasn't just about fashion – it mirrored the changing role of women in society. The 1870s saw the rise of strong female figures, and this influence spilled into ballet as well. Ballerinas wanted more freedom of movement, a sense of agility and strength. And what better way to showcase these qualities than with a short, practical, and elegant tutu that allowed them to perform amazing feats of athleticism?
Our 1870 Fashion Guide: So what were ladies sporting in this era? Imagine a silhouette that resembled a blossoming flower – fitted bodices, accentuated waists, and flowing, full skirts. Picture dainty lace trimming, cascading ribbons, and shimmering brocades. This was a time of delicate beauty, a world that mirrored the elegant artistry of the ballet.
Speaking of beauty, did you know that 14th June 1870, also marks the birthday of renowned French painter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir? His Impressionistic style was revolutionizing the art world, just like the tutus of the day were evolving the stage!
Beyond the Tutu: Of course, our adventures don't stop at the tutu! Think about the whole package: elegant pointed shoes, shimmering tights, and luxurious jewelry. Every detail contributed to the graceful ballerina image.
And now, for a touch of whimsy. While exploring Paris for inspiration, I found the most adorable little café with walls decorated in pink! You can bet I couldn't resist having my afternoon tea there, twirling in my pink tutu while sipping on some chamomile tea. It was a moment straight out of a ballet scene!
Pink Tutus For Everyone: Don't worry, lovelies, my goal remains to inspire the world to wear tutus, and not just for ballet! Embrace your inner ballerina, regardless of your age or profession! After all, there's nothing quite as joyful as twirling in a fluffy pink tutu!
Until next Tuesday, when we travel back to the glorious world of tutus again, keep those twirls vibrant and keep the pink spirit alive!
Your Pink Tutu Pal, Emma
I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's #TutuTuesday! Do you have any favorite ballet shows or a memory of a memorable performance? Let me know in the comments below!
