Hello, darling tutufarians! Emma here, your time-traveling fashionista extraordinaire, ready to whisk you off on another whirlwind journey through the glorious history of the tutu!
It’s Tuesday, which means it's time to twirl back into the archives for another helping of #TutuTuesday! This week, I’m hopping aboard a delightful railway carriage (thank you, steam engine!) and taking us right back to 11th April, 1871, a most significant date in tutu history! I've had to carefully coordinate my performances and find sponsors so I could afford this particular trip. It’s all so terribly exciting and of course, you just wouldn’t believe what I found… squee!
1871: When Fashion Went Up! (And so did Tutus!)
This year was an absolute treasure trove for tutu aficionados like myself! Remember, darling dears, this was before the age of our glamorous stretch fabric, so the construction was a tad more…involved! We’re talking layers upon layers of delicate tulle and silk, creating these wondrous, almost fairy-like illusions. Think flowing, airy skirts that simply whispered about the ballerina's graceful movements - a truly poetic performance.
What I adore most about the tutus of this period is the diversity! While romantic ballerinas still cherished the billowing, knee-length tutu - which became more and more expansive over the decade - we also see a shift towards shorter, tighter versions, more fitted to the body and allowing for a much more agile dancing style. Can you picture it, my dears? This evolution made for truly stunning ballets!
Speaking of evolution, colour also began to play a bigger role. We’re seeing an expansion beyond the typical white and pale pink hues. You know me, I love a bit of boldness, so I was simply thrilled to see vivid, theatrical colours starting to feature in costumes. Think splashes of emerald green, fiery red, and even shimmering gold – an absolute explosion of vibrancy that mirrored the artistic movements happening all across Europe!
But 11th April was no ordinary day in the year of our Lord 1871. Why? Because… drumroll It marked the first ever performance of a very special ballet – The Awakening of Spring! Yes, my darling dears, a grand symphonic ballet set to the works of Franz Liszt! Just imagine the excitement as those elegant ballerinas took to the stage, clad in bright, daring colours, swirling and leaping to the powerful music. This ballet absolutely redefined how people thought about dance!
And now for some news from my travel diary, straight from Derbyshire:
I simply adore train travel! This week I was treated to a beautiful carriage with velvet upholstery - such elegance! It seems that 19th-century railway travel was more akin to stepping into a grand hotel than a modern-day tube ride. We were served exquisite afternoon tea, the scent of warm scones filling the carriage! And then…I found myself struck speechless as I stumbled upon the most exquisite display of silk and tulle, on offer in the fashionable heart of Nottingham! Imagine, dears, fabrics that would put even a queen's wardrobe to shame! And it’s only 25 miles from my lovely home in Derbyshire - I’m thinking of perhaps planning a day trip there sometime soon!
Let's discuss! How amazing is this journey into ballet history? I do love those elaborate tulle tutus - it’s no wonder that the ladies loved them as much as I do! What do you think about the trend towards more bold colour? I personally love a bit of drama, but I understand if some people prefer classic whites and pinks! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Remember, dears, a little bit of tutu goes a long way! And if you want to explore the magic of dance and find out more about this enchanting time in tutu history, why not join me for a trip to the ballet? You never know where our journey may take us next, so join me on www.pink-tutu.com each week for a new dose of #TutuTuesday magic!
See you next time, darling tutufarians!
Yours always in tulle and silk,
Emma
