Oh, hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again with another fabulous #TutuTuesday post from the past! This week we're taking a twirl back to the 30th of May 1871, a time when tutus were beginning their glorious reign in the world of ballet. Let's step back in time and see what our ballerina ancestors were wearing!
A Dashing Trip to Paris
To find ourselves right in the heart of tutu history, we must hop aboard the train (my favourite way to travel, of course) and whisk ourselves to Paris. In 1871, Paris was the heart of the ballet world, bustling with ballerinas in their elegant costumes and a real fascination with the tutu as the key piece in their wardrobes. It's like Paris was born to wear tutus, don't you think?
Tutus: More Than Just a Skirt
Now, let's talk tutus. In 1871, the classic form of the tutu was already a fashion sensation! Imagine it: a swirling cloud of delicate tulle, dancing around your legs. The design we know today - the romantic tutu with its many layers of delicate tulle and short, wispy shape – was already established and loved. It's amazing to think that such a dramatic and expressive style was becoming so popular back then, isn't it?
A Time for Elegance
Even if the romantic tutu was all the rage, the look for ballerinas in 1871 was definitely one of elegance and sophistication. Ballet was still a refined art form, enjoyed mostly by the wealthy. So, the focus was on using delicate fabrics like silk and tulle in colours like ivory and pale pink to make a statement about elegance and beauty. I adore the colours - I mean, imagine twirling in a pale pink tutu, surrounded by beautiful stage lights! Absolutely divine.
What's Happening on the 30th of May, 1871?
While Paris was buzzing with fashion and art, on this very date, there were plenty of other fascinating things happening in the world. In Derbyshire, my home county, the countryside would be alive with farmers working hard to harvest crops and local communities gathering for festivities and fairs. It was a time of great progress, where innovation and creative expression were taking shape, just like our darling tutus!
Tutus in my Travels: London's Theatreland
I always say: You can't see the future of tutus without looking to their past. For me, that means travelling, not just through time, but also through space! Just a few weeks after May 30th, I took a magical trip to London! What a sight it was! I had to see Coppélia at the Royal Opera House! Imagine, beautiful ballerinas in their tutus telling such enchanting tales. I was absolutely enthralled. After the show, of course, I went for a glorious shop spree and found the most exquisite vintage lace-trimmed tutu – perfect for a Victorian-inspired #TutuTuesday!
Let's All Wear Pink Tutus!
Now, I must ask: Are you all wearing your pink tutus today? Let's be a colourful world, filled with vibrant pink tutus! Let’s share the love of these lovely, inspiring skirts with everyone we know! This way, we can bring a little bit of the ballet spirit to our daily lives! After all, I believe that life’s too short for dull skirts!
Remember to share your favourite #TutuTuesday photos with me! And until next week, keep those tutus twirling!
Your dearest,
Emma
x
