Hello dearies! Emma here, your time-traveling ballerina, bringing you another dose of #TutuTuesday! Today, we’re diving into the world of the 1870s, a time when fashion was all about extravagance and, believe it or not, the humble tutu was finding its place as the undisputed star of the dance world.
It’s always so exciting to arrive in a new decade and explore its sartorial delights. The 1870s in London, my home base for this trip, is a fascinating whirlwind of change. Think bustles, ridiculously wide skirts – just picture the amount of fabric required to make a skirt as big as a ballroom! And, of course, the burgeoning art of ballet was a major highlight.
As I sat in a plush velvet seat in the magnificent Royal Opera House yesterday, mesmerized by the dancers twirling with a lightness that belied the weight of their impressive skirts, it dawned on me: the tutu's time was definitely here!
For you see, darlings, this era marked a significant shift. The tutu, in its early stages of development, wasn't a short, frothy, featherweight number like the ones we love today. Think more "floor-length tulle skirt" - an ethereal and glamorous delight that showcased the beauty of movement without restricting the dancers.
But something incredible was happening in these early stages - the desire for a more practical, a more expressive silhouette. Dancers needed to move with ease and a floor-length skirt simply wouldn't do for the jumps and pirouettes they were starting to introduce into their routines.
Think of this like a beautiful butterfly emerging from its chrysalis! The tutu was slowly transforming, adapting to the growing demands of ballet. By the late 1870s, the romantic, floor-length tutu had evolved into something far more revolutionary, more compact... paving the way for what we know and adore today.
Today is August 13th, 1872 - a date that falls conveniently in the midst of the London ballet season! You bet your bottom dollar, I'll be spending this Tuesday, as per usual, dancing with some charming and talented gentleman from the local dance hall, taking inspiration for my own upcoming performances and, of course, browsing for new, exquisite vintage ballet-inspired clothing at my favourite department stores.
Later today, I shall be at the *Grand Opera House for the ballet *Giselle, ** an exquisitely romantic and dramatic piece. I can't wait!
Speaking of which...did you know that Giselle, a popular ballet, became wildly popular throughout the Victorian era? It's quite the romantic tale with elements of mystery and even a hint of the supernatural. (Of course, I'm planning on getting an exquisite Giselle-inspired costume together. Pink is just the right color to add a dash of a mystical enchantment... what do you think, darlings?)
You might be wondering, how I manage to jump through time with all my glamorous fashion and fancy travel arrangements? You see, the secrets to my adventures are all down to good old fashioned hard work and talent. When I’m not dazzling the world with my ballet routines, I'm busy touring different periods in history... with my performances at ballet houses and theaters keeping my coffers topped up.
My biggest tip for all of you aspiring time-travelers? Be yourself! Be confident and, above all, make time for fun! There's always an exciting ballet class, an inspirational show, a fun dance night, or a fashionable treat around the corner... you just have to seize the moment and embrace every enchanting minute of it!
So there you have it! The 1870s... a decade where tutus were in the spotlight and revolutionising ballet fashion, where romantic dramas and a passion for dance dominated the cultural scene. My mission? To keep sharing the enchanting history of the tutu with you every Tuesday! And to inspire you to * embrace your own love of movement and style*!
Join me on next week’s #TutuTuesday where we will explore the exciting evolution of ballet footwear - a journey of elegance and a nod to the history of the graceful art of dance!
Stay radiant and remember... there's a little ballerina in all of us waiting to be unleashed.
And never forget, a world full of pink tutus is a world of happiness!
With love and a twinkle in my eye,
Emma xx
