Hello my darling dears! It's Emma here, back again with another #TutuTuesday post for your weekly dose of tutus and history! I've travelled back in time this week all the way to 1872! And let me tell you, the world of ballet is abuzz. I mean, they’re wearing real tutus, darling! And pink, no less! 💅🩰✨
This is post number 2128 for my Ballet Tutu History blog. I'm obsessed with finding the origins of this magnificent fashion piece, and if it wasn't for these exciting trips through time, I'd be absolutely lost. It's thanks to my ballet performances that I can afford to hop on trains and zip around to the most thrilling historical locations! You can always find me at the biggest, most glamorous ballet shows – because that’s where the real action happens, right?
Now, back to the big day. It's October 8th, 1872, and I'm in London, standing amongst the excitement of Covent Garden. Honestly, you couldn't get more fashion-forward! 💃🏻 I popped into a wonderful shop that I swear must have been owned by a time traveler, all decked out with amazing Victorian frills, flounces, and – wait for it – they had the most adorable pink silk scarves! (I might have indulged in one… or four. You know how it is when you stumble upon such a treasure!)
But enough about my fabulous purchases. This blog is all about tutus! Well, almost all about tutus. I can't help but get carried away by the excitement of a grand theatrical night out. Let’s rewind a bit and talk about this year, 1872, in terms of ballet!
Oh my heavens! It was an absolutely divine year for ballet! The Imperial Ballet in St Petersburg is bursting with creativity and talented dancers, especially since Marius Petipa took charge as their choreographer! This man knows how to choreograph an entire stage! 🤯 I’ve heard whispers that a new tutu was on the scene, designed for the very elegant Mlle Rosita Mauri – a darling of the Russian stage – but I can't confirm this for you yet. All I know is that every tutus in this period seem to be even more beautiful than the last.
I was particularly smitten with the beautiful designs they’re making here. And those tutus, oh my dear, you have to see them! Full of gorgeous detail – you just want to reach out and touch all the intricate, lace-trimmed layers, the soft chiffon ruffles... It’s absolutely breathtaking!
And speaking of breathtaking... The ladies’ bodices! We are absolutely loving the styles. Everything is perfectly corseted and they’re embracing those sombre, rich fabrics. Just picture the colors: deep blues and reds, blacks, dark purples... it’s a sight to behold! It makes my pink tutu, well, even more charming! 💕
While we're on the subject of London... let’s talk a bit about the opéra. Remember The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden? I think every woman I see looks positively divine in her evening wear – velvet jackets, gorgeous lace embellishments on dresses and gloves... All those tiny details! You see, even if we don’t see actual tutus here in London, I love soaking up the whole aesthetic! And they're absolutely going mad for anything French, so expect lots of inspiration from the ballets of Paris.
While Paris is still the undisputed heart of ballet, let me remind you that London has a fabulous opera company! Don't worry darling, I’ve found so much of an exquisite ballet repertoire being presented here, as well. It really is the best of both worlds! (Especially with the gorgeous clothes in the theatres! Could it get any more exciting, I ask you? I don't think so! 😅)
Let me be honest, darling! We are a few decades away from seeing those short, fluffy romantic tutu designs that I absolutely adore on all the little dancers today, don't you agree? We are living through the golden age of the “pancake tutu”, with the long, full skirts flowing in graceful swirls and swishes. So fascinating, isn’t it? Imagine seeing it from the inside, underneath all the detail and drama? Imagine all those layers, the crinoline, the delicate net fabric... What is a ballerina to do when she has to balance and dance with all of that? Mind blowing! Truly inspiring! 🤩
And speaking of inspiration... you know that, by next week, I’ll be swirling through history, trying to find more amazing Tutu Tales! I know you’re itching for another amazing journey into the world of ballet with me.
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday, darling. We're going to travel through history together. And don't forget to share your own favourite tutu moments! 🩰💖
Until then, my darlings... stay beautiful! 💖💖💖
