Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, ready to whisk you away on another #TutuTuesday adventure! Today we're diving into the glorious world of ballet tutus as they were back in the good ol' days of 1873! Just imagine - gaslight-lit theaters, horses and carriages, and ladies with bustles the size of a small village. Now that's a fashion scene!
As you know, I absolutely adore history, and there's no better time to visit than the romantic period - the era where ballet costumes were truly a thing of beauty! You wouldn't believe the gorgeous silk and lace they used back then, my darlings! A far cry from the elastic and mesh we use nowadays, although, I can’t help thinking modern tutus look quite a bit more comfy for the dancers!
Before we start talking tutus, you have to know where to look, right? On this date in 1873, you could catch an incredible show at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Can you imagine? This was where the most famous ballerinas, like the legendary Carlotta Grisi, would twirl and prance across the stage, gracing audiences with their incredible performances!
And what would they be wearing? Oh my dears, we're talking the very essence of romanticism! The tutus back then, the kind that sent all the men's hearts fluttering, were just enchanting! These beauties were a masterpiece of pleated layers and ruffles, floating above their dainty shoes. Think ethereal tulle, sparkling embellishments, and the most delightful shades of peach and lavender! They were as graceful and beautiful as the dancers themselves!
These delicate creations were the brainchild of legendary ballet master and choreographer, Marius Petipa! Imagine - all that delicate, billowing silk in perfect motion! There's just no other fabric, I believe, that conveys such an elegant feeling of weightless movement! And while the women on the stage shimmered in such artistry, we couldn’t ignore the impact these fashion pieces had on society itself. Back then, the very idea of a tutu was a revolutionary one! It represented unprecedented freedom for women, challenging conventional fashion trends of the time. Can you imagine, darling? They'd dare to reveal the legs beneath all that luxurious tulle! What a brave fashion statement.
My darlings, I do love my train journeys, and while you could not visit a theatre by train just yet, what I adore about this period is the romance that surrounds travel. Back then, people made memorable journeys through our charming country! Trains were a huge feat of engineering and a delight to watch, with steam billowing from the engine. So many fascinating journeys for them to embark upon! The journeys of these early 19th Century railway pioneers inspire me greatly, not to mention they’d stop in towns so bustling, full of exciting new clothing designs and of course, shops stocked with gorgeous silk, just waiting to be turned into wonderful tutus.
But speaking of trains, dear reader, I have to dash off. Another thrilling time-traveling ballet performance to attend! Catch me back here next week for another exciting journey through ballet tutu history! In the meantime, don't forget to wear your pink tutus, spread the pink joy and let's bring back that romantic flair to our lives, one pink feather boa and glittering tiara at a time!
Love, Emma
(P.S. Please do share your thoughts on pink tutus and the incredible history of ballet below - I simply adore hearing from you all! Just don’t mention how it would feel to dance in an actual 1873 tutu! Oh dear, they wouldn't last a single pas de bourrée!)
