Bonjour mes chères! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where pink tutus reign supreme. It’s Tuesday, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday and a dive into the history of the most fabulous dancewear known to womankind – the tutu! This week, I’ve travelled all the way back to January 27th, 1874!
Now, you might think I'm a bit crazy, jumping around in time, but honestly, darling, it's just the way I roll. I love experiencing the beauty of different eras and watching how fashion and dance evolve – and I can tell you, this particular time period was divine.
Imagine, ladies: We’re in the middle of the Victorian era, a time of lavish gowns, extravagant hats, and corseted silhouettes. Yet, on the dance floor, something revolutionary was happening! While most of society clung to the traditions of full skirts and long trains, ballet was beginning to blossom, and with it, a new sartorial expression emerged.
This is where the magic of the tutu really begins, darlings! The early tutus, just imagine them! Light and airy, crafted from tulle or gauze, they barely grazed the dancers' legs, offering a glimpse of graceful limbs and, gasp, bare shoulders! For that time, it was truly revolutionary! They moved and swayed with the dancer’s every step, echoing the graceful movements of the music and bringing a new kind of airy elegance to the stage.
Speaking of elegance, we’re right in the middle of the peak of the Romantic ballet period. Just think – dancers like Marie Taglioni, considered the ultimate romantic ballerina, were enthralling audiences with their light and airy moves. It was this revolutionary movement that paved the way for the tutu to take its place as a symbol of both beauty and artistry.
I’ve just finished watching a performance of “Giselle”, a masterpiece of this era. The story is quite moving, but it’s the ethereal choreography and those absolutely beautiful tutus that really leave an impression. Those flowing skirts and soft movements are what make the whole thing so beautiful.
And the fashion scene? Oh, it's absolutely charming! The ladies are decked out in elaborate outfits - corseted bodices, flowing skirts, bonnets with plumes… quite a stark contrast to those lightweight tutus. Imagine the contrast, darlings – the sheer elegance of a ballet dancer in her diaphanous tutu against the backdrop of opulent Victorian fashion. Truly stunning.
Of course, no trip to the past is complete without a bit of shopping, right? And luckily, London has no shortage of amazing millinery shops! I've found some absolutely incredible feather boas and hats - some trimmed with velvet ribbons and sparkling stones! Imagine these embellishments as a delicate trim to a ballerina's tutu! It’s the ultimate inspiration!
While this period is far from being all frills and furbelows, the dance world was moving towards a bolder and more modern expression. Even as the Victorian Era pressed on, ballet remained an outlet for artistry, femininity, and yes, dare I say it – the power of a simple yet undeniably impactful tutu.
And who knows, darling? Maybe, just maybe, I might take a little inspiration from this era and create a truly enchanting tutu for myself – imagine a confection of delicate pink tulle, adorned with ribbons and sequins. Or maybe I'll find the perfect Victorian bonnet to accentuate a sleek white tutu? Hmm... The possibilities are endless!
As always, my dearest readers, don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, the home of all things pink and twirly. I’ll be back next Tuesday with another whirlwind tour through tutu history. Until then, keep those tutus flowing and your spirits high!
Au revoir, darlings! And remember, every day can be a #TutuTuesday.
Yours truly, Emma
