Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, back with another peek into the fascinating history of the tutu!
This week we're hopping aboard the magical time train (think more vintage carriage than modern bullet train, with plush seats and dainty teacups!) and waltzing our way to 1874. Oh my, darling! It’s all about romance and romance, and of course, fabulous dresses! I'm swooning!
Now, you might be thinking "Emma, a tutu in 1874? Are you certain?" Well, hold your horses, dears, because while our modern tutus in all their glory weren’t quite there yet, this era marks a beautiful turning point in how women moved and expressed themselves in dance. We’re stepping right into the heart of the romantic ballet movement!
A Dance of Romantic Notion
So, back in 1874, dance was evolving beautifully. We're moving on from the grand, courtly ballet of the past and slipping into a much more expressive, graceful, and yes, even more dramatic world of movement! Picture this - elegant dancers in flowing dresses, embodying whimsical stories and magical characters. Think shimmering moonlight and delicate flutterings! It was an enchanting era, with so much emphasis on pure beauty and emotion.
Now, remember, these were not our modern day, whirlwind, "go big or go home" tutus. They weren’t quite as dramatic or as short! It was a time of transition. We saw longer skirts, sometimes gathered or bunched around the legs for some airiness, paired with beautiful, romantic bodice designs. Imagine lace, shimmering silks, and the softest satins! It was definitely the beginning of something incredibly wonderful - the dawn of a new era of femininity on the stage.
Paris! The Cradle of Ballerina Beauty
My dear readers, it goes without saying, of course, that the very heart of the ballet world in this period, just like now, was Paris. The Opéra Garnier (such a dramatic and stunning venue, by the way!) played host to some of the most brilliant ballet performances in the world! I always find myself breathless when I visit – even as I gaze upon it with the keen eyes of a time traveller!
Can you imagine the sheer excitement of the crowds as they stepped into the Opéra Garnier to witness the magic unfold before them? It was all so magical. And for me, I get lost in imagining what kind of dress the ladies would be wearing - gorgeous colours, silks and laces and exquisite little jewels! I swear, the anticipation of watching such a magical performance is enough to send you swooning, darlings.
Fashion, Shopping, and A Whole Lot of Whimsy
If there’s one thing you have to know about 1874 - it was the beginning of a fashionable era for ballet! Parisian designers, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and flair for drama, were embracing the freedom of movement and incorporating a lightness in their designs that simply screamed, "ballerina". The lines of these beautiful gowns flowed with a graceful femininity, hinting at a hidden beauty that you simply longed to glimpse!
Fashion in 1874, The Year I Wish I Was in London!
Oh, how I love London fashion around this time - it is one of my favourites. Think soft, graceful gowns and hats that were like the pièce de résistance. The Queen Victoria was at the helm, which of course meant lace and intricate detailing.
Let’s talk trains. Londoners were smitten with the new train routes opening around London. Fancy travelling by steam to catch the latest ballet show? Now that’s chic. We're talking elegance with an exciting, progressive edge, with women making an absolute statement! You might think you are stepping onto a film set for a period drama! It’s quite simply a dream for a girl like me. The perfect mix of sophistication and playful spirit.
Now imagine the London streets. It's alive with men and women who know their way around the most exquisite boutiques. Shops full of lovely hats, colourful silks and a whole lot of flair! Oh darling, how I could easily get lost in the luxurious world of Victorian fashion and be completely happy.
On This Day...
Back in the 1870s, people would have been reading their newspapers and wondering what wonders would come from the great Queen Victoria. They would also be gossiping about the newest theatre production in London, of course. If I were to venture out on June 2nd 1874, I would head to the London Alhambra. Oh how I would relish in this majestic and opulent venue. In this amazing building, the beautiful Henriette de Wartel - who I will need to see more of - will be taking centre stage and putting on quite the magical show. Now that’s how you celebrate a Tutu Tuesday, right, ladies?
I'm already planning a time-travel trip just for that! I’ll be sure to have a fabulously frilled pink tutu packed for the occasion, because what's a time traveller without her signature style, eh?
Keep dancing and stay fabulous, darling! Until next week, remember to always keep a bit of pink in your wardrobe (and even if it's just your favourite tutu!)
XOXO, Emma
