Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back again for another instalment of your favourite tutu-licious history blog! This week, we're waltzing back in time to January 5th, 1875. Buckle up, darlings, it's going to be a tutu-tastic ride!
The year is 1875, the air is crisp with the scent of fresh snow (it’s a bit nippy in Derbyshire today!) and I’ve just hopped off the train in London after a wonderful ballet performance in the heart of the city. I absolutely adore London - the grand buildings, the bustling shops and the wonderful theatres. But let's be honest, darling, it's not all about London! Today, we're whisking you away to the very birthplace of our beloved tutu!
Did you know, my loves, that the modern tutu - the glorious, airy symbol of ballerinas everywhere - wasn't born overnight? Oh no, darling, it took a long, beautiful journey. Back in 1875, Marie Taglioni, our fabulous ballet goddess, was revolutionising dance with her dazzling leaps and fluid movements. And what did she choose to wear? Why, a fluffy white tulle skirt!
Think about that for a moment. A shimmering tulle skirt that allowed for unprecedented freedom of movement - this is what it took to bring ballet into a new age! It was a truly groundbreaking design, and, of course, it sparked a love affair between dancers and tutus that continues to this day.
Imagine yourself in 1875 London! Theatres like Covent Garden are ablaze with colour, the orchestra playing a romantic score, and on the stage, dancers are making magic in their light, delicate tutus! It's pure theatre magic, my loves, and it all started right here.
To give you a taste of that magical atmosphere, here's a glimpse of what happened on the very same date in 1875:
At Covent Garden, the ballet La Fille Mal Gardée was wowing the audience with its charming story and graceful choreography. A truly delightful production that captured the imagination of all who witnessed it.
In France, a new style of tutu was emerging - the romantic, multi-layered skirt. It was a dramatic, almost theatrical vision that reflected the new romanticism blossoming in ballet at the time.
It's no wonder the tutu captured everyone's hearts! The elegant tulle, the delicate layers, and the stunning colours! Every detail whispered romance and artistry. I mean, how can you not be enchanted?
Now, let's talk about tutus in everyday life!
While our dear Marie Taglioni was inspiring dancers, she was also influencing fashion! You see, my darlings, tutus weren't just for the stage; they began to weave their way into the hearts (and wardrobes) of fashionable women everywhere.
Imagine, if you will, strolling through London’s parks. Picture a flurry of skirts, flounces and...yes, you guessed it - tutus! Ladies were pairing their tutus with jackets, capes, and bonnets, creating a truly ethereal style that was both fashionable and free.
And don't think for a minute that only the wealthy were sporting tutus, my loves! While some ladies went for luxurious silk and lace, others embraced more practical cotton tutus, making this fashion trend accessible to a wide range of women.
Think about it: the 19th century saw women battling for more freedom in their clothing, fighting against restrictive corsets and stiff layers. And what did they turn to for liberation? Why, the enchanting tutu, of course!
Now, tell me, my darling tutus, how about we celebrate this exciting journey of fashion and dance?
Let's bring a bit of that 1875 magic into the present! Why not try pairing a soft tulle skirt with your favourite top, a velvet jacket and a stylish hat? We can bring that historic, whimsical style right to the 21st century, my loves, and make a bold statement while doing so!
Now, you may be wondering, "But Emma, what about Pink? Where does it fit in?" You're right, my loves, it's a delightful question. Back in 1875, the pink tutu wasn't as popular as it is today. Oh, darling, think of all the lovely possibilities pink opens up - delicate shades like baby pink for a romantic ballet look or even a hot pink tulle for a bolder, fun and flamboyant style!
That’s why I wear pink – it's bold and it makes a statement, just like the beautiful, elegant tutus we celebrate here every week! So go forth, darlings, and spread your wings, whether they’re on a stage or on the street, with a hint of pink, of course!
That’s all from me, my precious pink tutu lovers, for this #TutuTuesday! I'm off to see a delightful ballet performance in Vienna, and then perhaps a bit of shopping in Vienna's stylish boutiques. Don't forget, my dears, there's a new post each week on pink-tutu.com! And in the meantime, let your tutus inspire you, always embrace a bit of pink, and remember - never be afraid to express your inner ballerina! 💕
Yours in tutus, Emma 🩰💖
