Welcome back, darling dears, to another edition of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of ballet tutu history, and as always, I’m your fabulous guide to all things pink and twirly! It's Emma here, from Derbyshire and beyond!
This week's date takes us to the fabulous year of 1875. Fancy a journey with me back in time on the glorious, pink-tinted steam train of time? Buckle up, babes!
The Evolution of the Tutu: 1875 - A World of Romance & Whimsy
Stepping into 1875 is like stepping onto a stage set! The year is full of colourful, romantic fashion. Imagine flowing silks and lace, opulent gowns, and yes, darling, even the beginnings of the tutut.
By now, ballerinas weren't just twirling around in their frilly dresses! The tutu as we know it today, the one I absolutely adore in all its pink, frilly glory, was still in its infancy. We had a few different styles by this point:
- The Romantic Tutu: Picture swirling layers of delicate tulle. The Romantic tutu had already taken center stage by 1875! Think "La Sylphide" (1832), a show that launched this stunning style. Just imagine the wisps of tulle fluttering like dreams under the stage lights - utter magic!
- The Crinoline Skirt: Let’s rewind a bit. Remember my darling friends, that right before the Romantic period came a very different type of skirt. It wasn’t quite a tutu! It was big, stiff, and resembled a huge, frilly cage, holding out a ballet dancer's skirt. It was all the rage in the 1840s! We call it the Crinoline. The skirt still gives a wonderful dramatic flare though!
Let's Talk Color
Color plays a significant role in the tutus, darling. In this period, colors tended towards pale, romantic hues - peaches, pinks, light blues - a beautiful world of whispers and dreams! I do think it's delightful that even then, pink held a strong appeal, even though black tutus were becoming the classic stage costume for ballerinas. But that’s okay, darling, because I’m here to remind the world that Pink tutus are always fab
The Dance World
On stage, things were quite grand back in 1875. Choreography focused on lyrical and romantic movements. They loved the swirling, lyrical lines, the tender moments. Think a ballet dancer with flowing, almost billowing tulle as her dress, she looks ethereal!
It's an incredible contrast to today, isn't it? I love seeing a show where every ballerina feels like they’re floating on a cloud of tulle. Ballet today is bolder, more athletic! There are still lyrical performances though and those tutu’s still sparkle and move with grace!
London is Calling!
If I could hop on my time train right this second, I'd head to London! The capital city was abuzz with all the dance excitement. It's home to some fabulous, historically important ballrooms and theaters - The Covent Garden, the Sadler’s Wells, and The Royal Opera House, all in full swing. *I bet they have the best, fluffiest tutus in all of London.
This date has the Ballet, the theater and shopping!. What’s more, 1875 marks a huge milestone for British ballet history! The founding of the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) was just a mere two years away! I just love these momentous occasions in time. This is such an important date in Ballet history, what do you say? We grab our friends, some posh bonnets, and let’s take a trip!
My Inspiration
For my #TutuTuesday this week, I'm channeling a sweet romantic, fluffy-as-a-cloud tutu, made entirely of pink tulle - the kind of tutu that dances around in the clouds. It's as dreamy and graceful as those Romantic ballerinas, just a little bit more pink, of course!
And, because I'm all about sharing my love of tutus, my lovely readers, I want you to join me! If you want to have a fabulous #TutuTuesday of your own, do let me know how I can help!
Now tell me, dears, are you thinking about what tutus will look like 100 years from now? Think of it!
Have you a fabulous day! I do hope to see you next Tuesday with a new #TutuTuesday update for you!
Much Love & Tulle Kisses,
Emma, the pink-loving ballerina xx
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