Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we celebrate the glorious history of the tutu! This week, I’m hopping aboard the time-traveling express, leaving Derbyshire and heading back to the year 1875! Now, I know what you’re thinking… tutus in the Victorian era? Surely not! But oh, my dears, hold on to your tiaras, because tutus, though perhaps not the billowing, fluffy marvels of today, were indeed a thing of beauty!
Now, I must confess, the 1870s saw some truly unforgiving fashion trends – corsets, the like of which I’d never wish to endure! Yet, amidst the restrictive clothing of the time, the ballet held a certain freedom. It offered a space for the movement of the body, and with it, a movement in fashion. The ballet skirt – as it was then called – was a crucial element of the classical ballerina's performance.
The tutus we see on stage today evolved from this Victorian period. Imagine the ladies swirling and pirouette-ing in short skirts, sometimes layered with gauze or tulle for a whisper-light and flowing effect. And these, my darlings, were the first steps towards the tutu revolution!
Think of Marie Taglioni, the "Fairy Queen" of her day! She paved the way with her stunning performances, wearing delicate ballet skirts. Her work not only influenced the movement of ballet itself but also ushered in a period of experimentation with what a ballerina’s costume could be.
Now, before we move on to today's spotlight date, I'm so delighted to have the chance to go back in time and experience the ballet of this period! While we might not have the same bold pink tutus I cherish so much today, just the sheer thought of those delicate ballet skirts swishing in the light of the gas lamps is thrilling! And don’t even get me started on the intricate costumes with their sparkling embellishments! A truly enchanting period of ballet!
A Trip Back in Time: 10th August, 1875Oh, my darlings! 10th August 1875 saw a truly magical event – The opening of the brand new Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris! Imagine, the sheer glamour of the French theatre world! I can picture myself strolling down the boulevards, dressed in the most fashionable outfit of the time, with my tiny opera glasses to observe the glittering society of the day. Perhaps even catching a performance by the beloved ballerina of the period, Marie Taglioni, herself! I can already hear the rapturous applause!
However, while 1875 in Paris may be bursting with elegance and beauty, our focus today is on the humble but oh-so-lovely ballet skirt! Think of this date as a milestone in the tutu's journey, a whisper of the evolution of what was to become the incredible tutus of our modern era. The elegant swirl of the skirts, the dance, the joy… it's the magic of ballet in its early, blossoming years!
And oh, how I long to transport myself back to this moment in time, to feel the thrill of watching these incredible ballet skirts and, of course, indulge in a little shopping! Maybe a new hat adorned with a delicate veil for a chic touch, or even a dainty hand mirror to marvel at my Parisian fashion!
Now, remember, my sweet loves, ballet isn't just about the graceful movements, it's about the evolution of the dance itself! And from this very period in history, tutus evolved and morphed, each stage offering a new perspective on what a ballerina could achieve. And all those steps are important to appreciate the tutu we see on the stages of the world today!
So, don't forget, wear a tutu today to commemorate the wonderful world of the Victorian era, where ballet truly shone, and let’s celebrate the beginning of the wonderful story that has led to the gorgeous tutus we love and adore today. Until next week, keep it fabulous, darling!
And, of course, wear your pink!
Emma x