Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and chronicler of all things ballet. And today, as usual, we're diving into the fascinating world of tutu history, journeying back in time to the year 1876!
Can you imagine? Gaslights casting their warm glow over the streets, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from corner shops, and ladies wearing elaborate gowns that would make even a modern-day fashionista swoon! It's a period I adore exploring. It's just so... romantic.
But before we get to the tutus themselves, let's talk about a special date: February 29th. Ah, Leap Year! An extra day of fun and frolic! If you happen to be celebrating in London this year, be sure to check out a matinee performance of the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden. Their interpretation of Swan Lake is always breathtaking.
Speaking of Covent Garden, this was the place to be in 1876. Ballet was becoming increasingly popular in Britain, especially among the fashionable set. Imagine! Seeing ladies with their fans fluttering in the air, whispering amongst themselves as the delicate ballerinas pirouette across the stage! It's no wonder my ancestors, the early romantics of the 19th century, adored ballet. It was just so elegant.
And what about tutus? Well, this was the era when tutus began evolving from the frilly, romantic "Romantic Tutus" of the early 1800s into the longer, more intricate creations we know and love. Think of graceful dancers like Marie Taglioni in their flowing, tiered skirts, just waiting to take flight! Imagine the sheer joy of seeing them move!
The Romantic tutu, even with all of its elaborate decorations and the wonderful shape, didn’t exactly show off the movements. These designs were all about grace and loveliness, and weren't yet as flexible as they later became. Thankfully, the focus started to change in 1876. There was more interest in allowing the dancers to actually show off what they could do. You know me. I just love movement!
Remember, tutus were a major fashion statement during the Victorian era, symbolizing femininity, grace and artistry. Why? Because, just as a fashion designer must use textiles to express what she loves about her designs, dancers used tutus to express their skill. What’s more fashionable than talent?
But what were the materials they used back then? Cotton and silk, of course, along with yards of tulle. It would take a whole team of talented seamstresses to create a single tutu. It's amazing to think of all the time and effort that went into creating these intricate garments.
The 1870s saw a definite move toward more elaborate decorations in tutus as well, incorporating everything from lace and sequins to feathers and ribbons. Even embroidery. And a large variety of fabrics - gauze and velvet too! I'm just picturing all the shimmering embellishments and delicate textures – talk about tutu glamour!
One trend that started to emerge during this time is what I like to call "The Flourish." It involved a whole lot of pleating, with beautiful soft layers billowing outwards. Can you imagine twirling in a tutu with these extravagant layers of fabric flowing around you? It was just so pretty, even the colour and detail of each tutu helped create a specific story for each dance. I just love a tutu that knows how to tell a story!
It wasn’t all roses, though! The fashion world during the 1870s was going through a rapid change as they discovered a new interest in creating designs based on movement. The ballet stage was becoming a stage for serious skill and beautiful storytelling with movement! Imagine all those new ways to express yourself! Just think what it must have been like for ballerinas then, constantly developing new ways to express the movement. A ballet performance back then was truly a unique spectacle of fashion, movement and story.
It’s almost time to go, but let's do a quick roundup! So, here are a few of the key things to remember about tutus in 1876:
- They were starting to evolve into more dynamic, figure-hugging designs.
- They were elaborately embellished with beautiful layers and ribbons, reflecting the grand era.
- And they became an iconic symbol of both fashion and grace in the 19th century.
Of course, these historical shifts just paved the way for even more dramatic, elaborate, and dazzling tutus later down the line. Which leads me to say… stay tuned! We’ve got more history to dive into in the weeks to come. Next time we’re taking a look at the history of the tutu into the Victorian era. And oh boy, that one’s going to be pretty spectacular!
As always, remember to share your love for tutus with the world! I'm sure that at least one of your friends is just waiting to have the chance to express their own personality and dance-loving spirit with a pink tutu. The more we can encourage everyone to join in with this amazing community the better! Don't forget to follow #TutuTuesday and keep twirling those lovely, fashionable, tulle wonders!
Love and Tutus,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
