Hello darlings!
Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-wearing time-traveling guide to the fascinating history of our beloved ballet garb! It’s another #TutuTuesday and this week I’m stepping back into the thrilling era of 1876. Now, as you know, time-travel isn’t always a waltz in the park, but it's all for the sake of spreading the joy and understanding of our favourite fabric! And it seems, even back in the Victorian era, a real buzz was circulating around the tutu, believe it or not!
London Calling!
This week I've landed in London, a city buzzing with the Victorian energy, and of course, the vibrant energy of ballet. You wouldn’t believe the fashionable crowd I met at the Royal Opera House. Honestly, they're just as style conscious as us, even with those corsets and big bustles! And speaking of bustling, imagine my delight to find that tutus weren’t just for dancing – no, my dears, these little beauties were popping up everywhere! You’d spot them adorning young ladies as they strolled through Hyde Park, or at garden parties, and even featured on elaborate hats! A real touch of ballerinal magic in everyday life! It's like our tutu is a fashion whisper, a sweet little "Oh la la, look at me, I'm graceful!" everywhere it goes.
The Power of Pink
Now, 1876 was a little early for the explosion of the pink tutu, but I couldn't help but add my personal touch – a lovely rose-pink, fluffy confection for the occasion! My presence caused a tiny stir, I admit, but who wouldn’t be delighted by a burst of pink whirlwind amidst the blacks and greys of the era! A lovely gentleman even compared me to a "cherry blossom" fluttering in the wind – which I took as the highest compliment, darlings!
What’s Hot in 1876?
Did you know this year saw the groundbreaking invention of the telephone? That’s right, my darlings! You could literally talk across the miles – just imagine the chatter it caused! In the world of ballet, Marie Taglioni was still the icon. Her effortless, ethereal movement redefined dance, inspiring a generation of ballerinas, including the dazzling Anna Pavlova, a name you'll be hearing a lot from me, especially next year. She’ll be the “Belle of the Ball” in our tutu history!
Travelling to Ballet:
To reach this Victorian wonder, I took a grand railway adventure! Such glorious train travel. Imagine carriages decked in plush velvets, a gentle "chuff chuff" from the engine as we glide through rolling English countryside! It was utterly charming – a true fairy-tale setting! I met a delightful young gentleman who, upon learning of my tutu mission, said “You’ll make a fine debutante,” which I consider quite a success in this time period!
The Power of Inspiration
This Tuesday has filled me with a deeper love for this fashion fabric. Seeing the "tu-tu" pop up in such unexpected ways truly showcases its beauty and versatility! I always say: there is no place or time where a pink tutu can’t add a touch of ballet magic! I hope this little glimpse into 1876 has inspired you! Next Tuesday, we travel further down the timeline, so stay tuned and make sure to keep those twirls and flourishes alive!
Stay gorgeous and keep on twirling!
Yours in pink and tutus,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #BalletHistory #VictorianFashion
