Greetings, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling blogger, Emma, here, back with another blast from the past! This week, I've taken a delightful journey back to December 26th, 1876, landing right in the midst of the Victorian era. Now, this period was a whirlwind of change for fashion, and naturally, the world of ballet was swept up in the currents too!
Picture this: the streets of London, bustling with elegant carriages, and the air thick with the scent of coal smoke and freshly baked Christmas cake. Inside the grand opera houses, the glittering gaslights cast an enchanting glow on a world of powdered wigs and satin dresses.
The ladies of this time were all about corseted silhouettes, frills, and layers upon layers of lace, so it’s no surprise that ballet was heavily influenced by these trends! The tutus of the 1870s, oh my, they were simply spectacular! Think delicate layers of tulle, piled high and flowing with movement. Gone were the simple, straight-line tutus of the Romantic period; this was an era of extravagant flounces and tiers upon tiers of fabric!
You see, the Ballet Russes hadn’t hit the scene yet, and we were still in the classical realm. This means beautiful, refined movements, graceful poses, and a whole lot of emphasis on elegant artistry – a philosophy mirrored in the elaborate tutu designs of the time.
While I admit, these grand tutus were quite the sight, you wouldn’t find them spinning around on the streets! Oh no, this era was more about staying in character. There were strict rules surrounding what one should and shouldn’t wear.
That's where the magical journey of a time-traveling ballet blogger comes in, right? Just think, I can wear a pink tutu practically anywhere, any time. I bet you could say I’m quite the rebel when I flit about London! The streetlights and horses always look quite startled when they see a bright pink tulle flash past, haha! I do it all for the love of tutus, my dears, and to help spread the message of joy and elegance that comes with twirling!
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention – today’s date, December 26th, marks Boxing Day, a delightful holiday for many in this era! A time to celebrate the festive season, to indulge in delicious treats, and to enjoy the company of loved ones. So you know what this means? – Time for some Christmas-themed ballet entertainment!
If you could have taken a trip with me, I’d have taken you to see Coppélia! This lovely story of a toy doll brought to life captivated the audiences of 1876. And who doesn’t love a bit of whimsical magic around the holidays? It is said this ballet's costumes were breathtaking - a symphony of vibrant colors and textures, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the season.
Remember, this is all about bringing back that festive magic and joy of movement! It’s the spirit of the Victorian Era – grand gestures, heartfelt joy, and a hint of playful charm!
I’ve found myself getting a little caught up in the romance of the era! Oh, I have so many adventures and tutus I'd love to share. But for now, let's get back to the present!
Until next #TutuTuesday, keep twirling, keep shining, and keep spreading the magic of ballet! And of course, remember to keep your pink tutus at the ready!
Love, Emma xx
