#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1877-07-17

Bonjour mes amis! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and tutu-tastic! This Tuesday, I'm taking us on a whirl through time to the year 1877 – the year that Victorian fashion was in full swing and the world of ballet was bursting with beauty and grace!

Before we go, grab a glass of sparkling water and a slice of pink cake – we’ve got a journey to go on!

Now, picture it – London. A magnificent city with grand theaters buzzing with excitement and the streets echoing with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages. Imagine stepping out in my frilly pink tutu and being whisked away to the London Pavilion, where ballet was enjoying a moment of absolute glamour!

The dancers, clad in graceful, flowing costumes, with skirts of shimmering silk and tulle, captivated audiences with their artistry and athleticism. They moved like swans on the stage, each step a story told with captivating fluidity and grace.

But hold your horses! While the dancers may have been dazzling in their gowns, there was no such thing as the tutu as we know it today!

You see, those delicate, voluminous skirts weren’t yet named a “tutu”! And in 1877, a dance costume in the classical style was called a ‘dancing dress’ or a ‘tulle dress’. This was the age of Romantic ballet, which had started earlier in the century and involved long skirts for the ladies to help them move with beautiful fluid steps across the stage, just like the waves of the sea. They did, however, begin to wear tutus later in the century.

If I had to travel to the London Pavilion, I’d take my lovely pink 19th-century style tutu that’s made of tulle that ends just above my knees. Of course, there wouldn’t be any tights like the modern day ones, but my delicate feet would look absolutely stunning in dancing shoes with satin ribbons.

This era of ballet also gave rise to some of the most iconic stories we know and love – like the tragic yet beautiful "Giselle" and "Swan Lake", with its graceful swan-like movements. The stage design in those days would have been exquisite too. Lush velvet curtains would have framed the scene, and glittering chandeliers would have bathed the entire space in a magical, ethereal light. I wouldn't have been able to resist purchasing an exquisitely embroidered evening cape, and possibly a pearl necklace, too. It was all very opulent. Oh, what I wouldn't give to have a vintage wardrobe from those days. Even my travel bag would need a touch of embroidery or lace and the perfect place for this trip would have been a wonderful steam train that goes through the beautiful countryside of England and has plenty of room for my suitcase!

So, that's a glimpse into the world of ballet in 1877, my dear fashionistas! A time when dance, elegance, and theatrical beauty went hand-in-hand. While the word 'tutu' wasn’t used then, the love of beauty and movement was as vibrant and alive as ever. But, of course, there are all sorts of beautiful dresses to be worn on stage and at the ballet, and they all look spectacular to me.

Now, go and tell me about your favourite ballerina and what you are wearing for your #TutuTuesday. Don’t forget to show off your pictures on social media, hashtag #pinktutu – remember the world needs to be a pink and sparkly place! Until next time, remember that beauty knows no boundaries and the dance goes on!

Oh! Just one more thing! Did you know that the London Pavilion Theatre still exists today in London, but is now used for the “Ministry of Sound” music club, just a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace. If you want to go on your own #TutuTuesday time travelling adventure, why not jump on the train to London and explore! I bet the dance vibe in the theatre will be something to experience. I might have a #TutuThursday outing myself. Let’s get creative and enjoy everything around us!

P.S. Just for the fun of it, this Tuesday I'll be dressing in the 1877 ballerina fashion of flowing silks and shimmering tulle in an array of rich and luxurious colours that would fit right into a Romantic ballet performance. Oh, I have the perfect outfit in mind!

I’ll be back next Tuesday with a fabulous new post about ballet history - be sure to check back for your weekly dose of tutu-tastic fun!