#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1879-01-21

Welcome back, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's me, Emma, your resident pink-tutu-loving, time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another journey through the fascinating history of the tutu! This week, we're stepping back to January 21st, 1879. It’s a date brimming with intriguing stories about dance and fashion!

Now, I know you're probably wondering how on earth I'm back in the past again. Let's just say that after another spellbinding performance at the Royal Opera House (you should see the costume I'm wearing – a vibrant scarlet, adorned with intricate gold embroidery!) my time-traveling gizmo malfunctioned, and poof! Here I am, back in the Victorian era!

But let's be honest, my dearest readers, a time-travel mishap wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the unfortunate lack of tutu availability! You see, in 1879, the tutu we know and adore today is just starting to emerge as a staple in ballet. The graceful and ethereal silhouette, which we all admire so much, is still very much under construction, darling!

Let's journey back to 1879 and see what a ballerina's wardrobe looked like back then. Now, if you’ve seen pictures of Victorian ballet, it’s easy to mistake them for ball gowns. Yes, even in ballet, Victorian style dictated the attire. Think floor-length skirts, heavy layers, and cumbersome petticoats. Imagine pirouetting in such a concoction! Thankfully, things are changing, and the stage is ripe for innovation.

Now, back to January 21st, 1879! As I explore the Victorian capital of London, I discover that a little known gem of a production was in its last stages. On that day, the Covent Garden theatre presented "The Last Days of Pompeii". Can you believe? That is an incredible topic for a ballet! Not a frivolous piece about ballerinas frolicking in flower gardens. This show demanded powerful, intense, emotive movement! The dancers, though clad in somewhat voluminous attire, probably wore shorter skirts than we would have imagined, perfect for dramatic, expansive movements!

But back to tutus, my darlings. What little tu-tu-ness existed in the ballet world at this time is evolving thanks to none other than Marius Petipa, a legendary choreographer and influencer in the world of ballet fashion! Petipa, working in Russia, is credited with pushing the boundaries of ballet choreography. His use of shorter tutus for his ballerinas emphasized a new style of movement – more dramatic and technically complex. Imagine a swirl of graceful limbs, a flourish of intricate steps, and the tutu's movement emphasizes these exciting steps, like an extension of the dancer's body. The idea is catching on across Europe. You can already see the birth of the ballet world as we know it!

Speaking of inspiring dance stories, while exploring Victorian London, I encountered the delightful spectacle of Madame Angiolina's troupe. Oh, they are amazing! This impressive troupe of French ballet dancers performed in an array of dresses which looked like a dream come true! Imagine shimmering sequins, dazzling embroidery, and flowing fabrics. Now imagine all this beautifully structured and exquisitely crafted into eye-catching, colorful costumes, like those worn by the stars at a dazzling Viennese ball! This company presented "La Somnambula", another piece which really uses the dance and the stage, pushing the art towards drama and excitement.

Now, let me share my discoveries with you. Here are some delightful fashion tips for this week.

1. A Little Lace Makes a Big Difference: The Victorians loved a touch of lace, and this element adds such romance to any outfit! Think of some delicate lace accents around the neck, or even a touch of lace on the edge of your tutu!
2. Embellishments are Your Friend: You can’t have a Tutu Tuesday without embellishments! Try adorning your pink tutu with some sequins or glittering beads. Think feathers and a scattering of pearls for a truly regal look. You're all set for a dazzling appearance at your next dance performance! And if you’re dancing in 1879, be sure your dress has plenty of flowing material! Be sure it moves freely!

Until next time, my lovely ballet lovers. Let’s keep on dancing and sharing our love for the glorious world of ballet, all thanks to the tutu!

Emma xx

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