Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away to another era of dance history! This week, we're hopping aboard the express train to the glorious Victorian era, landing smack-dab in the heart of 5th August 1879! Now, picture this: cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and ladies sporting the most fabulous bonnets – talk about an elegant setting, wouldn't you agree?
It's not just the fashion that's got me smitten. We're stepping into a period when ballet was blossoming into a national treasure, and this is truly thrilling! Forget the fluffy, knee-length tutus of today - back in 1879, ballerinas were dancing in magnificent, billowing, and very long tutus. Imagine, skirts cascading to the floor like shimmering waterfalls! Just the thought of it makes me want to twirl!
This week in history, our stage was alight with the breathtaking performances of the Imperial Russian Ballet. Their performances were simply divine, leaving audiences spellbound with their impeccable technique and enchanting artistry. From the ethereal grace of the dancers to the elaborate costumes and mesmerizing music, the Victorian era offered a symphony of spectacle, which, by all accounts, made a true statement about its cultural development!
Speaking of stunning outfits, imagine the thrill of slipping on a lavish satin and lace costume crafted with meticulous detail. And the sheer abundance of layers! You could tell that much time and artistry went into creating the looks of these Victorian ballerinas – true masters of their craft! It's no wonder that ballet became a social spectacle, with the upper crust gathering to marvel at these performances, and they all had their own personal dress code! The gents were rocking formal suits with pristine hats, while the ladies dazzled in luxurious gowns, and yes, of course, it was all very fancy.
"Fancy," you say, "Emma, how could one find a costume that would suit such a setting? My dear, fear not! Even though it's the past, the vintage stores are bursting with these wonderful designs, ready to transport you straight into a Victorian ballet fantasy! Why not grab a stunning Victorian lace scarf, pair it with your own pink tutu, and channel your inner ballerina in your next dance class? I daresay it would be quite a statement!**
Don't you love how history is teeming with inspiration for our love of dance and fashion? It really is something special to understand where our tutus originated!
Next week, my lovelies, we're travelling to an even more fascinating time! Be sure to pop by www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday, when we'll delve into the evolution of the Tutu! But before I go, do take a moment to check out the incredible photos I found for this blog – they are the real treat! Let me know in the comments what you think! I always love to hear from you lovely dancers! Until then, remember, be your own tutu princess and have a fabulous week!
Yours in ballet,
Emma 💖
P.S. And remember, never stop believing in the power of a pink tutu to brighten even the dullest of days!
Photos included in the post:
A beautiful, intricate Victorian ballet costume design from 1879.
A drawing of a scene from the Imperial Russian Ballet performance.
A black-and-white photograph of Victorian ladies dressed to the nines for a ballet performance.
A modern dancer with a bright pink tutu holding a Victorian scarf and looking confidently at the camera.
Hashtags used:
TutuTuesday, #BalletHistory, #VictorianBallet, #PinkTutu, #BalletLove, #DanceHistory, #FashionHistory, #DanceLife, #TimeTravel, #PinkLove