Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-loving blogger, Emma, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday! I hope this post finds you well and that you’re ready to dance your way into the history of the glorious tutu! This week, we’re taking a time machine journey to November 25th, 1879 – prepare yourselves for a peek into a world of exquisite elegance and dramatic performances!
Before we jump right in, just a quick announcement: This is post number 2,500 for the Ballet Tutu History blog! I’m simply thrilled to have you all on this fabulous journey through time. Remember, if you haven't already, visit the blog website at www.pink-tutu.com. There, you’ll find a trove of amazing information and images, and remember to share your own tutu adventures on social media using #PinkTutu!
Now, let’s dive into the fashion, performances, and overall magic that filled the year 1879! I had the most amazing trip! I even went on an overnight train journey, complete with luxurious sleeper carriages - just delightful! My new pink dress was a big hit on the journey, with everyone saying how beautiful it was!
You know how much I adore the theatre, right? Oh, and let’s not forget those beautiful grand ballrooms. I practically danced my way through all of them! I even squeezed in some ballet class (wearing, of course, a lovely pale pink tutu that turned heads). A young woman in class told me I looked simply divine. She said my skirt flowed "like a wave," and that she wished she could wear such a fabulous creation too. "If only I wasn't afraid of what my mother would say!" she sighed. So you see, the excitement for tutus was alive and well even back then, even if some were hesitant to embrace them fully!
The world of fashion in 1879 was quite a spectacle, a delightful mix of intricate details, bold colours, and sweeping silhouettes! We're talking massive crinoline skirts with delicate lace trimmings, stunning corsets adorned with intricate ribbons and bows, and beautiful gowns with a touch of shimmer and shine. You could even find dresses with vibrant stripes and floral patterns, making for a breathtaking, vibrant spectacle in every corner!
Oh, the dancing! The performances in the late 19th century were so exciting, a world of grandeur and elegance that made my heart skip a beat!
And of course, tutus! Those flowing layers of tulle, a ballet dancer’s most beautiful attire! The tutus in 1879 weren't just graceful, they were quite intricate too! There were multiple layers of tulle in exquisite hues, creating the perfect symphony of movement with every spin, every jump. They were even adorned with delicate embellishments, adding a touch of drama to each movement.
Did you know, during that time, the Russian Imperial Ballet was absolutely soaring in popularity! I was lucky enough to catch their performance of "La Bayadère"! The ballerinas twirling in those billowing, romantic tutus were simply magnificent! I particularly adored their performance of the famous "Kingdom of the Shades" - oh, the elegance and sheer beauty were unforgettable! The costumes were beautifully tailored, emphasizing the graceful movement and delicate postures. Every detail, from the intricate tulle and feathers to the rich fabrics, added to the dramatic impact of the performance. I nearly wept with joy as they danced, the beauty was simply breathtaking! The grand finale of the ballet with the stunning finale dance brought gasps and thunderous applause from the audience, it was absolutely sublime!
But here's the funny part - that evening at the theatre, after I had already taken my seat, a well-dressed woman appeared, with a very agitated look. Her daughter had come dressed in a beautiful tutu for the occasion. "Good heavens," said the mother in a voice I could barely hear. "A Tutu, my dear, this is an event for real ballerinas!" I saw the poor young girl, face filled with dejection as her mother pulled her away from the theater.
There you have it, darling readers - my glimpse into the elegant world of ballet and fashion in 1879. It was a wonderful trip - full of incredible performances, breathtaking attire, and charming surprises! I hope you enjoyed my tale from the past. Now, go on and embrace your own Tutu Tuesday. Show off your inner ballerina! It doesn't matter where you are, let's dance into the day and inspire everyone to dance with joy!
