Hello, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your personal time-travelling fashion correspondent, and this is #TutuTuesday, post number 2549!
I've just been back from another exhilarating journey through time! This time, I've been whisked away to the elegant and enchanting world of London, England, in 1880. Can you imagine? Just picture those horse-drawn carriages, the grand Victorian houses, and the glimmer of gaslights in the crisp evening air!
This week, we're delving into the world of the Ballet Tutu in the late Victorian era, and believe me, it's fascinating! Of course, I made sure to pack my own shimmering pink tutu – how could I resist? Even in 1880, it drew quite a bit of attention!
So, what did the ladies on the ballet stage look like? Well, the first thing I noticed was that the tutus were very much in line with the Victorian ideal of elegance and decorum.
Imagine a beautifully detailed and structured tutu made from several layers of fine tulle, sometimes layered with silk or satin. It's not the impossibly short tutu we associate with ballet today; these tutus were slightly longer, reaching mid-thigh. This gave the dancers a graceful, feminine silhouette while still allowing for freedom of movement, and oh, the dancing was captivating!
What really stood out to me was the use of colour. Imagine, dear readers, a flurry of soft pinks, delicate blues, and the most enchanting shades of emerald green. There was a vibrancy in these colour choices that brought the dance stories to life. It reminded me of my own obsession with pink!
Now, the design of the tutu itself was more streamlined and less flamboyant compared to later periods. We’re not quite at the tutu's height of ornamentation and theatrical exuberance yet. Imagine the famous tutu designs that we all love today - the airy, whimsical styles! In 1880, they were all about that elegant and refined look, almost like the embodiment of Victorian ideals in fabric.
However, the tutus did possess a unique flair all their own! Imagine intricate embroideries, delicate lacework, and, oh, the embellishments! Jewels, sequins, and delicate ribbons all came together to create a masterpiece. I practically melted when I saw the dazzling tutus shimmering under the stage lights!
While my 1880 London adventures weren’t entirely filled with tutus, the fashion of the time is worth a mention. The Victorian era was full of intricate details. Remember all those amazing fashion illustrations? Those intricate ruffles, the beautiful brocades, and of course, all the gorgeous accessories! Oh, I so wish I could time travel back with a few suitcases for my shopping spree! Just imagine, darling readers, me filling those suitcases with the most decadent dresses!
Oh, did I mention the hats? I've always been drawn to headwear – those exquisite hats, the magnificent bonnets and even the fancy parasols – just like those worn by elegant Victorian ladies. I felt right at home, I must confess, because the spirit of stylish elegance was so strong back then!
Of course, I just had to see a ballet performance! I’m so fortunate that on 2nd November 1880, I managed to catch a performance of The Sleeping Beauty at the Covent Garden. What an extraordinary spectacle! And, what about that lovely waltz! I swear, dear readers, I even saw some of the spectators begin to tap their feet along to the music!
I found it fascinating to observe the costumes of that era and to compare them with the styles of today! While my heart does belong to pink, and I adore the tutus of today for their artistry, the Victorian tutus hold a certain elegance that I cannot deny.
So, remember, my darlings, there's no wrong way to wear a tutu! As long as it makes you feel fabulous and ready to twirl, you’re wearing it right. Don't be afraid to express your individual style – wear it with confidence!
Oh, and by the way, did I mention how I was able to finance this little trip of mine? Well, thanks to my incredible talent for dancing (and I might add, an absolutely exquisite selection of pink tutus!), I've been able to make a few appearances in ballet performances through the ages. So, whenever I land on the stage with those enchanting tutus, the crowd’s admiration helps fuel my next time-travelling adventure!
But enough about me! I’m so interested to know – what do YOU think of the 1880s tutu styles? Tell me all about it!
I'll be back next week for another incredible #TutuTuesday! Until then, my dear readers, don’t forget to wear your tutus and live your dream. It’s time to embrace our inner ballerinas, twirl through the world, and bring a touch of joy to everything we do. Until next time!
