#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1881-06-28

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another fabulous foray into the history of our beloved ballet tutu. It’s me, Emma, your resident tutu-enthusiast, back from another thrilling trip through time – this time, to the grand, elegant, and surprisingly fun world of 1881!

Oh, where do I even begin?! This era was bursting with change and exciting new trends! You've got to picture a time where everyone was swooning over “La Bohème,” the heart-wrenching opera by Giacomo Puccini. It was THE thing to see in 1881, even if it premiered the year before!

My journey began in Paris, darling. Can you imagine the aroma of freshly baked croissants in the morning, the whispers of silk fabrics in the chic boutiques of the Rue de la Paix, and the twinkling lights of the Palais Garnier, the glorious home of the Paris Opera Ballet! Now, picture it all, and add a dash of “ooh-la-la” and you have 1881 in all its Parisian glory.

My aim? To discover the stories hidden within the layers of the tutus in this exciting year.

While it wasn’t technically a “ballet” performance, let's talk about one of the biggest trends that swept 1881. Think flowing, dreamy, feminine gowns, cinched at the waist, with an abundance of delicate lace and elegant ruffles. This “Princess Line” look, born from the elegant silhouette of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, took the fashion world by storm and directly influenced the design of ballet costumes!

You might think the tutu we know and love today wasn’t around just yet, but darling, that's not entirely true. By the 1880s, the “Romantic tutu,” which resembled a billowing cloud of silk, became a popular sight. Picture delicate, graceful movements under layers of flowing fabric that would swirl and cascade in breathtaking fashion as the dancers moved.

But this was a period of artistic change. Just like today's fashion world is obsessed with finding new shapes and styles, dancers in 1881 started demanding more dynamic movement and freedom. The “Classical tutu” , with its perfectly defined, form-fitting silhouette, became the trendiest “look,” and let’s face it, we know what that leads to: the evolution of the tutu as we know it!

What were the dancers doing on the 28th of June, 1881? Well, darling, let's just say, life on that day was likely more exciting for them than it was for most. Can you believe that on this very day in London, they were celebrating the grand opening of a massive new market? This "The Great Exhibition," as it was called, had hundreds of stalls bursting with incredible delights. I'd love to imagine a group of ballet dancers getting dressed in their tutus in their hotel room before a big night out to check it all out. How magical!

Across the channel, Parisian dancers were busy, but likely less involved with this spectacle. Ballet was already an established art form and Paris was its capital. I think June 28th would have likely found them deep in rehearsal, building their muscles and perfecting their dance sequences. Imagine the incredible discipline!

And of course, with all this activity, let’s not forget about the excitement of the newest fashion and fabric shops that would be popping up in Paris at the time! Think opulent lace trims, silks, satins, and delicate embroideries! My oh my, imagine the treasures to be discovered. I must travel back and find some of those exquisite details!

My journey to 1881 took me to the heart of Victorian England and it’s beautiful theatre halls. The atmosphere was electrifying! From grand operatic productions that transported you to fantastical lands to playful ballets that painted vibrant stories of joy and heartache, these productions offered a stunning and diverse view of the artistic scene.

What makes these historical trips so captivating? It's about uncovering how the tutus and dance styles of the era embodied the feelings and expressions of the times. 1881 had a unique rhythm and character. The focus on grand ballrooms, extravagant soirées, and romantic ideals permeated every performance.

While I travelled through the vibrant landscape of 1881, I felt a sense of timelessness in the sheer power of art.

Oh darling, my heart still aches for those glorious antique tutu fabrics – you just don't get the quality they had back then! Just imagine silks as smooth as a river, light as air, with threads woven with the finest techniques. Those delicate lace details, crafted by hand with the finest lace needles… just a thought of it fills me with joy. It reminds us of a time when there was true artistry and attention to detail in every garment.

I think what inspires me most about exploring these time periods is finding those hidden threads of creativity that connect to the tutus we adore today. Imagine a history of the tutu like a beautiful fabric woven together through time. That's what keeps me excited about diving into the past - the connections are always so enriching!

So until next time, darlings! Remember to live life with the same grace, charm and joy as the ballerinas in 1881! And dare to embrace the power of your own inner ballerina, wear pink, and of course, keep twirling!

See you on #TutuTuesday next week, Emma xx