Hello, darling dears! Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, ready to take you on a trip back to the golden age of ballet! 🚂 Today, we’re diving into the world of the tutu, celebrating the elegance, the grace, the pure joy of this iconic garment!
And where better to start than October 18th, 1881, a date steeped in history – at least for our story! This was a time when ballet was flourishing across the globe, with Parisian grandeur influencing everything from dance steps to, of course, those fabulous costumes.
So, picture this, darlings: the year is 1881. Imagine a world of gaslight, horse-drawn carriages, and a flurry of ruffles! The tutus, oh the tutus! The most fashionable of Parisian dancers wore those exquisite tulle skirts, barely touching the ground, like billows of shimmering fairy dust. These skirts, crafted with such delicate craftsmanship, were made from multiple layers of fine, sheer netting – each layer a subtle caress of air, like a whisper of ethereal elegance.
But here’s the kicker – these tutus weren't all the same! The trend for those “layered look” skirts wasn’t established yet, and we can find dancers with those romantic and swirling skirts, just one layer, creating the feeling of delicate flight.
Oh, my dears, the magic of these tutus was absolutely mesmerizing! They added a touch of fairytale to the art form, bringing a feeling of weightlessness to even the most difficult of pirouettes. Imagine twirling in a tutu that looks like a cloud! Doesn't that just sound divine? 🥰
Did you know that around this time, tutus were slowly transitioning from the classic ‘pancake tutu’ style to something more elegant, flowy, and dramatically enchanting? This era is like the beginning of the romanticism of tutus as we know it today, all wispy tulle and gentle swishing. ✨
So what’s happening in our little slice of ballet history on October 18th, 1881? Let’s dive in, my dears, because history can be surprisingly glamorous!
First, a lovely train journey for us, perhaps to Paris to see one of the finest productions, or even across the English Channel to the vibrant city of London. Imagine! Those comfy compartments with plush velvet seating, windows steaming with the whispers of steam from the engine. You can almost hear the rhythm of the train in the clattering wheels.
Now, imagine arriving in London! London in the 1880s, a world of elegant ladies in bustling markets and handsome gentlemen taking leisurely strolls. But we're going somewhere special: the magnificent Covent Garden theatre. Ah, my darlings, the majestic arches, the vibrant red seats, the whispers of excited audience anticipation – I’ve never felt a thrill like it!
Tonight, there's a ballet show to die for. It's Giselle, one of the great Romantic ballets (and yes, the romanticism in dance around that time is reflected in these exquisite costumes!), full of haunting melody, forbidden love, and a hint of the supernatural. You can picture the ballerina on the stage, swathed in white tulle—that dreamy, romantic, effortless kind of ballerina—moving with the grace of a lily in the wind against the beautiful stage setting.
Afterward, maybe we'll take a charming stroll through Hyde Park, soaking in the fresh London air.
And of course, a delicious dinner! Imagine feasting on steaks, roasted chicken, delicate tarts, and a glass of crisp, chilled champagne. The joy of being part of that exquisite world! 🥂
This, my darling dears, is what ballet history is all about – a time of exquisite beauty and graceful artistry. Imagine a world where the tutu reigns supreme, and where every twirl and every leap carries a hint of magical enchantment. 💖
So, let's bring that magic into our own lives, darlings! What better way to celebrate the history of the tutu than to put on your own beautiful pink tutu, and twirl your cares away?
Join me on #TutuTuesday – it's time to wear your heart on your tutu, and spread the love of this amazing form of art and history!
See you next week, darlings, with more stories and inspiration from the world of the tutu! ✨
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com for weekly doses of tutu-licious history and fashion! 💖
