#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1881-11-29

Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It’s #TutuTuesday again, which means it’s time to dive back into the history of this magical garment that stole our hearts, and perhaps, a little bit of your childhood!

This week, we’re taking a delightful train ride through time, right to the heart of London in November of 1881. Oh, the thrill of the journey, and the even greater joy of the era we are about to encounter! Buckle up, my dear fashionistas, because this one’s a real treat!

Oh, my goodness! Don’t even try to tell me tutus are just for ballerinas – you wouldn't catch me in anything else for this grand Victorian occasion! I may not be whirling through a show right now (though I might be back in Derbyshire on Saturday for an impromptu performance with my dance troupe!), but oh my, wouldn’t it be glorious to perform a graceful arabesque at the Royal Opera House right now? To wear a fluffy pink tutu (with more than a few frills of course!) amidst a setting of opulence and grace – well, the thought truly takes my breath away.

But alas, it is November 1881, and the history of tutus, like everything else, is evolving! And how can we resist a bit of a waltz through the exciting happenings of the period? It’s truly delightful to step back in time to an era where dance was evolving into the art form we love today.

What is 1881 notable for, you ask? Well, just two years ago, the great Italian choreographer, Enrico Cecchetti, was in London, gracing the city with his legendary talents! He wasn't only a master dancer but an innovator, refining and influencing the technique that still informs the graceful leaps and delicate spins we see on stage today. I can just imagine a performance where a dancer leaps into the air, swirling and swirling, with their tutu a flurry of motion and elegance!

Imagine! At this moment, dancers are probably practicing hard for the upcoming ballet seasons, perfecting their movements, honing their techniques and adding to the incredible vocabulary of dance that is already being developed at the time. Think about all the dazzling routines choreographed and ready for performance – perhaps some still even involve that lovely romantic tutu silhouette, but just with a bit less ‘frill’ and a more ‘structured’ bodice? My little heart leaps with joy at the very thought of it all!

1881 - just a year or two away from the dazzling artistry of La Bayadère (that grand classical masterpiece, the setting of my own dreams! Imagine - tutus of all colors swirling beneath the dramatic lights!). And only a decade away from the beautiful and passionate Swan Lake (and the timeless, flowing tutu - oh, it’s practically begging to be replicated and worn as a statement piece). But for now, let’s dive into this specific time, and enjoy the wonder of it all.

Back then, ballerinas wore costumes with very full tutus. A beautiful contrast to the slimmed-down lines and delicate structures that we see in modern ballets (Oh! To have seen Nijinsky! Just to be in the same room!) But we have a history of magnificent costumes that deserve all our attention and celebration.

Remember my lovely little dancers, if there is one lesson we take from our journey today, it's that every era is just as glamorous and magical as the next - in its own special way. Just imagine the sheer number of costumes and tutu creations from the last century or so! Every time a new production comes along, we get to see new designs, new looks and new opportunities to make the stage just a little more beautiful. It’s truly enchanting.

Remember, darling readers - to truly understand the history of ballet is to truly understand the history of fashion and dance itself! That delicate, twirling dance is inseparable from the story of the beautiful costume that so many artists and performers put their heart and souls into creating. I always say, with a beautiful pink tutu, even the most hesitant performer feels unstoppable and powerful!

Now I have to fly, darlings, another train to catch! This time it’s off to the local antique shop in Derbyshire to see if I can’t unearth a new and fascinating Victorian piece! There is nothing quite like rummaging through vintage clothes, dreaming of days gone by - don't forget to subscribe to Pink Tutu so you don’t miss any updates or a #TutuTuesday special. And of course, tell all your friends – my ultimate goal? A world where every single one of you is dancing in pink! (Maybe that would help with the ever-growing to-do list, darling?)

Till next Tuesday, my little darlings, Emma