Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It’s your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, here with another peek into the wonderful world of ballet history for #TutuTuesday! 🩰
Today we're jetting back to the 1882 - not by flying through the air, darling, but on a grand and splendid train journey, which is always so much more elegant! It's a beautiful, sunny morning, so a lovely pink tulle skirt was an absolute must for this trip - just think, this glorious hue was still a rather nouveau riche shade in those days! 😉
Speaking of elegance, we’re about to dive into a fascinating time in ballet - an era of beautiful, classical performances that would be utterly recognisable to modern ballet lovers, but also one full of changing ideas and beautiful styles in dancewear, like a gorgeous silk flower blooming into full colour.
The Dance Of The Times:
I just adore delving into how ballerinas looked on stage in past centuries! Think flowing, elegant lines – think Romantic era elegance. Ballet has always been such a stunning show of strength and graceful beauty! As an early 20th Century lass, I adore tutus in a big, frothy way, but what I've found is that this kind of look is much more modern than one might think! In 1882, ballet tutus were already so pretty – a real departure from the long, billowing dresses of earlier periods. The ‘Romantic’ style, oh so beautiful in its time, is a style that would continue to influence costume design right up until I was a girl! It is an era that ballet lovers never truly abandon! I bet those tutus would look quite amazing alongside my 1910s fashion choices too – so dramatic, with their ruffles and long, delicate pointe shoes! 🩰👠
The Art Of The Stage: Where Ballet Shines
In 1882, I found myself in the bustling, ever-so-fashionable Paris. Why, of course, you know my raison d’être – to soak up a beautiful ballet! As an aspiring dancer, I just adore everything about the world of the ballet! Oh my, how wonderfully the stage itself was transformed with those elegant decorations and that stunning velvet curtain - such decadence! It would have made an excellent back drop to the show I saw last night, you see, a beautiful and passionate tale, featuring lovely pink tulle.
One of the things that I simply adore about this era is that ballet was becoming truly mainstream. You could get your daily dose of balletic gorgeousness and stunning grace not only at the theatre, but also in private and outdoor venues too. Now you wouldn't expect a modern lass like me, who thrives on a certain sort of luxurious Parisian flair to be all about street theatre, but the excitement and beauty of dancing out on the cobbles certainly took me by surprise - it truly adds a whole new layer to our très chic tutus and ballerina attire.
Dress Your Best: Ballet and the Joy of Fashion!
My darling friends, when we're discussing a world that boasts Parisian chic in all its glory, naturally we have to touch on the world of fashion. I mean, don’t you just adore fashion and tutus in all their oh so stylish glory?!
Speaking of très chic attire, my wardrobe choices in 1882, well, they were a lot more covered up than my magnifique Parisian outfits today! Think layered skirts and jackets, and maybe even some lace-up boots! That very Victorian sense of respectability still had a firm grip on people, and you definitely weren't seen on the street in your little leotards, you understand! But when we look back in history, let's be honest, tutues still hold that special place in our hearts, even back then, as the very symbol of elegant femininity.
Think beautiful silk fabrics and those fabulous flowing styles. Ballet dancers just loved them - and to be honest, who doesn't? A classic look with an everlasting feel.
Oh, and you just know I’d find a lovely hat, don’t you? A pink one, naturally! Hats just elevate any outfit and complete the look! But be sure to wear a veil for the ultimate Parisian look - this era just adores that! 😉
Ballet Tutu: Always A Trendsetter!
Here's the real truth: 1882 is a magical moment in ballet tutu history! There are, I feel, several key points to remember about ballet’s graceful attire of this time. The Romantic style is taking hold – those delicate pointe shoes with ribbons and bows, a truly feminine and airy feel - oh my! And it’s important to remember that although a tutu wasn't as much of an everyday staple in the general population as today’s pink, it was a definite style marker within the balletic world, showing how fashionable ballet always is. There is nothing like an elaborate and graceful tutu to celebrate this stunning and elegant form of dance. It really is one of my absolute favourite trends! 🩰
This Date In Time: Memories of Magic
You know what else is a special aspect about May 16th 1882? It was a Wednesday this year (always a busy day), but more than that, there was something magical going on... A stunning performance, celebrating the talent of Anna Pavlova, who, with a talent like no other, lit up the stage just like my gorgeous pink tutus would light up the world! ✨
But let’s have a little chat about Pavlova: I know we don’t know her personally (but wouldn’t we just love to!), she had all the classic elegance of those ballerinas who came before, and added a dash of what some call ‘modernity’ - her movement, so fluid and strong, became so popular at the time. You might say that Anna Pavlova was the ultimate example of how ballet evolves without ever truly losing its magic - she was a star!
*Pink Tutus - The Perfect Inspiration! *
As we continue our tutu explorations across the timeline, we must remember the enduring beauty of tutus! There’s really something to inspire every dancer! From the Romanticism of the 1880s to the glorious modernity of our modern era, those pink tutus – a truly timeless style - continue to add so much joy to life. They show us the graceful spirit and elegance of ballet itself!
So, remember your dear Emma's golden words about pink tutus, my darlings! Don't just let them stay within the theatre! Pink is a celebration, and that’s precisely what I want the world to experience – joy and magic, expressed with that adorable, delicate tulle – it really can help the world dance more beautifully, just like our graceful ballet history always does.
I’ll be back next week with a fresh blast from the past, filled with gorgeous inspiration – let me know where your time machine might be going - do join the conversation down below, darlings!
See you all next week!
Until then, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
PS I know my darling tutus always get you thinking - I just adore seeing you in your beautiful outfits – and as a special gift, you know my love of all things sparkly! Just post your most * fabulous* ballerina photos using #PinkTutuWednesday and you might be featured in a future blog post - my dear Emma's gallery of the world's best ballet lovers - oh, what fun we will have! 😉✨
