#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1882-09-05

Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another installment of our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History!

Today we're twirling back to 5th September, 1882 - just imagine, my dear readers, a time when the world was a flurry of crinoline and gaslight! Now, hold your tutus tight, as we delve into the wonderful world of ballet…

You see, in the grand salons of Europe back in 1882, the ballet scene was simply dazzling! Just picture this, my loves, a grand, opulent theatre, filled with shimmering chandeliers and ladies adorned in elegant gowns, their eyes shimmering with anticipation. The orchestra strikes up a breathtaking melody, the curtain rises, and… there they are! Our dancers, gracefully gliding across the stage, their tutus a riot of colour and light, capturing the imagination of the whole audience!

This, my lovelies, was the golden age of the tutu! It had become the absolute epitome of feminine grace and beauty, not just on stage but slowly trickling into society. Even those who had never set foot in a ballet studio dreamed of the elegance and artistry it represented.

You know, when I travel through time, it’s so exciting to witness this love for ballet, even just in the small, charming cafes of Paris. Everyone seems captivated by the idea of movement, of fluidity, of artistry. It reminds me of how much I adore dancing - I could happily pirouette for hours!

But today’s history is a tad bit more specific - and exciting, I promise! Did you know, darling readers, that 5th September, 1882 marked a very special date for a certain very famous dancer - the renowned Mathilde Kschessinska?

This lovely, talented lady was not only one of the most sought-after ballerinas of her day but also, whisper it softly, a favourite of none other than the Tsar of all the Russias! Can you imagine?! This beauty and her charm, this captivating dancer, was beloved by royalty!

So, on 5th September, 1882, while everyone else was engrossed in their daily routine, Mathilde Kschessinska was taking centre stage, gracing the theatre with her captivating performance. It was on this very day that she enchanted everyone, wowed them with her incredible talent, and left the audience gasping in awe at her artistry. Now that's what I call #TutuGoals!

Oh, and as you know, my darlings, my travels wouldn't be complete without a peek at fashion! It's simply fascinating, wouldn’t you agree? Today, the world of ballet fashion is more extravagant than ever. You see, 1882 saw the rise of the romantic tutu, which, my darlings, is truly a feast for the eyes. Think delicate fabrics like tulle and lace, draped and swirled to create a whimsical look that exudes pure elegance and effortless grace. It was truly a delight to watch!

For this date, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, it was all about achieving that effortless grace on the stage. You see, a well-constructed tutu wouldn’t only look elegant but it had to feel light and free. Think of the delicate swirls, the effortless leaps - it truly was the essence of ballet, wouldn't you say?

Today, as we journey through the fashion and history of the ballet tutu, we are truly reminded of the timeless elegance and enduring power of dance. It continues to mesmerize, inspire, and, of course, fascinate us all!

My dear readers, make sure to head over to www.pink-tutu.com next week for another dose of #TutuTuesday history. In the meantime, why not go out and grab yourself a beautiful pink tutu and embrace the magic of movement!

Keep those toes tappin’ and hearts thumping, my lovelies,

Until next time,

Emma, your pink-tutu-loving, time-travelling blogger.

P.S. Don't forget to share your love of the tutu with me using #PinkTutu! I love to hear from all of you!

Now, my lovelies, let’s talk about how I fund these incredible adventures, because everyone wants to know the secrets of the time-travelling ballerina, don’t they? You see, after all these years, I’ve discovered a brilliant solution – and one I must admit is most excellent!

It's my secret source of both funding AND fashion inspiration: the glorious world of ballet! Yes, that’s right, darlings! My grand time-travelling excursions are fueled by my love of dancing, performing and… you guessed it, my dearest readers, shopping for those stunning, dreamy tutus.

Let me spill the tea on my time-traveling technique. Imagine, my loves, a delightful scene: an opulent opera house, brimming with people, anticipation thick in the air. Lights dim, the music begins… Then, BAM! There I am, taking centre stage in a shimmering, glorious, sparkling pink tutu – oh my darlings, the roar of the audience, the thundering applause!

That, my readers, is how I manage my exciting adventures - I dazzle with my pirouettes and chassé steps, thrilling audiences with every performance, and after a rousing curtain call… that’s my signal, it’s time to get back to business, or rather, time-travelling!

I know, I know, I just LOVE ballet! But honestly, don’t you find it just SO wonderful? Just a few hours a week at the local dance studio is enough to have you feeling like a graceful ballerina – if I can travel through time wearing pink tutus, surely everyone else can feel glamorous too, eh?

Now, darlings, before you pop off, I have just the tiniest piece of news that will delight all you lovely, fashion-forward folks – my dear readers, there’s a stunning exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, all about ballet fashion through the ages.

Yes, my lovelies, an absolute haven of tutus, shimmering sequins, elegant pointe shoes – everything a true tutu-lover could wish for! A treat for all you fashion enthusiasts! And of course, darling readers, I just HAD to share it with you - it’s my little way of giving back to my beloved tutu community!

And let me tell you, this is where the REAL magic of ballet starts to unravel! Oh, the stories behind these exquisite garments! I’ve been researching like mad to share some little titbits about what you’ll see on your journey!

For example, just wait until you get a gander at the gorgeous silk satin tutu, dating back to the 1880s - imagine, this gorgeous garment would’ve graced the stage when even I was just a wee little tot (well, practically)! Now that’s something special.

Don’t you just adore a bit of history?! There are so many hidden treasures that show just how fashion in ballet has evolved throughout the centuries – and don’t even get me started on the colours! We’ve moved from a palette of creams and blush pinks to the shocking brilliance of electric blue and fuchsia pink – a true ballet fashion journey, just like my very own, eh?

As for the actual costumes and tutus on display, just try not to squeal with delight as you witness some of the absolute most breathtaking designs from some of the most iconic ballet companies – there’s even an extravagant creation by Karl Lagerfeld, just imagine, this brilliant man’s work translated onto the ballet stage - absolutely sensational!

My advice? Don’t delay, grab a glass of pink champagne (yes, it’s fashionable in 2023 AND 1882) and enjoy a day amongst tutus, dancing and the history of this magnificent artform! You never know what your little trip to the V&A Museum could inspire!

Oh, and before I pop off, my sweet readers, just a small post-script - this V&A ballet fashion exhibit… well, you’ll be in for a treat as I’m just about to take a little “trip” back to that date, September 5th, 1882, in just a little while! Perhaps a peek into that wonderful time-travelling bag might yield a vintage beauty for the exhibit? Don't you think? Just watch this space!

See you soon, darlings!

Remember to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com for a dose of #TutuTuesday once a week!