Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your resident tutu historian and passionate advocate for all things pink and twirly. This week, we're taking a delightful trip back to the 1880s! Yes, my lovelies, grab your favourite pink satin ribbons, grab a hot chocolate, and get comfy, because this is going to be a vintage delight! I am standing in a London street right now in the chill air. This Tuesday's Tutu history focuses on a fabulous November day, where the fashionable London set are starting to get excited about the upcoming festive season and its upcoming array of exciting and festive performances. 🎄
On this date in 1883, the theatre district is alive with anticipation for the evening's shows. You wouldn't believe the queues of people outside the opera house! 🎶 People from all walks of life are preparing to immerse themselves in a world of art, music and dazzling, fabulous costumes. As you can imagine, the costumes that these performers are wearing are the very latest in fashionable and inventive designs. And, my dears, there is a noticeable new fashion trend – that’s right, the tutu is becoming the latest fashion sensation in London. 🤫
But wait! Don't you find this intriguing? The 1880s is considered an era where tutus are primarily associated with ballet. They weren't exactly considered "everyday fashion" like they are today, right? Well, this was a time when fashion was in a phase of transition! There was a growing interest in the world of ballet, a newfound appreciation for the artistic and aesthetic elements of movement and grace that ballerinas showcased. 💃
Just imagine, strolling down a London street, and witnessing ladies adorned in elaborately decorated skirts with tulle and net ruffles cascading around their ankles, inspired by their favourite ballerina. What a lovely image. In some of London’s exclusive social circles, a tulle-inspired skirt became a new trend and there were whispers on the fashion circuit that the full ballet-style tutu was soon to appear! I just love the fact that it was such a daring statement and trend. 🤩 It's the kind of thing that would make even the Queen smile. A few years later and the ballet tutu is going to explode onto the fashion scene and it's just about to happen... Stay tuned for our exciting next #TutuTuesday history blog to see what’s around the corner.
I also heard that there is a rumour of a very fashionable event to see ballet dancers from St Petersburg dancing at The Empire Theatre in London and at the Lyceum theatre – and I just cannot wait! My excitement knows no bounds. Just think of all the gorgeous outfits I can take in at these prestigious shows. 🤭 But don't worry, darlings, I'll share all the juicy details next week!
Speaking of juicy details, how would you like a little more history for your tea today? It seems the ballet world is getting exciting and there is a new ballet company on the scene: the Russian Imperial Ballet. Just imagine my joy at the news that a group of dancers from this company are going to grace the stage in London in December, for a season at The Empire Theatre and the Lyceum! These brilliant ballerinas from St Petersburg are considered by many to be leading the world in ballets like “Giselle” and "Swan Lake." 🦢 I just love the story of Giselle! Do you know, even I once got to wear the dress from a performance at a Parisian theatre, back in the 1840s... a lovely pearl pink tutu of course... 😉 What are my secrets, you ask? Just my amazing time machine, that’s all, darlings. 🤫
For this new generation of dancers, we must all salute and cheer as these Russian ballerina pioneers bring some of the most spectacular dance productions ever. They'll be a wonderful and influential inspiration for this next generation of young London dancers.
Right now, London has a ballet school where there are lots of dancers practicing, some even at places like the Lyceum, the Sadler's Wells theatre or the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. What a world, eh? It feels so inspiring being back here again and seeing all this dance energy all around! It reminds me why I chose this path - and that's to explore all things pink and twirly! 😉 After a nice lunch at a London tea shop, I’ll pop back in time again and enjoy a lovely ballet performance. After the show I’m going to be getting the very latest designs for tutu’s made, just as I always do, for my time machine’s next journey, that’s right, my dears! I do enjoy having my wardrobe specially designed and I even have the pleasure of meeting some amazing tailors on this occasion in London! 😍 I am particularly drawn to the colours rose pink and pale pink – a colour that will look beautiful under the stage lighting, of course. You might think that all ballerinas have their own specific style but many dance in white tulle and just hope the designers catch the right stage lighting! What a surprise, my darlings! There is a whole art to getting the colour right for ballet, right?! 😊 This is why pink tutu’s are the best and that's why I have decided to give them a big thumbs up! Well done pink tutu’s… that’s from me – Emma. 💖
Next time I'm in London I am hoping to take in some ballet classes - maybe even join a private class, as this city does have quite the fashionable and inspiring ballet world… and that’s all for today’s #TutuTuesday, but do come back and join me for next Tuesday's tutu history blog when we will explore more wonderful tutu facts…
Happy twirling, darlings. See you next week!
Lots of love
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
