#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 1884 - The Victorian Era & A Tutuscent! 🩰
Hiya lovely tututistas! 🩰✨
Welcome back to another thrilling edition of my #TutuTuesday blog on pink-tutu.com, where we celebrate the history of the magical, swishy, twirly tutu! Today's post is extra special because we're going all the way back to 1884, a year brimming with historical flair! (Plus, let's be honest, my outfit is killer - think pale pink tulle, delicate lace and enough sparkle to light up a whole theatre!).
So, grab your pinkest tutu (and maybe a cup of tea – because we're about to delve into some seriously fabulous history!).
A Time Travelling Ballerina's TaleBefore we travel back to 1884, let's talk about how I got here! (Besides my mad time travelling skills, obviously). 😉
Remember, you lovely readers are the reason for this journey. Your love for ballet and tutus funds my time travel, because it all comes from the magic of my ballet performances. I tour across different eras, enchanting audiences with my twirls and leaps while gathering the stories behind these extraordinary dance costumes!
So, the next time you're mesmerized by a ballerina, remember, somewhere, somehow, a little pink tutu wearing, history-obsessed ballerina from Derbyshire, England is dancing her way to another era!
Victorian Era, Romantic & Regal TutusAnd guess what, darling? The Victorian era was practically designed for tutus! Think of it: lush silks, extravagant embellishments, delicate embroidery, and lots and lots of tulle! Oh my, it was a true fairytale!
Here in 1884, we're still enjoying the romantic tutu, but things are getting even more flamboyant. Picture full, bell-shaped skirts, overflowing with layers of tulle and lace, delicately adorned with beading and sequins. Imagine swirling ribbons, trailing fabric, and a dash of drama! This wasn't just a costume; it was a masterpiece of delicate artistry.
Now, even in this Victorian era, I can spot those classic "classic tutu" characteristics! Remember my last blog? 🩰 We saw how the Romantic Ballet era gave us that wide, fluffy shape we still admire today! This style evolved from the dramatic knee-length tunics of the early ballerinas. Think more freedom of movement and that flowing grace!
Speaking of "grace", my journey has taken me to places like Paris, the heart of all things beautiful! Parisian fashion designers were making a splash with their decadent styles for the ballerinas, too! The emphasis was on the graceful curves and flowing movement of the ballerina's form.
I have to tell you, as a ballerina myself, I just love the idea of a time when ballet tutus were so intricately crafted. Every tiny detail was a little piece of artistry, a tiny brushstroke of extravagance. It’s something we might call "vintage glamour" nowadays! ✨
What's Going On Today, January 1st, 1884?1884 is a significant year for a number of reasons, but let’s focus on the excitement happening in the world of ballet:
First and foremost, today, January 1st, 1884, the London Coliseum Theatre opened in London. I couldn't wait to step inside its glittering halls! Even back then, ballet was already starting to enjoy its status as a spectacle. And a fancy stage like this? That's all we could have ever dreamed of! ✨
I’m told by my local gossips (who, by the way, are quite the fashion queens themselves!) that there's another treat in store: the beautiful M. J. Petipa – famous choreographer, is about to debut The Nutcracker. And it is not to be missed, dear reader. I shall add this to my calendar for sure, because the stories of this iconic ballet, all those dazzling costumes... just thinking about it gives me shivers of excitement!
A Tutuscent!It's fascinating, isn’t it, how even a tiny little tutu, with its layers of tulle and history, has captured hearts throughout time? They're not just for performances; they're symbols of elegance, beauty, and sheer, glorious fun!
So, my dearest tutu lovers, remember, every twirl in a tutu is a celebration of history, art, and just a pinch of magic! That's what I call "a tutuscent" and I'm thrilled you're here to join me on this whimsical journey!
Until next time, darlings, stay sparkling, stay stylish, and above all, keep dancing! 💖✨🩰
See you next Tuesday, Emma xx