Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-licious! This week, for our #TutuTuesday journey, we're boarding the express train to the Victorian era, specifically 29th April 1884. Buckle up, buttercup, it's going to be a splendid ride!
You know me, I can't resist a good history lesson, especially when it involves the glorious evolution of the tutu! And let me tell you, the year 1884 was a year of real changes in the world of ballet, particularly in the world of tutus. It's a story I simply have to share.
From the Stage to the Streets
Imagine, if you will, London's bustling streets in 1884. I'm picturing charming horse-drawn carriages, dapper gentlemen with top hats and ladies adorned in beautiful, elaborate dresses with yards and yards of fabric. The air buzzes with energy and whispers of scandal, but for us, the biggest buzz was the new style of dancing sweeping the stage, and the streets.
Yes, darlings! That's right - the influence of ballet was starting to spread beyond the stage and into the fashions of the day. You might have noticed a tiny shift in dress design with those extra layers of fabric around the hems of gowns. A touch of billowing and a touch of what looks awfully like… a tutu. The inspiration? The magnificent ballerinas of the time.
Enter the Whimsical Ballerina
1884 was also the year that ballet costumes began to truly reflect a new age of graceful and whimsical artistry. The ballerinas of this era started taking centre stage with their light and breezy tulle, moving with such lightness and grace. They weren't just performers anymore, they were artists captivating their audiences with their breathtaking movements. Imagine the excitement in the air! The stage lit by gaslight, shimmering and sparkling like a million stars, while the tulle and silk swirled, like whimsical visions! It's enough to make you swoon.
More Than Just Tulle and Ribbons
Let's dive into the details of this historical moment! This was also the period when ballet began experimenting with colours beyond the traditional white. Think pale pastels, romantic lavenders, delicate blues… and, you guessed it, oh-so-delicate pink! Just think of the gorgeous visuals! And you wouldn’t believe the designs! Ribbons flowed like elegant vines, while feathers added a fluttering touch of delight to each performance.
Now, for this splendid occasion, I've done a little time travelling shopping spree. Just imagine the absolute joy of stepping back into the fashion of the day. From a charming silk bonnet with a beautiful floral embellishment (perfect for the day at the theatre!), to an adorable little purse to carry all my necessities (think lace and bows), and, of course, a charming ensemble complete with layered petticoats that just whisper of a ballet-inspired hemline.
Ballet Performances: More Than Entertainment
The highlight of this era? Imagine finally catching a ballet performance. A ballet performance in 1884 wasn’t just about watching dancers perform, oh no! It was a social event in itself. Imagine: sparkling chandeliers, lavish ballrooms, elegant music and ladies enthralled by the ballerinas on the stage. Can you just imagine the excitement and the elegance? This wasn’t just about dancing. It was about experiencing a world of artistry, passion, and elegance, right there in the heart of London!
The Fashion Trend That Continues Today
Let’s be honest, those elegant whispers of tutu-inspired swishes at the hems of 1884’s dresses? Those whispers continue to influence fashion today. Just look at all those ball gowns with their billowing skirts and layers of tulle. There's something so romantic, elegant, and powerful in the image of a ballerina swirling across the stage – it's no wonder that the tutu, and the spirit of the tutu, continue to inspire fashion, and fashion trends across the decades.
My Favourite Fashion From the Period
Speaking of the spirit of the tutu, I must show you my newest find! While I can’t resist a traditional, whimsical tulle tutu in classic pink, my new obsession is an enchanting little tutu crafted from the most delicate ivory silk with an ethereal blush underlay. You simply must imagine it twirling in the spotlight… This exquisite piece reminds me of the beauty of the evolution of the tutu, from the stages of the Victorian era to the grand ballet stages we know today.
And let's not forget about the theatre. The stage was not the only place the magic of ballet shone! In 1884, I’m seeing street performances, especially ballet street performances. Yes, darlings, you’ve read that correctly! There were entire companies performing ballet outside on the streets! I mean, wouldn't it be the most exciting thing to spot ballerinas twirling on the cobblestone streets as I stroll by! Now that's what I call a performance!
Time Travel Tutu Adventures
This beautiful little excursion in time reminds us that the world of fashion is connected, through time, by the enchanting essence of ballet. From 1884 to today, we can see the evolution of style, expression, and movement, reflected in the exquisite artistry of the ballerina, and in the elegant swirls of fashion trends we embrace today.
And who can resist a twirl? No one! This little trip into 1884 certainly makes me want to bust out a new pink tutu for my next performance. What’s the magic number for my favourite #PinkTutu outfit, darlings? 2731! Let me know what you’d love to see for our next time travel adventure in the comments! Don't forget to subscribe to our website www.pink-tutu.com, and join us next week for another #TutuTuesday, for another beautiful adventure!
Yours in tulle,
Emma 💕
