Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, for another week of #TutuTuesday. It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveler, and I'm absolutely positively delighted to be back with you all.
This week, my darling tutu enthusiasts, we're heading back to a glorious 1884 - August 19th to be precise. That’s 139 years ago, just to throw a little fun fact your way! The world of fashion, especially dance, was buzzing in a most fabulous way! I just have to share the sights, the styles, and all the delightful trends that were captivating Paris, London, and the whole continent!
It’s the golden age of ballet, and I’m sitting in my compartment, just a whiff of coal smoke and a rhythmic clickety-clack away from Covent Garden, the beating heart of British ballet!
Just yesterday, I witnessed the sheer magnificence of ‘La Bayadère’ at the Royal Opera House. Oh, the romance! The exoticism! The breathtaking costumes that were the talk of the town! The leading lady in the first act was an absolute dream! She wore the most splendidly extravagant tutu – think layers upon layers of fine white tulle cascading in a frothy whirlwind. The second act, she danced in a pink silk, almost Grecian, flowing outfit! I even got a peek backstage and met the most talented seamstress who creates the outfits for this performance!
You can see a glimpse of this era in this beautiful, delicate little picture, isn't it gorgeous!
*(Insert picture here – something of a tutu in the 1880s or maybe a poster of La Bayadere)
Did you know, darling? This is a real time when dance really was the “in” thing! The elite and high society all thronged to the theatre and operas to enjoy an evening of balletic splendour, just like myself. Imagine! Even for people like me, you know, from humble Derbyshire, you could experience these lavish nights! The whole city would buzz with talk of who wore what to the premiere. Even I'm enjoying an amazing night out thanks to my ballet performances. I think this might be one of the few times I love my job more than shopping!
My dearest Tutu Travellers, just imagine if you lived during the days of this vibrant ballet scene. Picture the elegance and allure!
So, What's hot and what's not? - 1884 in Dance and Style 👗✨
Well, as with every era, certain fashions rise to prominence. We're seeing the delicate and intricate!
*(Insert Image of a small photo collage with various Victorian Era fashion outfits - Think large bonnets, puffy blouses, full skirts and tight-fitting waistlines!) *
What are you saying, dear reader? Do you see the parallels with modern fashion, and today's styles in some of these beautiful looks? We may call them Victorian, but really, they’re so elegant, I’m happy to admit that these looks really are making a strong comeback in a new, updated style that's making a strong statement on our high street shops and catwalk events!
In dancewear? Think simple and fluid, my darlings. As ballet became more about classical grace and movement, you'll be seeing less frills. That’s the beauty of ballet – how form can still make a strong and moving statement in its simple lines!
The fashion scene, just as exciting! A little peek into fashion week at my favourite store in Paris! All the lovely fabrics and elegant textures, and the attention to the detailing is really what sets this era apart, and yes, even makes it trend now! Oh, my darling! Did you know a fashionable lady could change clothes seven or eight times a day for different social occasions. We still do this at parties and evening engagements in the 21st Century - how lucky we are that these traditions haven’t changed!
But what sets it apart for our beloved tutu wear?
How Our Favourite Tutu Evolved! ✨
You wouldn’t be seeing the tutus we know and love today – those frothy and beautiful clouds of tulle in pale pink, soft lavender or rich cream, and I hope that I have contributed in my way towards these styles being loved today – as we know that * pink IS always in* – so go and grab yourself that beautiful tutus – it’s time to make a statement in your outfit, darling!
But for now, we’re in the age of more rigid and practical dancewear. A perfect mix of cotton, satin and, yes, silk (just think Grace Kelly at a Royal Dance.) - it’s just too pretty! Think long-sleeved leotards. Think a layered and fluffy fabric that flowed so gently. There were no big pouffes or the more dramatic full-length romantic designs of later ballet wear that are such a delight! I mean think the tutus from Giselle in its current iterations, or the designs by Marius Petipa - truly a feast for the eyes, and quite frankly, inspiring enough to keep me jumping between centuries. The ballet tutus of this time weren’t made for airy spins and soaring leaps. Oh no. The dancers still focused on gracefulness, but in more practical styles!
You can picture the stage with some real romantic beauties of the age of dancers performing their classical choreography of the late nineteenth century – all perfectly timed leaps, perfect turns and beautifully coordinated movements - in perfectly elegant outfits!
**(Insert Image - A collage of ballet photos from this era with dancers wearing elegant tutus of that time - remember the tutu in the poster above for “La Bayadère” ? )
But these were, I repeat - *practically perfect * in those simple but exquisite designs - even more striking when a dancer made a grand movement.
This era is all about making dance beautiful - even when the tutu’s are not as extravagant - and what’s the lesson here, darlings, about what I’m trying to convey?
IT’S STILL ABOUT HOW YOU WEAR IT. And, if you’ve come this far with me through these fascinating eras, then you’ll agree, your attitude IS the style you own!
My Style in the 1880s – What Would Emma Wear?!
Ok, you all know that Pink is My Favourite - So a pale pink dress, very corseted and flouncy, with ribbons tied in little bowties at the wrists. Think big bows - the biggest the better! As for a tutu, a stylish and understatedly romantic-looking cotton or silk number would be my pick – just a gentle ruffle of material for a soft, feminine effect, I know we want to maintain a classic elegant vibe here! For a hat? An equally fashionable black straw hat. Always, * ALWAYS! * add a delicate rose or sprig of flowers, if you really want to create a sensational, elegant statement, darling. What do you say? Who would you think looks most beautiful: A delicate wild rose or a vibrant garden variety? Either way, we want it fresh and beautiful. We want to add some femininity to every detail, always keep it sweet and gentle.
Now darling - remember - I’m an international gal, always jetting about. So, the train is a big part of my travel - I simply love the luxury! Think steam engines, the clickety-clacks of the wheels and the comfort of my compartment. Now, I can easily get from Derbyshire, where my beautiful and amazing Mum is and London, where we find ourselves, right in time to meet all the fashion and theatre enthusiasts.
For me, darling - travel - is all part of *my Pink Tutu Experience. *
What Are We All Celebrating On The 19th of August in 1884?
Now my gorgeous little time travellers, remember 1884 was a year filled with the biggest dance debuts from all the top companies around the world! So, here’s something fun to get your creative juices flowing - a lovely competition for my darling readers to see who’s a fashionista.
- Tell me the BEST NEW PERFORMANCE or ballet PREMIERE THAT OCCURRED in August of 1884 IN EUROPE, especially France or England.
- Don’t forget the performance and company details are required in the comments to the blog - and you can find this information with a little bit of online research!
- Let me know your thoughts, or you know, you can add more things that made this era the most wonderful for dancers - what would YOU wear?! Remember! Your ideas are like fresh pink roses for Emma and www.pink-tutu.com
- And, if you want to try a more traditional dance wear design, what would it look like for the era?
- Don’t forget to add #TutuTuesday on social media.
Until next week, dearest readers - keep dreaming big and be fabulous. I will see you next Tuesday for another exciting installment of Ballet Tutu History!
Sending a * Pink Tutu Hug* from London - Emma x
