Oh my dears, welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com and another exciting instalment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! This week, I'm hopping on my trusty time machine, a rather fetching cherry-red carriage complete with lace curtains, and heading all the way back to 1884. I mean, just imagine it, darlings! The world was a little different back then. We didn't have iPhones, we didn't have Netflix, and ahem, tutus weren't quite the ubiquitous fashion statement they are today (though I'm working on changing that, one frilled layer at a time).
So, where in the world are we landing today? Well, let me whisk you to the very heart of ballet, my lovelies â Paris, the City of Lights! (Yes, I did get to snag some fabulous Parisian fashions whilst I was there - and you simply have to see the hats!) Paris, 1884, was brimming with creativity, with the world of dance undergoing its very own renaissance. You see, at this very moment, the ballerina was undergoing a transformation. No longer were they relegated to the shadows of men, their roles as graceful little birds (quite literally!). No, the stage was ready for their centre-stage dominance and all thanks to a man named Marius Petipa, a Russian choreographer who understood, truly understood, the magical beauty of the ballerina and the gracefulness of a tutu.
This particular year saw the première of a new ballet in the majestic Parisian OpĂŠra, and it truly put tutus on the map â "La Esmeralda", with its spectacular costumes. The most delightful part, you see, was the story â Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy, fell head-over-heels in love with the handsome Phoebus (they have a little kerfuffle involving a villain named Quasimodo, bless his heart!), and as a result, there was plenty of passionate romance to fill the air! Not to mention those exquisite costumes...Oh, you must see them! This is where a pink tutu like mine really shines, capturing all the beauty of those enchanting dancing stories, isnât it, darlings?
Now, what were women wearing back in 1884, I hear you ask? Picture a sea of ruffles and frills, corseted waists, and voluminous skirts. The era, my darlings, is called the "Victorian" â all about propriety and demure elegance (though beneath those tightly laced garments, women were leading exciting lives! Canât you feel their fierce, free spirits bubbling beneath those voluminous skirts?). I'm all for that dramatic flair â after all, it's not every day you get to travel through time and witness the history of your most adored fashion icon!
And speaking of fashion icons, my dearest readers, I simply adore the romantic charm of 1880s clothing! Long velvet gowns, layered frills, puffed sleeves, and lace everywhere â my own personal style definitely feels inspired by this particular era. Even today, the graceful romanticism of 1880s fashions are still found on the red carpets and fashion shows! Oh, wouldnât it be grand to have a full-fledged historical ballet performance in these amazing garments?!
But you know, one of the biggest joys of travelling through time is experiencing how different people lived and worked. The railway network was booming, making travelling a little bit more manageable (though let me tell you, there were some very long journeys back then). And let's not forget those wonderful inventions like the typewriter and the telephone â the start of so much exciting technology! (Imagine, back in my Derbyshire village we still have no indoor plumbing⌠can you believe it!)
Here's another bit of fabulous fun about my trip to 1884. Imagine all the fantastic shopping opportunities! Londonâs shops, teeming with fascinating fabrics, from lace and silk to opulent brocades, oh, I had a lovely time scouring for all kinds of gems for my own wardrobe. (Even back in 1884, we loved a bit of pink, though it might be a shockingly bold choice in those more prim and proper times, wouldnât you agree? )
So, darlings, youâve just seen another thrilling day from ballet history. If Iâm to take anything from my trips, it is this: The beauty and magic of dance are woven into every moment, every era, like threads on a rich, historical tapestry. It reminds me, too, to never be afraid to be daring and audacious and stand out with your style â after all, who knows, perhaps even in 1884 someone would be brave enough to rock a little pink tutu? Wouldnât it have been fabulous to have seen a bit of âPink-Tutu.comâ even back then?!
Stay stylish, and donât forget to join me for another blast from the past next week! You can find me on Instagram @pinktutublogger. I look forward to hearing what your favourite vintage outfit is too! Until then, darlings!
Your time-travelling friend, Emma #PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory
