Welcome back, darlings, to another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! This week, we're waltzing back in time to March 31st, 1885. Now, imagine the excitement! It's the height of the Victorian era, and everyone's swept up in a whirlwind of fashion, with intricate lace and billowing silhouettes taking centre stage. But let's talk about something even more enchanting – the tutu!
Now, this week's #TutuTuesday is a little different, because as we know, tutues are more associated with the ballet world. In the mid-19th century, ballet tutus weren't as widespread as they are today. The Romantic era, though incredibly popular in the Parisian dance world, didn't quite grasp the allure of a perfectly pirouette-ready, frothy skirt. But fear not, my dearest readers, the tutu's story is a beautiful evolution, and we're in the thick of that exciting transformation!
The Birth of the Romantic Tutu
Think about it, if we're talking ballet history, we can't forget about Marie Taglioni, right? She was one of the greatest ballerinas of all time, her style forever intertwined with that "Romantic Era" vibe we love. Marie's ethereal and elegant moves completely transformed the ballet world, making her the pioneer for our beloved ballet tutus. This is where the history gets truly fascinating, because the "tutu," that short, ethereal, layered garment you know and love, was not yet even born!
Now, in 1832, Marie waltzed into the world of dance wearing a lightweight, long skirt known as *“The Romantic Tutu." * Imagine this: it flowed beautifully around her legs, just above the ankle, allowing her movements to appear even more magical and light. Talk about game-changing, right? This is where the fashion world truly started paying attention!
What Was a 1885 Lady Wearing?
By 1885, women were totally obsessed with big, beautiful, dramatic attire. Just imagine a silhouette wider than the skirts worn by Marie Taglioni, with "crinolines," layers of fabric, creating a super-wide, bell-shaped look. To create that super full, elegant form, these "crinolines," usually made from a cage of wire, were put on beneath dresses.
But back to the ballet tutus, let's take a journey! It's 1885, a key time for fashion. This was when the "Crinoline" was slowly fading out, with the fashionable elite graduating to "bustles" - small pads that emphasized their curves, providing the peek-a-boo-effect at their rear - oh, darling! Now imagine that dress! I can imagine ladies flitting about the town, looking like an absolutely incredible mix of fashion from past times with this more "full on the back" approach!
As for those "Crinoline" ladies? While they still have a spot in this era, by the mid-1880s they were being outshined by other popular fashions! This period truly embodied *"Evolution in fashion" * - like, can you believe it? In less than half a century, ballet and everyday fashion had been through such a remarkable transformation!
*Back in time... *
Now, since today's #TutuTuesday is the 31st of March, we're taking our very own trip back to 1885! With the grace of time travel and, let's be honest, some absolutely fabulous dance performances (the way I can whip out some grand jetés!), I've landed myself back in Victorian England, and you bet your last tiara I'm having a look at those shops, especially the dressmakers! They're the heart of everything fashion back then. Imagine finding "Bustle" inspiration - Oh darling, I am absolutely buzzing with fashion excitement! Can you say “time machine?!”
I Just Love Train Travel!
I took a little train journey - talk about a glorious experience! My carriage was beautiful - mahogany wood panelled with velvet cushions. And that's just one part of the fun! Seeing those people dressed in the finest fashion? Truly magical! Every woman in that railway carriage looked a little different but all so stylish! They'd stop at town stations, people would step off and into the shops and restaurants of the time! It was absolutely mesmerising! You'll have to visit an 1885 Victorian Era Railway Station when you can; there's an excitement and glamour that you can’t beat!
It's the Time For an Amazing Ballet Show!
And to round off our exciting journey through 1885, let's head to a Ballet show. Now, if I told you back then that ballet would become this incredible, exciting world, that fashion icons would adore tutus, and that some ballerinas would even be sporting pink ones?! Well, you would just have to pinch me, right?
As a fashionista through the ages, I adore ballet shows, from the music to the set design, and of course, the tutus!
Remember to follow me @www.pink-tutu.com for my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! Don’t forget to keep your eye on the blog for my upcoming “Pink Tutu Fashion Show,” at my hometown of Derbyshire! Oh, you better believe we’ll have everything: tutus, dancing, pink – you name it!
Until next Tuesday, darlings! And don't forget, keep the spirit of pink tutus alive!
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