Hello, darling tutus and welcome back to another edition of Tutu Tuesday! This week, we're travelling all the way back to 1885, to the grand old days of waltzes and whisking petticoats. Now, while you might not be thinking of tutus in a typical Victorian setting, let me tell you, the dance world was just getting its first peek into what would become a legendary costume staple.
It's rather incredible, really. Just a little over a century before, ballet dancers would be performing in cumbersome, restrictive dresses with all the movement of a sack of potatoes. But, like a beautiful butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, the tutu began to emerge as an iconic symbol of elegance, athleticism, and grace.
Now, before you envision a fluffy pink confection fit for a fairy princess (because, yes, that is totally a wonderful image), think about a slightly more streamlined, delicate silhouette. The early tutu, my darlings, was known as a tutu romantique - and I can just imagine myself twirling around in it, feeling the breeze whip my skirts around. They were often a skirt of layers of soft fabric, almost like a layered skirt with a slight puffed out bottom. Think of the beautiful Victorian ladies with their flowing skirts and petticoats.
The tutu romantique, created around 1830s, was a revolutionary garment for the world of ballet. For the first time, it allowed ballerinas to perform with unprecedented freedom, gliding through the air like fairies with wings, showcasing their beautiful form.
Now, hold on to your bonnets, darlings, because this week, we're talking about **16th June 1885! It’s a particularly exciting day, not only because it’s Tutu Tuesday (it always is!), but because, my loves, the Russian Ballet was making a grand debut in London!
London! The hub of the fashionable world, and certainly not a city to be missed on my travels. I simply had to get a glimpse of this momentous occasion, and darling, it was every bit as exquisite as I had imagined!
You see, the Russian Ballet was already building a reputation for its athleticism and innovative choreography, pushing the boundaries of classical ballet and setting the stage for the stunning performances that would soon be known throughout the world. It was a magnificent spectacle of elegant movements, expressive storytelling, and, yes, those tutus!
In 1885, tutus were a mix of romantic and classical styles. The dancers, all impeccably turned out, danced with a vibrant energy that showcased the dramatic form of ballet and made those layered skirts dance even more exquisitely. Each leap and pirouette felt like a painting in motion. I can practically feel the shimmer and twirl of it all even today, oh my!
A bit of a side-trip into a fashionista’s dream: London, in all its Victorian glory, was the place to be for the latest in fashion. I confess, darling, I spent several happy hours exploring the exquisite gowns, delicate fabrics, and sparkling jewels. But it was the millinery that stole my heart! Every elegant lady wore an amazing hat, with feather, flower, or lace creations that just beggared belief. But for me, nothing was quite as alluring as the grace and elegance of a perfectly executed pirouette in a lovely, flowing tutu!
After that incredible show, you bet I ventured off to a fabulous tea party! The conversations, as one would imagine, flowed with talk of the ballet. The artistry of the dancers, the spectacle of the performance, and of course, those tutus, my darlings. I knew at that moment that the tutu would not just become an essential part of the ballerina's wardrobe, it was becoming a symbol of beauty, grace and passion around the world.
I also confess that this visit sparked a new fashion frenzy for me. Now, darling, while I have my own elegant style and adore my tutus in every color, you won't catch me sporting a puffy Victorian style, even with a modern twist! No, my heart belongs to those elegant, flowing tulle skirts with a hint of playful attitude. You can find them in shades from dreamy pastel pink to dazzling red. The perfect way to embrace a sense of ballet in everyday life. It's a style you can certainly incorporate into your own fashionista wardrobes, my lovelies! Perhaps a twirling tulle skirt for a picnic?
My darling tutus, it was such an honour to journey back in time to that beautiful period and witness the elegance of ballet in its early glory. Until next week, may your days be full of twirls and grace, and, of course, tutus! Don’t forget, visit www.pink-tutu.com and stay in touch! I'll be posting more of my time travel ballet adventures and outfit inspiration soon. Happy Tutu Tuesday, loves! And remember, there's a pink tutu for every girl, just waiting to be worn!
XOXO, Emma
