Hello my darling tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com. It's #TutuTuesday and you know what that means: a journey through the glorious history of the tutu!
Today we're stepping back in time, all the way to 15th September 1885, and I've got a real treat in store. As you know, this time-travelling ballerina always has her sights set on the best shows, the most fashionable events, and naturally, the most glorious tutus.
So grab a cuppa, slip into your most glamorous frock, and let's take a trip on the historical express! 🚂
A Whirl of Fashion:
Paris! Ah, the City of Lights, the home of high fashion, and, dare I say it, the birthplace of the tutu as we know it! In the late 1800s, Parisian society was a-flutter with the latest trends, and dance was no exception. The rigid, billowing romantic-era costumes were on the way out, giving way to something lighter, more flowing - the modern tutu was emerging!
Now, back in 1885, there was an exciting new trend. Imagine - the bustle dress! Can you picture it, all those fabulous swishy skirts billowing out from the back, a real testament to Victorian fashion. It made me wish I had a bustle on my tutu! Think of all the dramatic entrances you could make.
Imagine these bustled ladies, perched on their plush opera seats, watching a ballet, and what do they see? Why, the stunning ballerinas, showcasing a brand new, more daring design.
Instead of the heavy skirts of the past, these ballerinas were moving with a freedom never seen before. They were dancing in lighter, shorter, tutus, emphasizing their incredible movement and elegance. It was revolutionary! A true triumph of artistry and fashion.
Backstage Whispers:
Don't just think about the onstage glamour though, let's step backstage! What was it like to be a dancer in 1885?
The ballet world was becoming a lot more competitive. Dancers were training harder, aiming for perfection in their every move. The tutus themselves were becoming a testament to the progress they were making. Lightweight fabrics and innovative designs were highlighting the beauty of the dancers’ movements in a way that had never been possible before.
Imagine the buzz of excitement backstage! The seamstresses working their magic, creating delicate designs for those dazzling tutus, the hairdressers meticulously setting every strand in perfect curls. And all those wonderful, inspiring stories being shared amongst the dancers.
It’s such a beautiful blend of creativity and athleticism! It’s hard to imagine a world without these exquisite, dancing marvels.
An Unforgettable Journey:
That's my darling tutus for today! I hope you’ve enjoyed our quick trip to Paris back in 1885! Don't forget to subscribe to my website and leave a comment with your thoughts on this captivating journey through time! And remember:
Every day is a reason to twirl in a pink tutu! 🩰💖
Stay fabulous, Emma
P.S. Do you want to make your own time machine? Well, perhaps not a real one! But I’m having a fantastic competition! You can join in my online ballet show at www.pink-tutu.com Simply post a picture of you in your best tutu, share a quote from your favourite ballet, or even share a little story about what your dream tutu would be like! I'll be picking my favourite entry for a chance to win a set of my most stunning tutu accessories! Entries close this Friday!
Remember, we can't all be ballerinas on stage, but we can all celebrate the spirit of the dance!
Bonus Tip for My Wonderful Readers!While you're busy designing your own perfect tutu for this competition, I thought I'd leave you with a bit of a bonus - some inspiration for those ballet-loving moments!
For the past few weeks, my travels have taken me all around the world! And everywhere I go, there are so many wonderful things to see. From the historic Royal Opera House in London, where I saw the most incredible production of “Swan Lake,” to the stunning Ballet Bolshoi in Moscow, where I was absolutely captivated by the grace and athleticism of the dancers!
I've even been taking a peek at the “Swan Lake” costume exhibition in Covent Garden! I have to admit, it’s amazing seeing all these designs. It's given me some serious ideas for my next tutu design. Just imagine, a stunningly romantic tulle tutu, like something from the ballet! Perhaps a deep purple to resemble the wings of a nightingale? Oh, the possibilities!
Oh, but darling, this week my travels bring me home to Derbyshire! And this Friday evening I am taking in a show at our own lovely local theatre, a wonderfully funny production of “Alice in Wonderland.” Can’t wait to catch those fabulous, fantastical costumes! Oh, my imagination is just exploding with the possibilities! How lovely it would be to create a wonderful tutu inspired by Wonderland!
Let me know where you are going to watch a show this week - comment below and let me know about your favourite productions and costumes! Remember to subscribe to the website for the latest #TutuTuesday tips and tricks, and of course, your chance to win those gorgeous tutus! 🩰💖
