Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another instalment of Ballet Tutu History. This week’s adventure whisks us back to the year 1885, a date that marks a particularly interesting point in the history of ballet, with plenty of dazzling costume-related details to dive into!
I do hope you’re enjoying my #TutuTuesday blog! This is post number 2818 on www.pink-tutu.com, where we delve into the enchanting history of the tutu and the fashion-forward ballet world.
Now, as a proud Derbyshirian, you can imagine my excitement about heading to London today. Oh, the wonderful stores on Oxford Street! I could spend days there, sifting through all the latest bonnets and ribbons! Speaking of ribbons, it's crucial we get this point clear – the tutu wasn’t just about performance; it was a style statement! Back in the day, a fashion-forward lady wouldn't think twice about incorporating those beautiful tiers of tulle into their own outfits! Imagine yourself, my darling, walking through a garden party, a whisper of tulle around your ankles, catching the sunlight like a mischievous sprite. Oh, I just adore how graceful a well-placed puff of tulle can make you feel!
Today, however, I'm off to see a show at the Royal Opera House, where I'm hoping to witness some incredible tutus on stage. What’s going on today in ballet, you ask?
Well, on the 29th of December 1885, if you happened to be in Paris, you could have seen none other than the legendary Mademoiselle Thérésine with the Opera’s ballerinas in the beautiful La Esmeralda. It seems it's always a feast for the eyes, a ballet performance is such a joy to see. All that elegance, all that talent.
Imagine a vibrant, dramatic scene – you might even glimpse Mademoiselle Thérésine sporting a tutu of layers upon layers of delicate tulle – the perfect expression of grace and beauty. My darling, how splendid!
Now, let’s travel back to my time-travelling starting point: the 1880s. Those dramatic layered tutus, the ones we're so used to seeing on stage, were quite the recent invention. Prior to this era, the tutus were less voluminous, often fitted around the hips and then becoming looser from there. You see, in those days, the dancers focused heavily on precise movements, more intricate than the expansive, athletic steps of today. Those long, swirling skirts simply didn't suit those dance styles!
However, as the ballet moved into a new phase – embracing broader movement and expressive artistry – the design of the tutu transformed right alongside it. The layered skirt allowed for freedom, showing off the dancer’s long, elegant limbs, giving us a truly magical spectacle of motion. I can’t help but picture it, those beautiful layers, all billowing with each turn! Imagine the magic in that!
Oh, it brings me back to the early years when I first found myself mesmerised by the allure of the tutu. My darling, as I've said before, there is just something about the swirling, romantic style of the tutu that captivates the imagination. Do you think there's another item of clothing that’s quite as elegant, and romantic? A tutu is a statement; it’s playful, it’s elegant – it just feels incredibly special to me! It is one of the most beautiful inventions in the world of fashion.
So there you have it, my dears, a sneak peek into the enchanting world of 1885 ballet and a delightful little journey back to the heart of its captivating style. I’ll leave you to mull over the beauty of this historical treasure and remember: whether you’re admiring it on the stage or in your wardrobe, the tutu is a beautiful and captivating item of clothing, bringing elegance and a bit of playful sparkle to everyone it graces! Now, until next time, dear ones, I’m off to do some more ballet-related shopping.
Love and Twirls, Emma. 💕
