Hello darlings! Welcome back to another enchanting edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. I'm your time-traveling ballerina extraordinaire, Emma, direct from the fabulous world of… drumroll... 1886! Today, my dears, we’re journeying to a time of glittering gaslight, elegant horse-drawn carriages, and, of course, a burst of ballerinas!
My trip took me, as usual, by the trusty train - nothing beats a swishing skirt and a hot cuppa while chugging through the English countryside. Speaking of skirts… we're not quite at the pink tutu pinnacle we know and love today, but there’s a delicious hint of it, a sprinkle of that ethereal, whimsical style. And trust me, even with my fancy time-travel skills, I can still spot a budding tutu trend a mile away!
Today is November 16th, 1886. What are you doing, you ask? Well, while I’m busy touring this fabulous historical period, you could be checking out your local theatre listings, darling! Catch a grand performance at the Royal Opera House in London! It’s all the rage in the city. And while you're there, keep your eye out for the latest designs in ballet shoes – some truly lovely hand-sewn satin slippers with ribbons galore are making waves.
Now, let’s chat tutus! We’re still seeing the evolution of the tutu, but I see a definite shift towards the Romantic ballet style. Long, airy, and layered – heavenly! There's a growing obsession with fluidity and delicacy in movement, and these beautiful creations definitely embody that grace.
Now, I must confess, we don't see much pink just yet - a shade considered rather shocking for dancers at the time! Gasp Imagine, darling! However, the fabric is the real star of the show! Silks and satins in soft pastels, billowing tulle in beautiful shades of ivory and white - truly delicate and enchanting. These gowns of gauze, if not yet tutus in the modern sense, are absolutely beautiful and, dare I say it, practically floating on stage.
Imagine the thrill of the audience! Such elegance, such grace, such movement! And the whispers amongst the ladies as the stars take their bow? Ah, I love that hush, a hushed awe of something special!
Now, just as you can find a spectacular hat or a sparkling brooch to adorn your attire for the theater, you can see some of those enchanting details appear in ballet costuming too. Some dancers are adorning their romantic ballerina creations with a flourish of satin ribbon or a single sparkling bead, a beautiful way to show the individuality and creativity of each dancer. I’m definitely getting some inspiration for my future ballet wardrobe!
And let’s not forget the jewels, darling! A timeless accompaniment for a truly grand ballet performance! Necklaces of pearls, twinkling earrings, and even an intricately woven floral headpiece. Oh, a true ballet must-have in this era!
Let’s talk trends, darlings! Now, there’s this amazing new craze for travelling to London to experience all things ballet! Oh, the opulent shows, the enchanting atmosphere… bliss!. It’s truly a destination for every fashionable soul who loves the elegance of a well-constructed tutu!
As you might imagine, it’s not all grand performances and champagne, darling! I love experiencing all aspects of life in 1886 – and it’s an exciting time! We are still seeing a transformation in the world of ballet, with innovative steps being pioneered by amazing choreographers and visionary dancers.
So much to explore in ballet history! It’s an ever-changing art form, evolving along with fashion, society and our love for elegance! I, for one, can't wait for my next #TutuTuesday adventure – perhaps a grand Parisian spectacle with the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the backdrop! Who knows what fantastical tutu fashions we'll find there?!
Stay tuned, my lovely dancers! Remember, I always wear pink – so I’m hoping to inspire you to put on a beautiful tutu today too! *You never know, we might just be on the cusp of the pink tutu revolution! *
* Until next time, keep your steps light, your spirits high, and embrace the magical world of ballet, darlings!*
* Love,*
* Emma x*
