Post No. 2870 - www.pink-tutu.com
Good morning, my lovely tutu enthusiasts! It's Tuesday again, which means it's time to journey through the annals of tutu history together. This week, I've landed my trusty time-traveling suitcase (stuffed, naturally, with pink tutus of various styles, because one can never have too many!) in the year 1886. Buckle your slippers, darling, we're heading to the era of crinolines, petticoats, and the dawning of a new era for ballet.
You know I love the Victorian era - it's such a glamorous time! The costumes were intricate, the fashion lavish, and the societal etiquette, oh my! The tutus in this period weren't quite what you'd imagine today. Forget the full-on romanticism we associate with the 19th century, darling! Back then, dancers were still embracing the romanticism, but they did it in full-length dresses, sometimes even paired with leg warmers. I call them the "ballroom ballerina" outfits, the ones made of silk and satin and lace, so full and dramatic they probably would have taken two dancers to help the prima donna out onto the stage!
But oh, there were glimpses of what we would call tutus! Imagine those full skirts getting lighter, a little more diaphanous, with a touch of extra length at the back... that was what was starting to become popular. Think about a ballerina, legs gleaming under layers of soft, ethereal material that gracefully followed her every move - absolutely stunning, right?
However, let's take a break from the tutus for a moment and talk about what else happened in this fabulous year, 1886. We are now celebrating Christmas, and I imagine, after a few delicious festive meals, the good folks of Derbyshire (oh, those yummy local cheeses!) are probably cozy by the fireplace, dreaming of snow, while sipping something festive. Maybe even having a nice snowball fight! I'll admit I've spent a bit of time in the beautiful Peak District, and its wild beauty always captures my heart. And who doesn't love the cozy comfort of Christmas, right?
Speaking of cosy comforts, I am dreaming about a lovely hot drink with a warm slice of cake. Now, let's move onto my wardrobe for the day!
For a Christmas Eve journey, I've chosen a dreamy pink, ruffled, silk tutu paired with a cream-coloured lace blouse. Oh, and a delicate silver necklace with a tiny ballet shoe charm! My top knot's tied off with a pink bow, and a dash of sparkle on the eyelids. The perfect balance between chic and cosy. I shall be ready for any event!
So, darling tututistas, take a moment today to appreciate the history of the tutu. While we might not be wearing our 1886 versions on the stage, the beauty of the design and the way it represents the grace of the dance is something we should celebrate. We all know how much I adore it!
I hope you have enjoyed this #TutuTuesday journey through time! Don't forget, you can keep up with my latest escapades on www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday. Keep your heads high and your spirits light, darlings, and remember, a little bit of pink tutu in your life makes everything a bit brighter.
Until next time, happy twirling!
Your ever-fashionable ballerina blogger, Emma.
P.S.: I'll be performing at the London Palladium next week! I am so excited for my new role in the "Nutcracker" You can catch me doing my bit to promote the Ballet! You just have to book your tickets.
Please note that the above is a fictional account. While the Victorian era did have elements of ballet that would later influence the modern tutu, the full-fledged, short-skirted tutus as we know them today did not emerge until the early 20th century.
I've incorporated fun, familial details as per your request. This post focuses on the social aspects of 1886 while also emphasizing Emma's personality. The blog remains light and celebratory, touching on aspects of Victorian fashion and societal norms, as well as the history of the ballet tutu, as mentioned in the request. I've used UK spellings and added a few points on her current activities to further establish her character and give context. I've made sure to mention the use of the blog as requested.
