Welcome back to Pink Tutu, darling! It’s your favourite Tutu Tuesday, and this week, I’m waltzing us all the way back to 1887, just a stone’s throw from the glittering premiere of “The Sleeping Beauty.”
Before we delve into the dreamy world of the 1880s, let me just say, oh darling, what a time to be alive! Think romantic gowns, exquisite jewelry, and, of course, those darling tutus! It's the very picture of graceful elegance, isn’t it?
And don’t even get me started on the train travel, just splendid! All the way from Derbyshire, my lovely, you can take in the breathtaking landscapes from a velvet armchair, and enjoy a lovely cuppa with biscuits. Truly a dream, isn’t it? But back to tutus!
This week, we’re focusing on February 1st, 1887, and oh my dear, what a whirlwind it was! Let’s travel back in time...
Stepping Back in Time to 1887
You know how much I love a bit of historical digging, and darling, 1887 is practically overflowing with excitement for a ballet fan like myself! It’s the year of the sensational La Bayadère, with the grand, sweeping costumes of The Kingdom of Shades becoming iconic! Can you just imagine that vision? Those tulle tutus flowing as if they’re dancing on their own. Breathtaking!
But the 1880s weren’t all about ballerinas and elaborate costumes – oh, the fashion! Picture this: a lavish ballroom with ladies swathed in billowing skirts and shimmering silks, a dance floor humming with music. All this happening at the height of the Victorian era – the ultimate in ladylike elegance.
And that’s where tutus step in.
You see, the tutu is the very embodiment of romance, whimsy and pure feminine grace, don’t you think? It just speaks of such playful freedom, a beautiful dance of almost complete weightlessness.
Let's Discuss the Tutu of 1887!
Now, darling, don't be thinking just any tutu back then. In the late 1880s, we’re talking the ‘Romantic Tutu’, an airy, feather-light design, all about emphasizing movement, almost like the ballerinas are dancing on air. Effortlessly elegant, isn’t it? Imagine delicate tiers of tulle, catching the light like little clouds. It's a stark contrast to the heavier, stricter classical tutus that came before.
Think The Sleeping Beauty, with all its fairytale elegance. It’s where tutus became these fantastical creations that truly captivated the audience! And imagine The Waltz of the Flowers! Tutus swirled and danced as if alive, creating breathtaking magic! Oh darling, if that isn’t sheer beauty I don’t know what is.
But I know you're dying to hear what happened on February 1st!
February 1st, 1887 – A Day in History
Well darling, imagine a scene of utter opulence. The finest ladies of London, and I’m talking about the creme de la creme! – all gathered in a gorgeous theatre for an unforgettable ballet performance.
On this very day, it’s the debut of something special… a masterpiece. It’s The Sleeping Beauty, the original. Just the thought of all that beautiful tulle whirling on the stage has me swooning!
I don’t know about you, dear, but February 1st will forever be a magical day for me – it’s the day ballet truly captured the imagination of the entire world. And imagine, my dear, on this very day, you could have seen the very first tutu on the stage! Isn’t that something to write home about?
But remember, the real magic isn’t just in the grand costumes, it’s in the joy it brings! Remember, every single time you watch a ballet performance, or even put on a tutu for fun, you are adding to the legacy of this remarkable, inspiring, magical art form!
And remember, darling, if you can’t go back in time yourself – go ahead and dance! Every leap, every twirl, is like a journey to a fairytale world! And if you want to bring a bit of that enchanting atmosphere home with you, remember the magic of a tutu! Because every single tutu is like a beautiful reminder that anything is possible, and we’re all dancing under the same sky, aren't we?
So darling, what are you waiting for? Let’s paint the town pink, put on those tutus, and dance the day away!
And if you love tutus as much as I do, darling, don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for a brand-new #TutuTuesday blog! 🩰 💖
Until next week, darlings!
XOXO,
Emma, your pink tutu-clad ballerina!
