Hello, my lovely tututistas! It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another installment of your weekly dose of all things tutu! This week, we're taking a whirl back in time to July 26th, 1887 – a day that, whilst seemingly ordinary, held some sartorial secrets just waiting to be unearthed!
I'm sitting here in my little apartment, which, thank goodness, has an exquisite vintage wallpaper pattern that’s as flowery as a ballet set – all lilacs and roses! Outside, the sounds of London – that bustling hub of fashion and dance – fill the air. The streets are a colourful spectacle, ladies in their lavish, elaborate gowns, gentlemen in their finest suits, everyone hurrying about in a swirl of anticipation for the evening’s entertainment. Oh, how I adore the vibrant energy of London – it’s almost as if the very air is fizzing with excitement!
And today? Why, we’ve got the pleasure of seeing The Nutcracker, my darlings! Yes, this iconic ballet, the one that weaves magical dreams into our lives, is the reason we're celebrating July 26th. Today, we're going to take a closer look at the evolution of those oh-so-divine ballet costumes, and, of course, our beloved tutu! I mean, the world of dance simply isn’t the same without those wispy, ethereal creations, wouldn't you agree?
Back to the past… but first, let's travel by train!
Speaking of London, remember my last time-travel escapade – that thrilling journey to Paris in the roaring twenties? Oh, what a splendid fashion feast that was! But this week, it's time for something rather different. I've had the absolute joy of catching the early morning train – imagine, a luxurious, almost-empty carriage, a world away from the usual jostling and chatter! I could almost feel the breeze on my cheeks as the landscape slipped past.
Now, I'm in a very different place. Not Paris, but another magical spot, filled with the thrill of the stage – the glittering Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London! I can practically feel the anticipation of the crowd building – the clattering of cabs, the hushed voices of gentlemen and ladies in fine dress, the shimmer of silk as everyone prepares for the magic of the performance. The air buzzes with the excitement of ballet, with the elegance of music, with the power of artistic expression.
Where We’re at: Tutues in the Late 19th Century
Now, for some history! We’re about to dive into the heart of ballet costumes, so put on your fancy shoes, grab your theatre glasses, and let's travel back to 1887! Think about it, darlings – this year, the famous The Nutcracker, with the gorgeous “Waltz of the Snowflakes” scene, was being performed at the very Opera House where I am sitting right now. Oh, how I would’ve loved to be in that audience, the delicate flakes falling softly, and a symphony of tutu swirls, each more exquisite than the last!
And in those swirling tutu performances of 1887, a key difference: no real dancing snowflakes for this ballet yet! You see, in those days, the ballerina’s tutu was a completely different beast altogether – and what a beautiful, whimsical beast it was. Imagine long, swirling layers of delicate, flowing tulle – layers and layers, often reaching to the ankles! No short, modern versions for this time period.
Why such an elaborate, romantic creation? Well, think about this – we’re talking the Victorian era, with all its emphasis on elegant femininity. Ballet was already becoming more polished and technical, and so the costumes evolved along with it – moving from practicality to a symbol of delicate elegance.
Just imagine those swirling layers, like the soft petals of a rose, creating a dreamy silhouette that was all the rage. Those ethereal tutus, with their gentle fullness, perfectly complimented the dance movements of the time. And don't even get me started on the beautiful ornamentation - ribbons, laces, velvet sashes, you name it! It’s like the tutu became its own separate piece of ballet – a delicate ballet within a ballet. A whole other level of storytelling right there!
A Vision of Ballet’s Past, from a Ballerina's View
Now, as I gaze upon this gorgeous, old-fashioned tutu in my mind's eye, I almost imagine that my feet are gracefully sweeping across the stage. Each step a poetic movement, each pose a picture of artistry and grace. This, ladies and gentlemen, was the age when the dancer’s grace was as captivating as her dazzling outfit.
I’m almost yearning to feel that whirl of fabric as it catches the stage light, that whisper of silk as I turn and leap, and yes, that delicate tug on the hips when I dance en pointe. You see, back in those times, the ballerina was almost like a flower swaying in a summer breeze! Such poetry of movement – how much has changed over time!
And the colors, darlings! Ah, yes! Ballet costumes at that time didn’t have quite the vibrant splashes of colour that we love now. They favored muted tones, graceful pinks, creamy whites, and that lovely, velvety shade of blush pink – oh, my beloved, almost forgotten shades! A subtle, classic beauty, almost like an elegant painting on the stage.
Dancing Towards the Future
We’ve just witnessed a little glimpse of how much tutus, ballet, and dance fashion have changed over the decades. But this evolution is far from over! Just look at the world we are in today – we've got breathtaking, vibrant color combinations in ballet costumes, daring designs, and innovative cuts.
What a truly delightful time to be a tutu enthusiast – it’s such a world of artistry and creativity! We see so many designs that capture our hearts, that enchant us, that bring forth joy in our very souls. Each new style pushes the boundaries, invents new ideas. We are blessed to be alive now, to watch and enjoy these extraordinary creations.
So, as I prepare to take the stage – after all, this time travel does take a fair bit of cash – I can't help but be incredibly thankful for the tutu, for the ballet, for those captivating dancers of the past. These are the roots that we stand upon. They are the very essence of who we are, even if we wear tutus of different colours and styles now!
Until next week, tututistas, and remember, embrace the tutu – wear it with confidence and whimsy. After all, a tutu is not just a piece of clothing, it’s an expression of pure dance! I'll see you all soon for more dance fashion escapades!
Emma x
P.S. Do remember to tell me which ballet performance was your favorite! I'd love to know about your tutu adventures! And don’t forget, let's make the world a bit more pink and twirly one tutu at a time! 😊
