#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1887-10-04

Hello, my lovelies! It’s your favourite tutu-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday! I'm here today with a special blast from the past – a peek at the world of ballet tutus in 1887! Buckle up, my darlings, because we’re taking a train ride back to Victorian times, and let me tell you, fashion was anything but boring back then.

Oh, wouldn’t it be splendid to step into a carriage, the soft rattle of the wheels a constant rhythm, and travel to a time of corsets and bustles, petticoats and parasols? But that’s not where we're headed, my dears. Our time travel journey today focuses on the world of dance and the delicate beauty of the Victorian ballet tutu!

Now, in 1887, imagine yourself waltzing into a London theatre, anticipation building with the rustling of silks and the chatter of a hundred fashionable patrons. You'd find yourself surrounded by ornate chandeliers casting a golden glow, ladies adorned with feathered hats and intricate lace, and a hush falling as the music swells and the curtains rise. But there on stage, amongst all this grandeur, was a new silhouette: the tutu, in all its early romantic glory!

Think wispy layers of tulle, sometimes just a single tier cascading down, with little frills and ruffles – a breath of air, a symphony of movement, truly captivating. The focus on lightness and fluidity, the graceful swirl of fabric – it truly represented the romanticism of the age! And these early tutus weren't limited to just white! Oh no, my dear fashionistas, they came in delicate pinks, romantic blues, and even shades of dreamy lavender. And for the truly adventurous ballerina, there might be a touch of shimmery gold or silver, capturing the essence of a fairy tale.

Now, fast forward just a few years, and we see a slight change in the ballerina’s attire. The romantic era of dance gradually gave way to the dramatic! It was the dawn of the "tutu à la Russe", a style influenced by the might and intensity of the Russian ballet scene.

These tutus became shorter, closer to the body, with layers of more rigid tulle forming a wide, flowing bell shape – almost like an upside-down ice cream cone! Imagine those fabulous tutus swirling on stage, capturing the power and dramatic flair of the new era in ballet.

But no matter the style, be it Romantic or Russian, one thing remains constant: the enchanting charm of the tutu, a timeless icon in the ballet world!

It wasn’t just the shape and style that saw a transformation – the colours of tutus were becoming bold, with rich reds, vibrant blues, and shimmering golds stealing the show! You can imagine a performance at the Paris Opera, filled with elegant ladies dressed in gowns with feathered headpieces and extravagant jewelry. And there, dancing with passion, was a ballerina wearing a glorious ruby-red tutu, the colour of a blooming rose, captivating the audience.

Oh, I could write for hours about the tutus of this time! And the trendsetters weren't just confined to the ballet world! Fancy-dress parties became a favourite pastime amongst the fashionable circles, with many women adding a hint of tutu to their wardrobe! Imagine attending a grand party at a grand Victorian manor house and finding a young lady dancing playfully with her skirt transformed into a graceful, flowing tutu!

So, as you can see, dear readers, the tutu was truly making waves even in those early days, not just in the realm of ballet but infiltrating the social circles of London and beyond. It’s truly fascinating, isn’t it, how fashion can weave its way through history and become a defining element of its time?

This Tutu Tuesday inspires me to mix a little vintage flair into my wardrobe. Why not add a delicate tulle overskirt to a long evening gown? Or tie a delicate ribbon belt with a beautiful bow in the back? These Victorian-inspired touches can instantly elevate a simple outfit! And let’s not forget, a bit of Victorian-style hairdressing, with maybe a small feather ornament – nothing too elaborate, just a hint of bygone elegance.

Don’t forget to join me next Tuesday, where we will embark on another thrilling tutu time-travelling adventure!

In the meantime, dear readers, tell me – have you ever dreamt of twirling on stage in a romantic tutu like the ones from the Victorian era? Do you think a touch of Victorian flair would add elegance to a modern wardrobe? And are you excited for another captivating #TutuTuesday journey with me?

Until next time, keep twirling in your favourite tutu, and don't forget to make a statement with your style! 💖