Hello lovelies, and welcome back to my humble blog! It’s #TutuTuesday once more, and today I’m whisking us back to 1887 for a peek at ballet fashion from a rather glamorous era.
It’s All About the Details
Oh, the sheer elegance of Victorian ballet! October 25th, 1887, was a particularly thrilling date for a ballet aficionado. Imagine, being swept away by the stunning movements and exquisitely crafted costumes. And wouldn’t you just know it, my time-travelling whims took me right to the Théâtre de l'Opéra in Paris, the beating heart of ballet during this era. It’s the perfect place to soak up the style of the time – it’s simply dripping with history and a hint of Parisian glamour, just how I like it.
As always, I dove headfirst into the fashion scene. Imagine tulle skirts in flowing, voluminous shapes, gracefully falling to the ankles – truly a dream. Back then, ballerinas wore what was essentially a “knee-length tutu,” not quite as grand as the romantic tutus of today, but nonetheless graceful. Think Degas’ ballerinas, but more refined. Think romantic tulle layered over satin, often adorned with delicate beading and sparkling accents – truly the height of refined beauty.
And can we talk about the colour? This era truly embraced colour in the most beautiful way – think jewel tones of ruby red, sapphire blue, and emerald green. These stunning shades truly accented the beautiful lines of the dancers, and it’s something that still brings a hint of nostalgia to me even today.
A Glimpse of Ballet Past
It’s a joy to step back in time and witness the captivating stories that unfolded on the stage. It truly showcases the brilliance of those early ballerinas – their talent and skill shine through. Think stories like "Giselle" and "Swan Lake," which premiered in 1877 and 1876, respectively. They truly are timeless classics. Imagine witnessing those original versions, the beauty of the dancers, the elegance of the costumes! Pure magic.
It’s not all about the dancing, though – there's a touch of the Victorian spirit in the entire performance. From the gilded theaters and lavish decorations, it's a truly unforgettable sensory experience.
From the Stage to the Street
Back then, ballet fashion influenced fashion in everyday life as well. Remember how I adore my tulle skirts? They are a direct descendant of ballet! That lovely lightness and movement – so utterly flattering and fun to wear! Who doesn’t love a little bit of romantic flair in their everyday look, right? It’s a fantastic way to embrace the beauty of a bygone era and let that femininity shine.
Now, let's delve a little deeper into what makes those classic Victorian-era tutus so special…
The shape: Less of the traditional pancake shape we see in ballet today, but still voluminous enough to provide the illusion of effortless float and spin.
The fabrics: The focus on delicate tulle and satin meant the tutus were ethereal, adding a whimsical and feminine touch to their costumes.
The decorations: Imagine the elegant adornments of tiny beads and delicate lace details – pure fairytale material!
It truly was a time when fashion and dance intertwined in perfect harmony, each element working to create the ultimate performance and an unforgettable theatrical experience.
What’s Next for My Pink Tutu-wearing Travels?
Where will my next ballet escapade take me? Only time will tell, darling! But you know I will be sharing all the details of my next adventure, as always, with a fabulous pink tutu in tow! In the meantime, I would love to see photos of YOU in your tutus – send them to me! My inbox is open, darling. And don’t forget to tag #TutuTuesday.
Until then, I’ll be scouring the vintage stores for some inspiration and dreaming of dancing on Parisian stages, 1887 style!
Ciao for now, my dears! 💖✨
Emma
P.S. Remember to check out my other blog posts at www.pink-tutu.com! And please don’t forget to tell your friends and family all about it – let’s get everyone dancing in pink! 🩰💖
