Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another instalment of #TutuTuesday - where we celebrate the tutu - the absolute star of the show and my own particular frock of choice! This week, I'm taking us all the way back to the late Victorian era - think Christmas 1887 to be precise. As a time-traveling ballerina, I am forever hopping around the ages - but don't think for a second I've left my beloved tutus behind! Every era has its own tutu story!
Now, 1887, the Christmas season... imagine! What a perfect time for the theatre to be bursting with life. Gas lamps are flickering, the aroma of mince pies lingers in the air, and the stage is aglow with Christmas lights. And of course - the show must go on - with an abundance of gorgeous tutus!
Now, don't let anyone tell you tutus haven't always been as extravagant and wonderful as they are today. Our Victorian counterparts were pioneers in tutu fashion! Just last week I happened to be waltzing through Paris, watching a production of Tchaikovsky's 'Sleeping Beauty'. The tutus, heavenly! Swirling silk, lace edging the bodice, delicate garlands of flowers, all just perfectly reflecting the era's romantic spirit. Imagine, ladies, how wonderful it must have felt to be on stage wearing these shimmering creations!
Speaking of romanticism, you might think the tutu wouldn't quite fit in with those strait-laced Victorian sensibilities... But believe me, Victorian ballet was not as stuffy as you might think. Think romantic storylines, ethereal music, and - let's be honest - those amazing bell-shaped tutus which allowed dancers to twirl with effortless grace. Tutus - truly the heart and soul of the dance.
But I've got a slight confession - while I love all those fancy, flouncy Parisian tutus of the late 1880s, my true love for a tutu actually belongs to another, slightly less opulent design! You might know it as a "Russian tutu," the simpler version with a flat, stiff top and an elegant, full, and tiered skirt. I call it a less fussy version - a graceful one that truly lets the dancers fly. And, frankly, it's simply easier to travel through time in a tutu of this ilk - no fear of it getting caught in the whirring of the time machine!
My time travels also took me to the glorious London theatres back in 1887, and believe me, the opulence was a sight to behold. From the plush velvet seats, to the chandeliers, to the ladies in their flamboyant attire... the stage was bursting with drama, romance, and yes - the magic of the tutu. Just the thought makes me pine to revisit those days... a gentle reminder that some things, such as tutus, simply never go out of fashion.
But #TutuTuesday isn't only about history, darlings! It's also about a chance for all of us to celebrate tutus - even the everyday, wear-it-with-pride type. Just the other day, I went for a spot of tutu shopping, you know, to replenish my vast collection! Finding the perfect shade of pink, choosing a flattering design for the evening class - there's truly nothing quite as exciting for a ballerina - or any woman who dares to dream!
So whether you’re an accomplished ballerina, or you've simply always dreamed of swirling around in a pink tutu... don't be afraid to let your inner ballerina shine! The possibilities, ladies, are endless!
And remember, my darling dears, you can find my website at www.pink-tutu.com. See you next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday!
Emma xx
(P.S. You know those gorgeous Christmas pantomime posters of that era? It’s all about glitz and glamour, darling, just like a #TutuTuesday ! Even then, it's a chance for ballerinas to add some tutu sparkle to the festive season! And you know, my absolute favourite show of that period is a good, old-fashioned 'Cinderella'! There's a tutu fit for every kind of fairy-tale - what more could you wish for? I even snagged an amazing blue satin tutu that the "Fairy Godmother" was wearing!)
