Hello, darling tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-loving time-traveler, back with another dose of Ballet Tutu History for #TutuTuesday! Today, we’re taking a delightful trip back to December 20th, 1887. Buckle up, darlings, it's a time for petticoats, pointe shoes, and perhaps even a little bit of la vie parisienne.
Now, you all know how much I love tutus. They're practically my uniform. But believe it or not, the tutu wasn’t always as ubiquitous as it is today. Back in the 1880s, it was more a symbol of a certain… well, a certain elite.
Just imagine! Picture this… A beautifully grand opera house, like the one in Paris (my favourite, darling!). The stage is aglow with gaslight, the air thrumming with excitement. As the orchestra begins to play, a lovely dancer steps out in her elegant white costume. Not our iconic tulle skirt, mind you, but rather a long, flowing dress… with several petticoats! Yes, darlings! They used those frilly petticoats, called crinolines, to create a beautiful, airy silhouette for the dancers. This, my dears, was how things were in the time of Marie Taglioni, the ballerina who's often credited with the iconic tutu-like shape!
Think of how revolutionary that was! Now, let’s get back to our travel in time.
What else was happening on December 20th, 1887?
Well, on this very day, the American actor William Warren, known for his hilarious comic roles, sadly passed away. Such a shame, darlings! He was known for playing endearingly awkward and endearing characters on the stage, and audiences would just adore him! Speaking of actors and actresses, there was much going on in the world of theatre. That was a time of amazing plays, big stars, and dramatic storytelling! It was a golden age of theatre. I bet the productions were divine and, of course, the costumes! Now there’s something I would just adore seeing, all those beautiful gowns, and perhaps a few sparkly tiaras. I would just have to see the dress they wear in "The Yellow Dwarf"! And wouldn’t those shows have been amazing with a tutu here and there? It just makes me think - wouldn’t those big gowns look utterly magical with a hint of a fluffy tutu peeking through the bottom of those long skirts?
Remember, darlings, fashion history is constantly evolving! We may think the tutu was just a classic style, but it was truly a revolutionary garment that transformed ballet. Who knew we had the elegant crinolines to thank for the incredible look of the tutus of today?
Don’t forget, you can join me every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com for more #TutuTuesday adventures in ballet and fashion history!
Until next time, darling, don't be shy, wear your pink tutus proudly, and never forget… every day is a chance to dance through life like a ballerina.
Lots of love,
Emma
P.S. How's your week been? Let me know in the comments! What are your favourite ballerina outfits? Let me know your favourite Ballet outfits, darling!
Oh, and darling, if you are visiting Derbyshire, my home town, do pop in for tea, and don't forget, you can always join me on the train! It's just wonderful when it goes choo choo through the countryside. Do write a comment if you have a story of a lovely railway trip, my darling, it just sets my soul aflame.
