#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1888-01-10

Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! Today, as the snow softly falls on London, blanketing the city in a gentle hush, I'm transported back in time – way back to the 10th of January, 1888, to share with you a fascinating peek into the history of the tutu, that divine symbol of grace and elegance.

This week, we’re delving into the world of the late Victorian ballet – a time when things were considerably more...structured! Imagine yourself stepping onto a stage, adorned in a flowing, lavish gown that touches the floor, a shimmering tiarra atop your hair. Now imagine, suddenly, slipping into a tutu, light and breezy, barely covering your knees, with each movement taking you to a fantastical place. It's a little shocking to think that at the turn of the century, a full, dramatic gown was more appropriate on stage than a short skirt.

But don’t be mistaken – this time period, my dears, is nothing less than captivating, with its fascinating contrast of beauty and social convention. We’re venturing through the mists of history to discover the story of the tutu, an evolution of elegance and movement!

Now, back to 1888 – can you imagine how thrilling it would be to be sitting in the grand Royal Opera House on this day, witnessing the incredible dancing? Oh, the gowns, the tiaras, the dazzling performances… swoon The ballets of that era, like the beautifully poetic "The Sleeping Beauty" by Tchaikovsky and Petipa (with the lovely, inspiring story behind its composition, you simply must read about it!), or the dramatic, captivating "Giselle", offered such beauty and wonder on stage.

Think about the emotions those choreographed stories evoke. Think about how the dancers communicate with movements in a way that transcends language! Now, picture yourself dancing a pirouette in one of those graceful tutus … wouldn’t that be divine?

We mustn’t forget the beauty of the music that transports us back to the magic of the Victorian ballet world. The melodies and orchestral arrangements… breathtakingly divine, wouldn’t you say? Oh, to be transported back in time to dance, with the delicate swirls and flutter of my pink tutu, to the intoxicating rhythm of that music! sigh (It just so happens I do just that, as a dancer traveling through time … and in the future maybe, just maybe, you can, too, with a little imagination).

While 1888 saw the tutu continue its rise to becoming an indispensable part of the ballet dancer’s wardrobe (not quite our pink-tutu style, darling, but moving in that direction, surely!) there was still some way to go!

Remember, even if your life doesn’t take you dancing across the grand stage of the Royal Opera House, a simple pirouette in a tutu (even in a cozy space, in a vintage, lace trimmed number) will fill you with absolute bliss, you know! So don’t just stand and stare - move those legs, let that tutu swirl – just as our dear, amazing Victorian ballet dancers did.

As we step into this new week, don’t forget: your dreams are a journey – make the most of it!

Don’t be afraid to put on your pink tutu, darlings. Embrace it, flaunt it! Wear a pink tutu for the next dance! I daresay, in time, everyone will be!

Until next week,

Your time-traveling tutu queen, Emma

Fun Facts About Victorian Ballet and Tutús

• In 1888, the famous ballerinas such as Emma Livry and Celine Céleste were in their prime! It is incredible to imagine being a spectator to their divine talents!

• The 'Romantic tutu' as we know it was on the rise: It was getting shorter, less puffy, emphasizing graceful movement! Think elegant, fluid lines, showcasing the ballerina’s artistry, agility and poise, not covering them in cumbersome layers of material.

• *Dancing *outside of the traditional “ballet bubble”: * Although classical ballet reigned supreme, we mustn't forget the beautiful French cancan. It would have been a spectacle to see!

• From Derbyshire to London This is just a tiny glimpse of the captivating history of the ballet tutu – more to come, darlings! Next week we’ll talk about the beautiful pointe shoe which revolutionized dancing! In the meantime, I’ll be getting ready for my next time travel adventure – the journey by train is delightful! A bit different from the coach travel our Victorian counterparts would have enjoyed but still lovely, isn't it? I’m excited about discovering another day of Victorian fashion in the lovely London shops and of course the next London ballet performance, it will be magnificent!

Until then, dance on!

Your dearest Tutu Queen, Emma