Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another glorious #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com, where we take a trip back in time, tutus in tow, to explore the enchanting world of ballet history. Today we’re dancing our way to December 18th, 1888, and as ever, I’m your resident pink tutu-clad time-travelling guide, Emma! (This is post number 2973 – can you believe it?!).
I just love the bustle and glamour of the Victorian era, and there’s no better way to explore its fashion than to embrace the exquisite elegance of the ballet tutu. This week, let’s chat about a time when ballet was really hitting its stride and, although perhaps a bit stricter and less expressive than we see today, still mesmerised audiences with its beauty and artistry.
Now, before we delve into the history, I simply have to gush about the outfits I’ve been lucky enough to witness today! In 1888, the Victorian fashion scene was, well, “Victorian” in its grandeur and formality. The ladies adorned themselves in beautifully crafted, elaborate dresses with boned corsets and yards of intricate fabric, creating a silhouette as beautiful as a blooming rose. I do, however, have a slight confession: despite the grandeur, a little bit of me missed seeing a dash of pink, just a sprinkle of bright colours. But don't worry! That’s just my passion for tutus and pink talking!
Speaking of pink, let's take a step back in time and discover the history of the tutu. If you’ve ever dreamed of pirouette-ing across the stage, a swirling pink tulle dream, then you need to know how this magical garment came to be! The story is quite romantic, really. It all started with ballet being reborn, literally. Marie Taglioni, a phenomenal dancer who changed the ballet world as we knew it, wore the first “tutu” – the sort of romantic, airy, ankle-length one that floated on stage as she danced. This was around the 1830s and 1840s, and it caused a revolution.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before we reach Marie’s groundbreaking creation, let’s rewind the clock. Way back in the early days of ballet, ladies would waltz across the stage in big, beautiful, floor-length skirts that, while elegant, hindered their movement. Ballet needed to move, to flow, to become truly expressive. That’s when those elegant dresses started becoming shorter, and shorter, and shorter – allowing those graceful limbs to soar. You can imagine the shock of the audiences! Here were these elegant ladies with their graceful movements – suddenly daring and free!
You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few fainted from the sheer elegance of it all. Ballet at this time, my dears, wasn’t simply entertainment – it was an art, a statement, an elegant conversation, a magical spectacle! And the evolution of the tutu was a beautiful step towards showcasing the sheer beauty of human movement.
By the time we reach 1888, ballet tutus have progressed a great deal! Gone were the romantic ankle-length designs. By then, they’d shrunk to a knee-length style. And while these weren't the full-length tutus of today, with the graceful, floating layers of fabric, they did showcase the artistry of each ballerina’s movements, like a blossoming flower in full bloom. Ballet tutus started appearing in a variety of colours and fabrics, each reflecting the theme of the ballet.
Talking of 1888, I mustn’t forget about our day's activities, as well! It seems that, like any true ballerina, we were born with a sweet tooth – because December 18th, 1888 saw the launch of a magnificent new treat: Cadbury's Milk Chocolate! How fabulous is that? I have just been treated to the most decadent, smooth, sweet cup of hot chocolate - oh, my! Talk about perfect après-ballet refreshment! Just as soon as we finish our drink, I’ll be dashing off to the ballet. As an extra special treat, this evening's performance features a world-renowned prima ballerina – a legend in her own right, captivating audiences with her flawless movements and incredible technique. Imagine all those swishing layers of pink tulle - simply dreamy! I have already pre-booked a ticket at the prestigious Royal Opera House! Can you believe it? You just can't beat a fabulous night of dancing and entertainment.
As ever, remember, dears, it’s not simply about ballet - it's about enjoying all that is life. After all, with every twirl and pirouette, we add a touch of joy and beauty to the world! We just need to keep embracing it and showing off our style. And you know, a dash of pink will always add that extra special magic to any outfit – tutu or not!
I’ll leave you to soak up all that 1888 has to offer, with a twinkle in your eyes and a smile on your face! Catch me on www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for another fabulous foray into #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History – and remember, darling, we all have a little bit of ballerina inside us. Let's get those twirls going!
Until then, dance to your own beat and don't be afraid to wear a little pink – it's a fabulous thing! See you soon, lovelies!
XOXO Emma
