#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1889-11-12

Hello my lovelies, and welcome to Tutu Tuesday! I’m Emma, your fellow pink tutu enthusiast, and this is my 3020th blog post, dedicated to exploring the delightful history of tutus and all things twirly!

This week, let’s hop on the time train and visit the grand, bustling city of London on 12th November 1889, just in time for an extraordinary theatrical treat. You see, dear readers, my trips are rarely complete without some cultural delights - it wouldn’t be a true journey back in time without some ballet!

Now, I might not be wearing a pink tutu this week (it wouldn’t be very historically accurate, would it?) but I’m certain this era was still brimming with all kinds of charming, theatrical fashion! Just imagine: flowing silk skirts, elegant gloves, and dashing top hats for the gentlemen – such lovely inspiration for my next dress-up occasion, wouldn’t you agree?

But let’s get back to our exciting theatrical event, shall we? This week, London’s esteemed Covent Garden was home to the grand premiere of none other than "The Sleeping Beauty"! This exquisite production, penned by the brilliant Marius Petipa and choreographed by the wonderful Lev Ivanov, would go on to be a masterpiece, still enjoyed by audiences across the globe even today! Just think, I can be transported to a world of swirling tutus, glittering jewels, and the captivating power of music, right here, in London! Fancy that, eh? 💖

Speaking of tutus, though they’re not quite in the grand, dramatic fashion we see today, you could say these were certainly the “glory days” of the classical ballerina’s costume! It was the time when the delicate, tulle, multi-layered tutu was becoming ever more prevalent. They may have been simpler than their later incarnations, but these tutus, worn by graceful dancers, were as stunning as any modern gown I’ve seen!

Imagine – watching this performance in a theatre packed with excited audiences, gaslight illuminating the magnificent dancers, every twirl a testament to the art form itself. How absolutely lovely, don’t you think?

This little trip to 1889 was like stepping into a fairytale, where the enchantment of ballet captivated every heart and mind.

Don’t forget to visit me next week for more enchanting Tutu Tuesday history and fashion delights! Until then, keep those spirits bright, keep those twirls going, and remember, dear reader, it's always a good time for pink! 💖

Your ever so fashionable, tutu-loving, Emma

While tutus were a magnificent part of the ballet landscape in 1889, they were not always what we think of them today. In fact, ballet dancers would wear their tutus much differently! You know those fluffy, fluffy, cloud-like tutus? Those didn't become popular until later on!

In the late 1800s, these tutus were typically called demi-tutus which, while lovely, weren't quite as dramatic. Imagine them being a bit more simple and more like a knee-length tutu, compared to what we'd see later.

Don’t worry – we'll still see the evolution of the tutus from the mid-19th century onwards with plenty more Tutu Tuesdays. 🩰

Now for some exciting extra details:

Did you know that 12th November 1889 also marked a historical moment? On this day, in Washington D.C., the National Geographic Society was founded! They were committed to promoting scientific research, exploration and exploration - amazing work, wouldn't you agree?

For my readers in the United Kingdom, this would have been a rather chilly time! It was a period when Britain faced severe frost and a lack of coal, something that could put a real chill on any dancer’s evening!

And now, a little bit of travel chat, just like me! I know that travelling by train became immensely popular in 1889, as did the penny-farthing bicycle (just imagine the outfits)! It makes you think that life in 1889 was full of opportunities to step outside and get exploring - and not only the world around you but also the world within! And that, ladies and gents, is what life’s all about - twirling, adventuring and having a blast! ✨

That's all for today's Tutu Tuesday, darling! Don't forget to stop by again next week and join me in celebrating all things pink and twirly! Remember, it's always a good time for tutus!

See you soon! 💖