Greetings from your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller!
This Tuesday, I'm twirling my way back to the 7th of January 1890! Ooh la la! This is the period where the tutu really started to blossom, taking the stage by storm, and I, of course, just had to check it out!
Imagine a world without The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, or even Coppelia. We're in a time of waltzes, elegant ball gowns, and a burgeoning fascination with the magical world of ballet.
Now, I may be partial to the fluffy, voluminous tutus we see today, but you wouldn't have seen those in this era! Imagine a more pared-down, flowing design, a wispy wisp of silk and tulle.
My journey began with a trip to The Royal Opera House, right here in London, darling. London, as always, was a dazzling hive of activity, with carriages pulling up in grand style. Even if you weren't going to the theatre, it was quite a show in itself!
Inside the theatre, the tutus were definitely more on the romantic side. Think light, airy fabric – mostly in white, pale pink, or a dash of blue – dancing around the legs in beautiful lines.
Did you know The Nutcracker had just been choreographed in 1892? It was only three years off! But what a groundbreaking work for the time, showcasing the ethereal, beautiful quality of classical ballet, something that was really coming into its own in this period.
Imagine this: I stepped out onto Covent Garden after the performance, feeling absolutely thrilled and wanting nothing more than to run around Covent Garden in a swirling, voluminous tutu! Honestly, a tutu is truly a garment that expresses joy!
The next day, I wandered through London's West End. Even in 1890, fashion was buzzing. It wasn’t quite the fast fashion we see today, but London was, and still is, at the heart of the fashion world.
After a quick (but thoroughly delightful) cuppa at a charming café, I ventured to The British Museum. Oh my goodness, this was the place to be for those who loved art, history, and of course, fashion! The museum was teeming with visitors. It really felt like everyone was dressed to impress, but in such a delightful, classic style. It was an enchanting era.
And, imagine this, 1890, a year of grand events – the First International Congress of Psychology took place! And can you believe this? The first official bicycle races took place on frozen waterways. The Victorians did enjoy their quirky sports!
So, for my fellow fashion enthusiasts, how can you add a touch of this elegant era to your wardrobe? Easy peasy! A simple white blouse with a delicate, sheer ruffle, paired with a flowing skirt or perhaps even a pencil skirt in a beautiful colour, like dusky pink, would do the trick. For those bolder souls, a simple velvet bodice with a black tutu would make a dramatic and timeless statement.
But what about the modern tutu today? What has changed and why does it matter? This is what my time travelling journey gives me: insight.
Yes, our tutus might be a bit fuller, more frilly, more extravagant, but it’s that sense of expression, that passion and love for art that remains. It’s about a dance with elegance and creativity, and it is absolutely the reason that I continue my mission, which I hope, one day, to turn into a worldwide fashion revolution - get everyone wearing pink tutus.
Let’s spread that tutu love and have a magnificent week. See you next Tuesday!
Until next time, Emma
Pink Tutu
www.pink-tutu.com
Post ScriptSome interesting facts I found on the 7th of January 1890:
- It was a Wednesday! The calendar wasn’t on the same day, you know! I found out this was Wednesday.
- There was an opera happening in Italy!! The story, La Falena by Luigi Mancinelli premiered in the Teatro Comunale, Bologna, so I've made it a goal to travel there next week!
- New York City held their first annual exhibition of the National Arts Club This is another wonderful place on my list!
So I love this part of history, it’s where the ballet story was truly coming to life.
Remember to sign up to my Pink Tutu blog and I'll have more posts like this coming soon, my lovely readers!
P.S. A little rumour, some say, I will try to find a time traveller in Italy - see what I can find!
