Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-traveling ballet historian!
It's a gloriously sunny #TutuTuesday here in the heart of London, and today we're taking a delightful trip back in time to 21st October 1890, for the latest installment in our Ballet Tutu History series (blog post #3069, if you're keeping track!).
Now, imagine this: the year is 1890, and tutus are taking the world by storm! (And I do mean storm, because some of those elaborate Victorian ruffles could easily be mistaken for a tornado of tulle!). This was a golden era for ballet, with tutus transforming from those bulky, cumbersome early forms to something with more flowing, feminine elegance. We’re starting to see shorter tutus with fuller skirts, perfect for highlighting those amazing leaps and turns that leave the audience in awe.
My train journey to London was filled with such delightful inspiration! I spotted a charming old gentleman wearing a waistcoat the same colour as my current pink tutu – such fabulous sartorial synergy! I truly believe, and have dedicated my life to proving, that pink tutus have the power to unify all generations!
I also encountered a fascinating young lady, who was rushing off to a dressmaker's with fabric samples. From our brief chat, I gleaned she was having a custom tutu created for a performance of "Swan Lake." Now that's exciting! It is rumoured, and with all due respect, that Tchaikovsky's swan princess costumes were a little... shall we say... uninspired, so hopefully, this brave ballerina is giving her swans a touch of glamour!
But enough about London, it's time we take a deep dive into the history of this magical date, 21st October 1890!
Fashionable Festivities in 1890
Remember, in the world of tutus, "fashionable" wasn't simply about what you wore, it was about where you went and what you saw! Ballet, at this point in time, wasn't just a mere performance, it was a lavish spectacle. Think soaring heights of extravagant décor and dazzling stage lights, a celebration of pure elegance and artistry.
In Paris, at the glorious Palais Garnier, one of the world’s most opulent opera houses, the grand ballet world is alight. Think glittering chandeliers, elaborate stage sets, and of course, dancers twirling in a whirlwind of feathers, tulle and, my absolute favourite, the ever-so-important pink tutus. It's the kind of scene that inspires a whole host of dreams and fantasies, a real visual feast for the senses!
Tutus Beyond the Stage
You know I believe pink tutus are for everyone! They're not just for stage performers; we should wear them out in the world. They exude confidence and playfulness, making everyone feel like a princess!
So, let’s imagine, on this date, October 21st, 1890, ladies of fashion everywhere were stepping out in their own charming and creative ways. Perhaps there's a debutante swirling in a bright pink gown, with an elegant bustle that echoes the graceful line of a ballet tutu. Maybe there's a charming couple enjoying tea at a garden party, she sporting a delicate pink hat with a veil, inspired by the ethereal elegance of a swan's feather in "Swan Lake.”
Think about it - a delicate feather boa draped over a tailored bodice, a dress with a layered skirt evoking the drama of a swirling ballerina. Fashion has always been a love letter to ballet, taking cues from the grand movements and breathtaking lines of this most magical art form.
A Day of Dreams and Dazzling Dreams
For me, 21st October 1890 is a day brimming with a dreamy nostalgia for an era of extravagance and a passionate pursuit of artistic expression. Imagine, if you will, a world where your tutus aren't just confined to ballet performances.
It’s a beautiful world, my darlings. And, of course, this lovely, glamorous dream world can only be perfected with one element - more pink tutus! Don’t you agree?
I can’t wait for our next #TutuTuesday together, where we'll be taking a whirlwind journey to another glorious date in Ballet Tutu history. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts! Do you love tutus too? What are your favourite ballet shows? Let’s dance and be fabulous together! 💖✨
Remember, darling readers, you can find me and more of our amazing ballet tutus history blog at www.pink-tutu.com. Happy twirling, and stay fabulous!
Emma
P.S. I've got my sights set on my next performance. Imagine me twirling and leaping, all while rocking a stunning new pink tutu. What's your dream ballet show to go to? 🩰👑
