Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back with another delightful delve into the history of our beloved garment! This week, we're taking a trip in my trusty time machine (which, fun fact, runs on a magical blend of tulle, pointe shoes, and pure joy!) to 1891, a year brimming with delightful fashion and, you guessed it, TUTUS!
I have to say, this time travel stuff really makes me appreciate the modern ballet world even more! Whilst the outfits back in the late 1800s were quite elegant, let's face it, they wouldn't exactly be ideal for a pirouette!
Stepping off the train, I found myself in the heart of Paris, which was truly the epicentre of everything chic and fashionable at the time. Now, Paris is, as you all know, synonymous with romance and fashion. Oh, to have been there in 1891, sipping champagne, gazing at the Eiffel Tower and -- you guessed it -- spotting some truly stunning tutus!
The Rise of the "Tutu"
1891 was an interesting time for ballet. You see, the traditional 'romantic tutu,' which we think of today as a long, billowing skirt that allows for beautiful and graceful movements, wasn't really around just yet. Ballet was undergoing a significant change in its overall style and so was the tutu! This transition was sparked by Marius Petipa, who became ballet master of the Imperial Theatres of St Petersburg in 1869. He revolutionised Russian ballet through the use of what he referred to as the "ballet dress," a shortened, frilled and stiffened skirt that would later come to be known as the tutu.
I was fascinated to see that the tutus at this time weren't your traditional pink, poofy style. Oh no, they were made of a lighter fabric and resembled more of a loose, gauzy skirt! Imagine something a little less structured than a ballet class tutu and a lot more flowing and graceful!
However, even with its less structured nature, ballet was definitely taking centre stage in society!
A Feast for the Eyes
While ballet tutus of this era may not have had the structured fullness that we associate with the classical tutu, their romantic appeal was undoubtedly present. And the shows at the Paris Opera were truly enchanting!
Imagine the brightly-lit stage, a symphony of sounds swelling with emotion, and a delicate tutu shimmering as the ballerina moves, almost floating, through the air! You could practically feel the passion!
*The Dress (Not Just for Dancers) *
It’s quite astounding to think, darlings, that in 1891 tutus weren’t just confined to the stage! A popular trend in fashion at this time was the ‘Tutu Dress.’ Now this was no ballet tutu; it was a full-skirted gown, quite often in the pastel tones so favoured by fashionable ladies at that time. But the reference to the tutu shows you how the graceful and whimsical elements of ballet were infiltrating all aspects of the high society world, making fashion, dare I say it, a little bit more playful!
Shopping Spree
A delightful aspect of my trip was, of course, indulging in some retail therapy! Imagine a world of gorgeous gowns and silk sashes! Oh, I just wished I had more than my suitcase to fill with the gorgeous trinkets, accessories and bonnets! There was one beautiful antique boutique which sold the most exquisite lace. Oh, to imagine what the ladies back in Derbyshire would make of my haul!
A Final Curtsy
And so, my darlings, our whirlwind tour of ballet history in 1891 draws to a close! I’m off to gather the materials for a brand new tutu design, one inspired by those glorious and graceful Victorian styles. Maybe a few frills, a hint of pastel blue… just wait and see!
I hope you enjoyed this trip back in time. Do remember to stay tuned next Tuesday, for I will be unveiling the new tutu!
Happy twirling, my darlings!
Don’t forget, you can always catch up on previous Tutu Tuesday blog posts on our website: www.pink-tutu.com!
