Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post. Today, we're twirling back to 15th September 1891, just a little over a century ago.
Oh, the magic of the past! Even then, the ballet was flourishing, but let me tell you, my lovely readers, the world of fashion was a different kettle of fish. We're talking bustles, corsets, and hats with feathers - the sort of ensembles that would make you struggle to do even a simple plié.
Now, let's chat about tutus. In 1891, we're still talking about the classic, romantic tutus. Think layers and layers of soft, billowing tulle - imagine a cloud, but instead of being white, it's spun with colour, often in beautiful pastel shades or rich, jewel tones. The skirts were longer than what you see today, extending to the ankles, but they weren't quite the full circle tutu shape we know and adore. The dancers still needed the room to pirouette!
Speaking of pirouettes, Maria Taglioni, a true ballerina icon, was one of the pioneers of the romantic tutu. It's thanks to her grace and ethereal movement that this style of tutu came to prominence. Imagine a swirling, dreamy vision of silk and delicate embroidery on stage - pure ballet magic!
However, let's face it, the clothing of the era could be rather restricting. You'd need a dedicated team just to get ready! So, if you want to celebrate the tutus of 1891, think layers of tulle - a touch more volume in your skirt, some lovely embellishments - perhaps even a feather or two (but no bustles, please!). Don't forget a soft, romantic blouse, with lace trim or a ribbon.
And as for my own time-traveling ensemble, you already know what I'm wearing: a blush-pink, knee-length tutu. Just a touch of sparkle for the occasion, and some shimmering pearl earrings that match. My boots are, of course, pink - but a little less fluffy than usual - for comfort on the train. (Time travel is quite tiring, you know, especially when you insist on travelling first-class.)
But let's get back to the exciting part - the 15th of September! It was a Tuesday, my lovelies! Now, to be honest, not much ballet-related happened on this specific date, not that I could find in the annals of ballet history, that is. However, here in my little time-traveling world, I consider EVERY Tuesday to be #TutuTuesday!
It's time for a lovely treat for my fellow Tutu-lovers - I'll be taking you to the ballet! We're off to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the haute couture of dance venues. The tickets have just been sent over by carrier pigeon. (Who says technology doesn't work well with time travel? - ha! Though the internet is pretty hit and miss, thankfully Twitter works well in all the eras). It's just around the corner from my hotel (thank heavens for Victorian London's magnificent train system - I'm not doing the horse and carriage thing!), and the show tonight is a classic, the ever-beautiful Swan Lake.
You can find me in my tutu, with a massive pink, sugared almond iced cupcake and a delicious strawberry smoothie, courtesy of The Covent Garden Cake Shop, right after the performance. We can chat about all the delightful dancing, the tutus (oh, the tutus!), and anything else you lovely readers want to discuss. Maybe even pick out outfits for our next time travel adventures!
Just remember, darling, the magic of the tutu transcends time! Whether you are on stage, enjoying a performance, or shopping for the perfect ensemble - a pink tutu is a reminder to dance through life, twirl through your worries, and always strive for a bit of joyful flair!
Stay gorgeous, stay twirling,
Emma xx
