Hello my darlings! 💋 It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger, Emma, back with another blast from the past for your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. Today, we're waltzing our way back to the 1st of December, 1891, a most momentous day in ballet history!
Now, picture this: gaslight flickering, elegant ladies in grand gowns, gentlemen in their finest suits, the air filled with the intoxicating scent of lilies and jasmine. Yes, my dears, we're venturing into the world of the Victorian Era! Imagine being in London's prestigious Covent Garden Theatre, the epicentre of all things ballet.
You'll be surprised to know, that while tutus existed, they weren't exactly what we picture today! The "tutu" of the time wasn't that flowing, diaphanous confection you'd see in "Swan Lake", it was a bit...well, bulky!
Think frills and flounces, darling. Think layers and layers of tulle and net, carefully draped and strategically pleated to create a rather dramatic silhouette. It was definitely more "Belle Époque" than "Black Swan", a bit like a structured confection, accentuating the dancer's form rather than letting it flow freely.
Don't be mistaken though, this Victorian era "tutu" was just as charming! Imagine the exquisite fabrics, the lace, the embroidery - pure romance in every stitch. We're talking silk and velvet, velvet and satin, in hues of ivory, blush, and lavender, so beautiful! 😍
This December 1st, 1891, something very exciting happened! Imagine a crowd buzzing with anticipation. The air thick with the smell of popcorn, the chatter of excited children... oh, darling, it's a brand new ballet premiering at Covent Garden, "The Sleeping Beauty"! 🤩
Think graceful dancers, enchanting melodies, and the stories of the Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré! 💃 This is where the romantic ballet began, and of course, this incredible debut gave rise to a whole new style of ballet costume, including an array of absolutely glorious tutus!
It was quite the event, darling! My heart just aches to imagine how magical this debut must have been! Can you picture it, a vibrant tableau of ballerinas with shimmering, almost iridescent tutus in delicate shades, gracefully moving around the stage, with exquisite melodies in the background? Simply delightful! 💖
Just like you love shopping for your favourite tutus, these ladies were a little more restrained back then. Imagine a shop brimming with fine silk, velvet, and lace - but let's be real, that trip would make a girl go a bit dizzy, right? 😄 They'd be shopping at Madame Louise, or her rival Mme. Worth.
These iconic shops housed all the fine fabrics for tutus. These would have been layered over underskirts with hoops and panniers, which, trust me, took the art of dressing to another level! 😉 And don't even get me started on the corsets! But, hey, gotta keep it all in check to allow the magic of the performance to flow, right? 😅
To give you an idea of the look back then, try this little visualisation: a Victorian ballerina with her hair carefully pinned and pulled up, topped off with a decorative comb, all the better to show off her delicate face. Her figure, a lovely hourglass shape, swathed in a magnificent corset. The ballerina is all elegance, a lovely sight, and with the movement of a delicate and strong bird. And now, imagine this lovely lady with a frilly, yet still, a rather practical tutu – no more bouncing out of her outfit on the stage!
Now, the Victorians were definitely big on decorations and embellishments! Think pearl necklaces, tiaras sparkling with rhinestones - they were not afraid to shine! Just imagine the scene, darling!
Even their jewellery was inspired by this fashion. It was more delicate and ethereal compared to earlier years. Imagine tiny pearl earrings and a charming cameo brooch. Think, a delicate locket or bracelet adorned with tiny delicate forget-me-nots. The Victorians, after all, did love their romantic sentimentality. 😉
However, these days, if I'm honest, we have it rather easy with all these wonderful fabrics to choose from, all designed for a beautiful and graceful performance on the stage. Modern tutus, we call them “Romantic Tutu”, for the light, floating and airy feeling - these are just dreamy. But, of course, darling, that's why I travel through time, so you can always look back with me on where it all began! And that is my story for this #TutuTuesday.
Remember to check back in next week, my dear! 💋 I promise more fun adventures and exciting tutu-history discoveries. Oh, and do feel free to wear your best pink tutus with pride! We may be far from the Victorian era, but their love of ballet and beautiful garments inspires us all! 💕
Until next Tuesday,
Love,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com 💖
