Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your time-traveling tutu enthusiast, here from the heart of Derbyshire, England. Today on this fabulous #TutuTuesday, we're stepping back in time, all the way to December 1891, to dive into the enchanting world of the ballet tutu. Put on your fanciest shoes, grab a glass of pink lemonade (it’s the colour, after all!), and let’s twirl through some history.
It's quite something, isn’t it, how the world of ballet has transformed? Nowadays, the stage lights up with an incredible range of vibrant, colourful, and imaginative tutus. But back in the 1890s, things were a tad different.
On this very day in 1891, for example, in the world's dance hub, Paris, there’s a buzz around the Théâtre National de l'Opéra, one of the most spectacular and breathtaking theatre houses in the whole of France. But rather than a swirling tutu masterpiece, we are about to witness the premiere of "Giselle," a classic ballet, still enjoyed today! I remember, last month, seeing a production in London! Now, while "Giselle" features elegant and flowing tutus in its second act, it was first presented in 1841, so the designs in the 1890s are more intricate than ever! Can you imagine! The dancers were certainly showing off some incredible elegance and athleticism on stage!
Now, imagine, 8th December, 1891! It’s the perfect London December day for a theatre outing. Imagine a crisp but sunny day! (Yes, they do happen in London). As I stroll through Covent Garden on my way to the Royal Opera House, I gaze at the charming shops and vendors - just think, that wonderful aroma of hot roasted chestnuts in the air! You wouldn't want to be a stage performer with that amazing scent all around, just outside the stage door!
Now, while tutus weren't quite as flamboyant as they are today, there were still a few truly sensational developments in fashion around this time, that would go on to be worn in the ballet.
For starters, we had the bustle dress - the skirt, bunched up at the back! Such fun, such detail, such extravagance! Can you imagine that shape on a ballet costume?
Another trend that is perfect for swirling, dancing, and posing is the Gibson Girl! A vision of femininity, and yes, the style of that famous artwork with her graceful elegance and romantic air, did translate beautifully onto the ballet stage! Now imagine, for this one, an extra dramatic tutu, for the fullness of the design.
Then, the invention of the safety pin was revolutionising everything! Gone were the days of tangled cords, with its clever way to join fabrics together. No wonder there was a fashion explosion. The perfect shape for holding together those many layers and embellishments on those grand tutus.
And, ladies and gents, a secret – did you know, that, thanks to new technology in dye development, the use of bright, lively pink was starting to catch on in clothes! Pink, a truly delightful, radiant, and elegant colour for ballet and a colour, which I’ve found is perfect for tutus! I can see those beautiful tutus taking to the stage in beautiful pinks for a ballerina to swirl. Just delightful!
Now, I imagine there was some fab, glitzy excitement going on at the ballet! You bet! The ballet is, after all, always a centre of fashion innovation, just like it is today. We’ve certainly seen some bold and creative tutu styles with that explosion of creativity around this time!
Well, darlings, that's it for this #TutuTuesday, and I hope you’ve loved a little dip into the past. Don’t forget, if you’re in London, catch the theatre, or if you're lucky, a ballet, and get your fix of those lovely sparkly tutus in your local ballet school, if not for yourself, at least for your darling girls!
Stay glamorous and keep twirling, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
