Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, back with another instalment of Tutu Tuesday! Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to a most delightful year: 1891, and oh my, you wouldn't believe the tutu fashion going on!
Imagine, if you will, a London stage bathed in the soft glow of gaslight. The air hums with anticipation as the orchestra begins its prelude. Onstage, the ballerinas are ethereal creatures in billowing, tiered tutus that practically sweep the floor! These weren't the sleek, simple tutus we know and adore today, oh no. These were a riot of lace, frills, and tiers, truly a spectacle to behold.
The year 1891 was a turning point in ballet history. The 'Romantic' ballet era, with its focus on flowing, ethereal tutus and dreamy tales, was beginning to give way to a more grounded, technical approach. But even in the midst of this shift, the tutus still reigned supreme!
Now, while my time machine doesn't allow me to physically visit this fascinating time, I did manage to catch a glimpse of some of the stunning ballet productions. Think "Giselle" - the tutu here was truly an extension of the ballerina's ethereal beauty, the tiers of lace and tulle capturing the character's delicate nature perfectly.
Imagine a swirling cascade of delicate pink tulle. The ballerina dances in a mist of lightness and grace, embodying a mythical creature of the woods.
This era was also seeing the emergence of new ballet schools in London and Paris, leading to even greater attention to technique and artistry, and a corresponding refinement in the design of the tutus themselves. The layers started getting shorter, becoming lighter and more dynamic.
On December 15th, 1891, in particular, there was a special ballet performance at the Royal Opera House, featuring a young and very talented ballerina named Anna Pavlova. The tutu she wore that evening was particularly captivating, made with multiple layers of gauzy white tulle that fluttered with every pirouette, embodying the fragility and strength of the dancer's movements. I could imagine the gasps of delight and admiration from the audience, even the gentlemen with their fancy moustaches and high collars.
So, even though the 19th century might seem like a distant dream, it's an important reminder that tutus have been a staple of the ballet world for over a century. Each period has brought its own style and meaning to this quintessential garment, and it continues to evolve to this very day.
And don't worry, darling readers, I will definitely bring you along for a journey to more tutu-tastic eras in the weeks to come! But for now, keep your tutus twirling, and be sure to catch a ballet show.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pink tutu to twirl in and a train to catch. Till next Tuesday!
Your eternally devoted,
Emma 🩰💖
