Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where tutus are always in vogue! Today, we're taking a whimsical trip back in time, right to the very heart of the 1890s, to peek at the glorious history of our favourite garment - the tutu. Now, I know what you're thinking - December 22nd 1891? Wasn't that a bit before the peak of the tutu's reign? You'd be surprised, darlings!
A Tale of Two Tutus:
Remember, we have to think of the "Tutu" as an evolving thing - just like fashion! Way back when, the "tutu" was a completely different beast - it was more of a loose, flowing skirt, rather than the short and airy masterpiece we know today. I mean, can you imagine me trying to dance in that - all swishing about like a Grecian Goddess? Now that would be a sight, don't you think!
We can thank, or perhaps, thank mostly, the wonderful Marie Taglioni - a name every dancer holds in reverence! Her iconic performance of "La Sylphide" in 1832, in the very short and airy tutus we now recognize, revolutionized ballet fashion! It was the grande révélation that changed everything, ushering in a new era for dancers to take flight on stage - no more cumbersome dresses getting in the way of their movements!
So, as I step onto the dance floor of London in 1891, you bet Iâm rocking my most dramatic, most elegant tutu - even if it is ever so slightly longer than my modern ones - but we are still a world away from those cumbersome swirling dresses of days gone by!
Victorian Era â All the Right Moves
Now, the Victorian era - this time period had its own set of ârules,â but ballet, that exquisite dance, always found a way to break those shackles! And for me, a passionate, Derbyshire-born ballerina and historian, itâs a true thrill to be stepping into this age of grand balls, lavish soirĂ©es, and, of course, enchanting ballet!
Picture it - ladies dressed in beautiful gowns, men in their crisp top hats and tailcoats, all assembled in opulent ballrooms, mesmerized by the grace of ballet! Ah, isnât that just perfect? The world truly did embrace its beautiful complexities then, you know, the elegant simplicity, the refined drama, and the elegant extravagance⊠the 1890s had it all.
A Glimpse at 1891
Let me tell you, itâs a fabulous time for a ballet buff. Thereâs plenty to experience and even more to wear! I was absolutely delighted to find Madame Worth, a leading couturier in the French capital! Her designs, truly breathtaking, and perfectly matched the extravagance of the time. She was known to create gowns with yards of exquisite fabric - the ultimate extravagance. Oh, and can we talk about hat trends? Every Parisian lady in a stunning, stylish feathered creation â it's like a parade of elegant birds!
Speaking of fashion, can we just take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the ballet costumes back then? While, admittedly, a tad heavier than we have today, they still featured delicate fabrics like silk and velvet, intricately embroidered with delicate designs - the effort in each piece simply breathtaking! You simply had to have all the frills and the fluff!
I made a grand stop in Vienna, too, darling - home to one of the most spectacular ballets of the time - "Giselle". I simply must take a moment to applaud those talented ballerinas, dancing through all those complex pirouettes, grand jetés, and those daring arabesque poses⊠with such a dramatic flair. It simply left me speechless. I can barely describe the beauty of those moves; every pirouette, every arabesque, simply divine!
Of course, there were many more remarkable performances around Europe: âThe Nutcrackerâ, the âSleeping Beautyâ, and, for a good laugh - you just must try and watch the original âSwan Lakeâ - it was so camp. And, honestly, there never was anything so wonderfully theatrical.
Shopping Spree!
I must say, itâs hard not to spend hours exploring the grand emporiums and the bustling fashion houses â oh, the glorious fabrics - silk, velvet, lace! This world is practically bursting with exquisite craftsmanship. I bought a few metres of lace â thatâs for a very special tutu I have planned â you'll see soon. I even found vintage satin ribbon! It's going to make the most divine trim!
You know, it makes me think⊠perhaps we should look more into those antique markets! The world of fashion and design always goes full circle, right? Who knows what beautiful remnants of history await - they could be treasures just waiting to be reborn. What do you think?
Final Thought
Well, lovelies, our trip through time is over, but my journey for that perfect tutu, well thatâs neverending!
Itâs amazing to look back in history, to see the transformation, the evolution of ballet and its fashion! You see, my dear friends, the love of tutus and the graceful world of ballet - they truly transcend time!
Join me next Tuesday for a new look at another piece of ballet history!
Always be bold, always be yourself,
Emma x
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to Pink Tutu at www.pink-tutu.com to keep your wardrobe and your life filled with tutus and joy! Remember, darling - tutus are always fashionable!
