#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1892-05-31

Hello my lovely tutu-tastic friends! Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, time-travelling ballerina blogger! It’s Tuesday, which means it's time for a #TutuTuesday history hop, and this week I’m twirling back to the 31st of May, 1892.

Now, I have to confess, dear readers, I don't wear much pink today (I've been wearing a lovely lilac chiffon this week, very in fashion you know) because the world back in 1892 just wouldn't understand! They wore so many pastels then, imagine that! I’m a strong supporter of bold colours, as you know, and pink is my absolute favourite! But hey, what can you do? Can't change fashion history! 😉

Now, where was I? Ah yes! I just hopped out of the train and let me tell you, London in 1892 is a breathtaking place. Think hansom cabs clattering down cobblestone streets, bustling markets overflowing with fruit and flowers, and fashionable ladies in their stunning elaborate outfits. Speaking of outfits, I did find myself a darling silk hat with a huge ostrich plume, which I absolutely must wear with a lilac-and-cream-striped dress next time I’m in a proper salon de thé with afternoon tea, just imagine! It's an ensemble that practically shouts "19th-century glamour"!

Speaking of glamour, oh, I'm simply giddy with excitement because guess what's on tonight? * The Ballet Russe!

That's right! It's not quite the Russian Ballet we know and adore, but believe me, it’s a glorious step forward from the old Italian dance-drama days. The movements are far more fluid and the costumes…well, they're still a bit on the fussy side, a touch too long and flowy for my liking, but definitely heading in the right direction! The idea of "pure dance" for the sake of the art of dance? Simply divine!

I imagine it’s very exciting tonight – all the finest of London’s high society is out to witness the grace and skill of these phenomenal performers!

But here’s the kicker, and something I must share with you, my lovely #TutuTuesday friends! * The dancers aren’t wearing tutus at all! Gasps Dramatic pauses I know, I know! It's hard to believe. But yes, the tutu, the iconic, dainty delight of a garment, wasn't invented yet! Can you believe it? How can you be a ballerina without a fluffy cloud of a skirt, swirling in the air? I would know. My tutu collection, you know. Just my collection…not mentioning my storage space, and my second wardrobe, my secret hidden stash...

Okay, back to 1892… The ballet dancers were clad in knee-length tunic dresses made of the most elegant tulle, velvet, and silk, beautifully decorated and layered. All *quite beautiful - in their way. Don’t tell anyone I told you that! Don't want to get the #balletbloggers angry... I wouldn’t want them to send in their ballet shoe-wielding squads.

Of course, fashion is constantly evolving. But oh, how I wish I could whisk those lovely dancers forward in time to our century and say, “Girlfriend, let me introduce you to the tulle dream that is the modern ballet tutu! You're about to discover a whole new level of movement and elegance!”

I’m going to have a wonderful evening tonight. A bit of pre-theatre shopping, and a lovely glass of lemonade (lemonade was the most sophisticated drink then, don't forget!), and then off to witness the ballet. It's going to be a grand night!

Oh, but that’s not all my dears! As you know, history isn't all about tutus and theatre (though let's be honest, it's mainly about those). Today also marks something incredibly important.

Today, in 1892, in a remote corner of Derbyshire, a tiny little baby named Ida Tarbell is born. Now, she's not known for ballet or beautiful tutus - but what this girl does do for the future of everything, it will blow your minds, let me tell you! This Ida? This woman? She's the future queen of journalism, of truth and light - in the early days of investigative journalism, she literally changed the world and shook up the entire system! You want to know what’s in the newspapers these days? You have this Ida Tarbell to thank. Remember the name!

Remember that every Tuesday, right here, we'll travel back in time, exploring the world of the tutu in all its glory.

Till next week, my loves! And, dare I say, maybe start practicing your *twirls? It's never too late, my lovelies. I hope you enjoy your week ahead in bold, confident, beautiful style! * Go forth, my pink-tutu wearing angels, and bring that *pink tutudom out into the world!!** *And always remember, my lovely tutu-tastic friends, the more you twirl, the better life becomes! *

Emma.

So you will love to see the pink on display at the amazing vintage fashion collection at the *Fashion Museum in London! The pale-pink velvet dress is just… breathtaking! You have to see this gorgeous dress at least once! And just imagine, my dear friends, imagine if pink tutus were available in 1892!!!* The world of dance, the *stage, *everything would have been completely different! *A wonderful thought to end this week's *#TutuTuesday, eh?

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* This blog post is a work of fiction and any resemblance to actual people, living or dead is purely coincidental.*