Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing guide to all things twirling, and today we're travelling back in time to August 16th, 1892! Can you imagine, darlings, the world without the magical sight of a tutu swirling on stage? Why, it wouldn't be half as delightful!
But hold onto your bonnets, my dears, for today we're exploring a time when the tutu wasn't the dazzling confection it is today. It was a rather different affair, a little less...pink!
Now, if you think a pink tutu is my ultimate fashion fantasy, well, in this time period, you'd have been shocked, dearie! Back then, tutus were often crafted in white, for a stark and dramatic contrast to the stage. Fancy that!
So where do we begin our voyage into this tutu timeline? Why, with The Paris Opera, of course! In 1892, this opulent temple of dance was still steeped in its rich history. Our very own Marie Taglioni, the original tutu icon, had taken the stage here over 50 years before! The French ballet world was buzzing with anticipation for new talent, new ideas. The Parisian ladies loved the elegance of ballet and they flocked to the Opera in their latest creations – I bet a hat and feather ensemble was de rigeur for the ladies who lunched at the time.
Now, on August 16th, 1892, what was taking place? Well, my dear, you could have found yourself at a gala at the Theatre du Châtelet, not far from the Opera House, watching the famed dancer Carlotta Zambelli. She was a true star, known for her powerful technique and dramatic flair! I can almost picture the elegant ladies whispering about her dress. Imagine the swooning as she floated across the stage, defying gravity in a flurry of white! It must have been captivating.
However, we must talk about the ballet's social context – the theatre was definitely considered "high society", darlings. A truly grand evening! Even the train journey from Derbyshire would have been an experience in itself - and don't even get me started on the fashionable bonnets and parasols!
And you know me, I’m always looking at what the ladies of the day were wearing. Let’s just say there weren't any tutus outside the theatre! At least not pink ones anyway. In 1892, a typical young lady might be sporting a lovely gown, maybe even with a stylish jacket – the jacket, ladies, is all the rage! You could add some pretty lace to make it look ever so dashing. Now imagine this on a train carriage, surrounded by ladies going to a theatrical event. Pure glamour, I tell you.
While I adore the current pink tutu craze, a dash of that vintage elegance does intrigue me. After all, every period holds its own kind of charm. Now, who's up for a trip to Paris, darlings, to explore this fashion treasure trove?!
Don't forget to join me next week for another Tuesday trip into the enchanting world of tutus!
Stay chic and keep on twirling, Emma ✨💖🩰
P.S. Follow my #PinkTutuJourney across my other social channels! We'll be visiting more fashion-forward destinations in the past. I love that with my Ballet Tutu History, I can see all these different outfits from the past! And don't forget to keep sending in your questions. There's always a story waiting to be uncovered, dearie!
