Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-obsessed, tutu-touting Emma here, back with another whirlwind journey through Ballet Tutu History! This week, we're twirling back to 23rd May 1893, just imagine, a whole century ago! How exciting is that?!
I’ve got a fantastic story for you today, one filled with glitz and glamour, a little bit of a daring fashion choice and a glimpse into a world of ballet that’s, dare I say, a little bit more sensible than the wild, modern trends we see today. I hope you're sitting comfortably, because I've got a big cup of tea and a delicious slice of Victoria sponge cake ready to go!
As always, I found my way here on the back of a majestic steam engine, its whistle calling like a song through the rolling countryside. I must admit, travelling by train is quite the experience, so wonderfully different from the zipping through time we usually do, a bit like travelling back in time through the pages of a romantic novel. This time I travelled through London. London in 1893, where the city streets are alive with horse-drawn carriages and ladies sporting elaborate bonnets, it is absolutely charming! And what's even more wonderful? I landed directly at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the heart and soul of the ballet world! Just to be near this theatre of dreams gets my heart a-flutter and my toes a-tapping!
The date, 23rd May 1893, was a monumental one for the history of the tutu! Oh, don’t get me wrong, tutus had existed for a while, a daring nod to fashion in their day. They were certainly an innovative way to show off the movement of a ballerina, but not always universally adored.
Imagine a ballerina’s skirt – billowing with layers, like a delicate cloud! Back then, that’s how ballerinas danced! Layers of fabric that swirled and swished, beautiful, romantic and a tad too hot for all that leaping about, in my opinion. However, 1893 was the year where something truly special happened - A revolutionary dancer named Isadora Duncan took to the stage in a rather revolutionary dress. She rejected the layers of fabric that had been considered essential in the world of dance for ages. She wanted movement, she wanted expression! It was truly avant garde.
Imagine - a flowing Grecian-inspired dress, something so beautiful, yet so simple. The audience? They were a mix of gasp and gawk!
The critics of the time went wild, many questioning if this was "dancing" or even respectable! Well, I find the critics of today far more similar! And of course, there were those who loved her!
To me, Duncan was truly an inspiration. She knew what looked best and danced with passion and energy. She made the dress an extension of her art. There was a time where dancing had been confined to structured rules and costumes – it was an amazing step forward!
Here in my time, the tutu is everywhere - not only a symbol of ballerinas, but a staple on runways, and even a popular party outfit, I’ve spotted some glorious, shimmery pink tutus on several TikTok stars. But don’t think for a minute that back in 1893 the world wasn’t also loving its tutu designs! Even if they were a tad heavier than the fluffy clouds I love to wear!
You know what's absolutely lovely, darling? It’s amazing how trends come full circle. The shorter tutus and flowing lines we adore now have their origins in the bold choices of those ballerinas way back when!
Speaking of bolder choices – how about you? Have you found yourself wearing a tutu recently? A new pink, perhaps? What about a trip to a ballet show or ballet class? Remember to share your pictures using #TutuTuesday – I love seeing you embrace this iconic garment, wherever you are in the world. Remember, we can all be princesses in our own way, no matter the year, the century, or even the planet!
I’m off on another adventure, my dear friends, and as always, I hope this journey through Ballet Tutu History has left you a little bit more enchanted! Until next time, darling tutu-lovers, let's keep dancing!
Stay radiant!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
