Welcome back to my lovely Tutu Twirling friends! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina blogger, back for another jaunt through time. Today’s trip takes us all the way back to 1893 – and guess what? It’s Christmas week! 🎄🎉
Oh, I can just picture myself pirouette-ing down a snowy London street, a gorgeous crimson-hued velvet cloak over my pink tulle skirt, stopping at the shop windows to admire the festive decorations. This blog post, my dear friends, is going to be a truly special one!
Tutus in the Victorian Era: Elegance & Grace
Today's #TutuTuesday post takes us to a time when tutus weren't just for the stage. Imagine if every day felt like you were stepping onto the Bolshoi Theatre stage, and your petticoats whispered "ballet" wherever you went! This, my darlings, was the Victorian era. Tutus, in various iterations, were part of everyday wear!
The 19th century was a time when fashion favoured layers. We saw ladies adorned in crinolines, layered with multiple petticoats, sometimes reaching dizzying heights. And at the core of this magnificent structure? Well, it wasn't exactly a "tutu" as we know it. But it had a certain "tutu-esque" quality to it. It was called the "tutu-like" crinoline, a structure crafted from hoops and fabric, used to create an expansive, billowing shape.
Let’s take a quick fashion rewind, shall we? This "tutu-like" structure, which allowed for freedom of movement in all the waltzing and polkas popular at the time, was revolutionary! Forget about stiff corsets - the crinoline brought a new kind of movement to women's fashion. Just imagine yourself gracefully gliding through a ballroom, swirling and swaying as the music flows. Such beautiful artistry!
Dancing with the Stars
Ballet was already firmly established, both as an art form and a social spectacle, so it wasn't surprising that these "tutu-like" inspirations found their way into stage productions. But remember, tutus in this era were not yet the feather-light creations we see today. These were more elaborate, constructed of several layers of tulle or silk, carefully arranged and sewn, resulting in an iconic image of a full, tiered skirt, which allowed for movement and flair. Imagine it like the modern day tutu, but grander and perhaps a bit heavier. It required quite the skill set, even back then, to dance in this way. I salute those early dancers who pioneered the "tutu-like" crinoline on stage and, as we see now, throughout society!
Fashion for the Festivities
Now, Christmas 1893. My dear readers, I know many of you are as obsessed with Victorian fashion as I am, so let's imagine a bustling, Christmas-themed tableau.
Imagine yourself at a lavish party, perhaps at the grand Kensington Palace. Picture elegant gowns adorned with delicate lace and sumptuous velvet, worn with exquisite "tutu-like" crinolines for a flowing, almost ethereal look.
Think of the lavish gift-giving! Imagine a young lady receiving a beautiful pearl necklace as a Christmas gift, the perfect complement to her elegant “tutu-like" crinoline outfit!
Imagine strolling through the bustling Christmas markets, admiring the twinkling lights and gingerbread stalls. All the time you're perfectly attired in a stylish "tutu-like" frock, accessorized with a warm wool shawl.
You can see, my loves, that even in 1893, fashion revolved around a delicate balance of formality and playfulness! It's inspiring, isn’t it?
Looking Back, Looking Forward
And here we are, standing at the precipice of a new year! It’s fascinating to look back at how much fashion and ballet have evolved since that Victorian era. Yet, it’s so heartwarming to see those elegant, movement-driven garments influence so much of the fashion world to this day!
But don't forget, dear friends! Even in those earlier years, a woman's power came from embracing her unique sense of style and radiating her individual beauty. That spirit is still alive, dancing amongst us!
Let’s Go Shopping, My Tutu Twirling Tribe!
I’m heading off to shop for the perfect pink tutu for the New Year – I just have to find the right shade to celebrate the turn of the century! Don't forget to tell me in the comments which pink tutu style you love the most!
Don’t forget to visit us next Tuesday, 2nd January, for another magical journey into Ballet Tutu history! Don’t forget to follow my pink-tutu adventures and embrace the wonderful world of ballet with me! I’ll see you soon. Until next Tuesday, Happy Tutu-ing, my dears!
Emma
P.S. My lovely friends, please share your favourite pink tutu moments from this blog post! Let's turn the whole world pink, together!
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #VictorianFashion #TimeTravel #1893
