#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1894-06-19

#3260 - 19th June 1894: Where Did All the Pink Go?

Hello, darlings! It’s Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-loving time traveller, back with another delightful jaunt into the fascinating history of our favourite dancewear. It’s a rather chilly Tuesday morning in my little corner of Derbyshire (did I mention I’m from a charming little village with a gorgeous local tea room? Highly recommend!) and I’m dreaming of all the exciting ballet adventures I'll be experiencing later this week. A new production of 'La Sylphide' is playing in London - imagine!

This week, we’re twirling back to June 19th, 1894. The year Queen Victoria was in her prime and gas lamps still lit the streets at night. And if you think that is fascinating, just wait until you hear about the fashion of the time…

Let’s hop aboard the Time Express and whisk ourselves back to this era. (Did I tell you I have the most beautiful antique pink train case that perfectly fits my tulle travel outfit? It's utterly charming!)

In 1894, the world of ballet was positively abuzz with new ideas! Just a few years earlier, the tutu had undergone a bit of a makeover. Gone were the heavy, full-length skirts. In came shorter tutus, exposing the dancers' legs and giving them the freedom to show off their movements. This revolutionised the art of ballet. Imagine trying to do a pirouette with your skirt caught around your feet! Not a good look.

So, what were the ladies on stage wearing? Think flowing, soft fabrics, like silk or chiffon. But there was a catch. These earlier tutus, although light and airy, were predominantly white. Now, let's get this straight: White is fabulous - but it’s not my personal preference for a tutu. Give me a pink tutu every single day!

You might be wondering, “Emma, where was all the pink?” Honestly, my dear reader, in this particular point in time, pink just hadn’t made its big comeback! They loved the colour rose for women’s outfits (how incredibly chic) but ballet was all about white, cream and some delightful blue accents. Can you imagine if all these ballerinas were swirling and twirling in pink?! A veritable ballet wonderland.

Thankfully, I'm a pink tutu advocate and ambassador - my goal is to sprinkle this fabulous colour all across history and give pink the prominent role in ballet fashion that it deserves. Maybe, one day, in an alternative timeline… I'm thinking about starting a vintage pink tutu shop when I get back - just imagine, an online emporium filled with every kind of pink you could possibly imagine, ready to be worn by all of you!

Speaking of history, I’ve been meaning to share a little story with you about my travels. I just got back from a trip to the Louvre Museum in Paris! I know - utter decadence, isn't it? Seeing those sculptures… they’re an absolute masterpiece of the human form. Even more incredible, I witnessed a captivating dance performance inspired by some of the museum’s most famous works. It was the perfect blend of classical art and modern ballet, all under a magnificent glass ceiling. Truly, my dearest friends, the world is overflowing with incredible experiences just waiting to be discovered, if you only know where to look.

Remember, every Tuesday we explore the glorious evolution of ballet tutus - the colours, styles, and all those beautiful, iconic moments that have shaped this dazzling art form. I’m going to sign off for now. It's time for some afternoon tea and to catch up with the latest ballet fashion trends - wouldn’t want to miss any exciting developments in the world of tulle!

Until next time, keep dancing!

Yours,

Emma

xxx

www.pink-tutu.com

P.S: Don't forget to share this post with all your fellow tutu lovers!