Welcome back, my darlings, to another dazzling installment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! It's me, your favourite pink-clad time travelling ballerina, Emma, ready to whisk you off to the glittering world of tutus past! This week we're venturing back to February 26th, 1895, and, as always, I'm decked out in the most delightful shade of pink imaginable.
As a little treat for this particular trip, I'm riding the Orient Express - oh, the glamour! Imagine me in a pretty little pink dress with a puff sleeve and a bow, a matching pink parasol, a fluffy pink tutu and sparkly slippers... It's simply divine! As always, my darling, the most essential part of the journey is a matching pink fluffy tutu. I believe this will become one of the hottest styles on the streets of London... if they'll let me. This particular tutu has an interesting frilled hem which reminds me of a dress a fashionable woman would wear. The silk material flows so nicely.
Oh! Have you been to London, darling? Such an amazing city... there's just so much to see and do. But really, the best thing is the Royal Opera House. Absolutely bursting with gorgeous dancers, beautiful costumes, and dramatic music. It's a veritable paradise for any tutu-loving lady!
And speaking of the Royal Opera House... can you believe the year is 1895? Yes, we're going back a whole 128 years to a time when the real excitement was all about the world of ballet, which at this time, darling, is being taken to whole new levels in St. Petersburg! Russia has become the heart of all things ballet. This city is full of beautiful ballets - the grand sets, stunning costumes, the magical music! It’s so exciting. There is just something special about the music - the dramatic, powerful sound of the strings in the orchestra...and then those gorgeous sweeping dance moves. And those elegant costumes! And darling, it all centres on that fabulous tutus! What is more beautiful than seeing those dancers fly across the stage with such grace!
You've got to visit! They say they've just completed a new theatre and the ballets they put on are utterly enchanting!
Now, where were we...? Oh, yes! 1895... the zeitgeist, the atmosphere in London was all about opulence and romanticism. The world was going through a wave of changes - new machines and inventions, but also a deep appreciation for classical music, theatre and dance! It was a golden age of creative artistry... and a time when ballet, in particular, was blooming! A ballet in full tutu is a truly dramatic spectacle for an audience - a little like watching a dream!
But for now, I must zip off to a Parisian shop, darling - just a quick browse for a new Parisian hat to wear with this fluffy pink tutu!
But I have to share some thoughts about the world of tutus as of 1895! This is a pretty special era because it sees the beginning of those amazing tutus that have become ballet staples! This period is so fascinating because it marks the time when tutus are no longer a ‘skirt’ but more like the shape of a bell... oh, those layers!
Can you believe the first tutus were simply a way of letting dancers jump a little bit higher? They gave the women a little bit more ‘skirt’ to move with and gave their jumps and pirouettes even more fluidity. Darling! I have to say this time period really revolutionized tutus because the designers stopped working with just silk! It's a shame to think of it, really. Silk was a lovely material that added an elegance and shimmer. However, the ballet world felt it could improve things a bit by making the tutus lighter! By the time we reached 1895 the design of tutus really had changed with materials like netting and crinoline used to make a lighter style, while staying in its traditional ‘bell’ style!
This is where tutus become, well, pretty special - all the more spectacular. It’s truly an explosion of femininity and dance - a visual joy!
This kind of invention changed how dancers moved... you can just picture them bounding and flying around the stage in their delightful new lighter tutus. Imagine all that wonderful light billowing fabric - pure magic!
So what exciting event took place on this exact day in 1895? Hmm.. you'll never guess, my darling! It was the day a wonderful and iconic ballerina, Marie Taglioni, received a beautiful box of pink flowers from a devoted admirer! Oh, the drama! And I hear there was even a beautiful pink tutu hidden inside the flowers for her to wear to her next performance... so romantic! Now that’s the kind of day I want to wake up to!
Fancy a treat to brighten your day? It's a glorious combination for the #TutuTuesday: A spot of afternoon tea! Tea, cakes, delicate sandwiches, and delicious conversation. All wrapped in a beautiful little tea room, adorned with pretty pastels, lace, ribbons, flowers, and... you guessed it! Lots of pink! And don’t forget a pink tutu!
And remember, darling... If you feel inspired to give ballet a try, or just simply want to unleash your inner pink tutu queen, get down to your nearest studio. Whether you are in London or Moscow. And don't forget to tag me on social media. I am here to make the world a little bit brighter with tutus!
Oh, I do hope you enjoyed this journey into the world of tutus back to February 26th, 1895, my dear! I simply cannot wait for next Tuesday’s journey into the wonderful world of tutus! Until then, wear your tutu with pride, my sweet, and never let anyone tell you what you should or should not wear!
Lots of love,
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my www.pink-tutu.com blog next week for even more fashion and history fun! You can also follow me on all social media platforms! Let's share the love for tutus! 💖✨
Blog post #3296
