Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-loving, time-traveling, ballet-obsessed blogger, ready to whisk you away on a delightful journey back to the Victorian era! Today's #TutuTuesday adventure lands us right on the 15th of December 1896, a date teeming with history, but also the very same day that someone - you guessed it - put on their first ever tutu! It's true, dear readers! We may not be able to pinpoint who that was, but one thing's certain: the history of this glorious garment began somewhere in time, in some fabulous Victorian salon!
It's so thrilling to imagine the gasps and stares when this first ever tutu stepped onto the stage! Picture a grand theatre, dimly lit by gaslight, and there in the centre stands a ballerina in all her graceful glory, twirling in a confection of lace and tulle! Oh, I simply adore those romantic, Victorian stage lights and the hushed awe of the audience!
So how did we get here, you might ask? Well, let's journey back to the early 19th century! Before we had our gorgeous modern tutus, ballerinas were encased in stiff, heavy fabrics. Think long, flowing dresses that were practical for classical dance forms, but hardly conducive to showing off the athleticism that would become a hallmark of the ballerina.
The 1800s saw a growing movement for romantic ballet, a dance form full of flowing movements and delicate expressions. Enter the "tutu," a word that seems to float so gracefully off the tongue. You know, it was originally "tutu," a kind of garment popular amongst native Hawaiians. And oh how those flowing, airy designs resonated with the burgeoning Victorian fashion sense! But let's face it, what a lovely word!
It was this love of light and airy styles that paved the way for our iconic tutu. By the late 1800s, tutus had morphed into shorter versions of those long, flowing garments. A little less coverage, but more freedom for the dancers to show their graceful legs and feet!
It was, of course, Maria Taglioni, the "queen of ballet" during the 1800s who became synonymous with this change. Her flowing white tutus, the symbol of the Romantic era in dance, forever changed ballet history and fashion forever.
In fact, on the very date we're celebrating today - 15th December 1896 - the London Philharmonic Orchestra gave its first-ever performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1 ("Titan") - quite the grand event for the musical world! Can you imagine what a glamorous and extravagant evening that would have been, full of shimmering costumes and the magic of music? It's like a dream from the Victorian era! It makes me imagine what a stylish ballerina could have worn that day...
Oh, to be whisked back in time for a trip to the theater on such a grand occasion!
As for our tutus in 1896? Think layered ruffles and shimmering satin, perfect for adding drama to a performance. Some would have been trimmed with feathers, lace or ribbon. Such a wonderful contrast with those full, Victorian skirts. It was the start of an elegant transformation!
Speaking of transformations, I simply cannot help but share my absolutely darling vintage tutu collection that I’ve acquired during my time-hopping adventures. Some are incredibly elaborate, full of beaded trim and floral embroidery - perfect for Victorian dances, I’d imagine! And then there’s this simple, elegant number – a piece of pure white tulle with just a touch of lace – that whispers of Maria Taglioni herself! I simply cannot resist twirling in it, envisioning myself as a dancer from that era.
Remember lovelies, fashion isn't just about clothing, it's a story waiting to be told! This is just a small peek into the history of our magnificent tutus. There are so many more amazing stories, from the legendary ballerinas who popularised them to the creative designers who crafted their whimsical forms.
But this is not a story about the past! Oh no, it’s a story that is forever unfolding, and we are at the forefront of it. Every tutu tells a story of graceful movement, passion for the dance, and creativity! As long as we keep spreading the joy of our favorite fashion pieces, the stories will keep spinning, with us, forever, at the centre!
Now, let's have a dance, darlings! Get that pink tutu on, find some beautiful music and twirl away! Don't forget to post your pictures and hashtag #TutuTuesday so we can all admire your ballerina spirit! Until next Tuesday, keep dancing, stay chic and spread that tutu love!
Lots of love, Emma xx
P.S. Be sure to join us on www.pink-tutu.com to follow my ongoing journey through time! And keep an eye out for a brand new tutorial for making your own Victorian inspired tutu on next week's post!
