Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darling dears! It's me, Emma, your ever-so-slightly time-travelling, eternally pink tutu-clad blogger! This is post number 3438 (I can't believe it's already that many!), and today we're taking a whimsical trip back to 1897, the golden age of… well, pretty much everything! Especially the ballet!
It's been such a blast this past week. I caught the most marvellous performance of La Esmeralda in Paris – the choreography was absolutely stunning, and the dancers’ costumes, oh my! They were all so graceful and ethereal, like delicate blossoms dancing in a summer breeze.
Speaking of ethereal, let's talk about our favourite topic, the very thing that makes this little heart flutter with joy – tutus! Today, darling, we are focusing on those beautiful creations of the late Victorian era, the 1890s, specifically the 16th of November, 1897. Now, just imagine!
Think of ladies with porcelain complexions and those beautiful Edwardian hats adorned with feathers and ribbons. Their silk dresses rustle and swish as they flit around Parisian salons and theatres. And they, just like us, love tutus! Now, let me tell you all about them!
Firstly, ladies, we need to talk about the fabric! Those amazing women in the 1890s were blessed with materials of exquisite quality. Silk and tulle were the stars of the show, flowing and delicate, almost dreamlike. They weren't the crisp, modern nylon tutus we have today – oh no, they had an airy, almost wispy quality, giving the dancers a graceful, ethereal appearance on stage.
Imagine the soft whispers of the silk against the stage, the rustle of the tulle as the dancers twirl with effortless grace. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of wearing a delicate, finely-crafted tutu. It's like having a piece of exquisite history wrapped around you!
But there’s more to the Victorian tutu than just the fabric, darlings. Those wonderful ladies, the very first stars of the ballet, embraced the era’s penchant for drama! There were ribbons galore, glittering sequins and jewels, feathers – I even saw a tutu with delicate fabric flowers cascading down it. Imagine that, darling – a tutu that’s actually a flower garden! How beautiful!
However, don't be fooled into thinking the Victorian tutu was all about frills and flounces. There was a beautiful sense of simplicity and structure, too, with precise pleating and an emphasis on smooth lines. This gave the dancers the strength and freedom to create those incredible pirouettes and jumps. Just imagine that flowing movement as the ballerinas dance - pure grace and elegance!
Now, back to November 16, 1897! On that very date, the ballet world was abuzz, as I was with my own special project – sourcing my perfect tutu in London. For some reason, my travelling journal informs me that there was a gala performance of "Giselle" at Covent Garden. (This was before my time! Who needs time machines when you can have history blogs?!) The performance is reported to have included a grand pas de deux where the dancers showed off the latest tutus - a grand, elaborate costume which I am dying to learn about! Sadly, due to travel restrictions, I had to skip that show - which is why I'm travelling to Paris for the upcoming performance - where else, but at the Paris Opera House! Imagine how excited I must be! I have this lovely little feeling that those glorious Parisian tutus are waiting for me.
I wonder what exquisite new designs they’ve created this year. Were there feathers, a cascade of delicate silk or maybe a whole field of sparkling sequins! A tutu is like a story waiting to be told - and a ballet, especially with these grand tutus - tells a visual, heart-warming and graceful story to everyone watching. And believe me darling, once you have seen it, you are immediately in love with the ballet world forever. I must tell you all about it once I get back!
Of course, all the fun and frivolity of the ballet was also taking place across the globe! As my research suggests, 1897 marked the year where Russia began developing its national ballet - the Bolshoi! Just imagine, Russia, known for it's breathtaking landscape and strong traditions, embracing the elegance and artistry of ballet! Who could imagine the tutus that Russian ballerinas were sporting at this very time? I must add this to my must-visit list. I can imagine it, a snow-white tutu in the cold Russian air - a magnificent vision indeed!
From London and Paris to the Russian Empire, it seems that all these gorgeous ladies were ready to celebrate the glorious beauty of a twirling, spinning and magnificent tutu! Who would have guessed? Oh, the times they are a-changing, and all for the better! As you all know, the ultimate aim is for everyone to sport a tutu, and who better to start than our delightful Victorian ancestors.
However, dear reader, there is one thing to be cautious about – all that frippery and beauty were certainly the rage in the 1890s. I even managed to catch sight of some exquisite stage performances where tutus were adorned with the names of designers, in order for all those discerning eyes to see! A name embroidered on the side of a gorgeous silk skirt or tulle skirt. And in London's Covent Garden! Why, you can just picture the gentlemen in their sharp suits and hats whispering about those amazing designs - it sounds like my perfect Tuesday night. I think this might be one of my biggest priorities - tracking down one of these "designer tutus" from this era! Imagine the story those fabrics could tell! I might have to visit one of my favourite antique shops to see if any are available!
Oh, darlings, as you can see, a simple tutu can unlock a world of fascinating stories. I hope I’ve sparked a love of ballet, a penchant for tutus and of course, the joy of wearing pink.
Don’t forget, darling dears, to share your favourite ballet tutus from the 1890s with me! What are your favourite dance performances, from any period, and what catches your eye? Leave a comment below, let’s chat tutus!
Until next week, my dearest ballet bunnies, Yours always, Emma xxx
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com for more Tutu Tuesdays and exciting adventures through the magical world of ballet! It will surely inspire you to dance your way to your perfect, twirling tutu life!
