Hello my dearest tutu lovers! It's your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, here, back with another exciting trip through the history of ballet tutus. Buckle up, because today we're hopping onto the Orient Express and whizzing through the world of 19th-century tutus.
The date is January 5th, 2021 - just a sprinkle of fresh snow dusting the streets, making the world a bit more whimsical. It's a Tuesday, which means one thing: #TutuTuesday! And as I'm writing this, I'm practically pirouette-ing through my London flat. Wearing? Why, my latest vintage find, a glorious pink tutu of course, because nothing says "time travel" like a dash of femininity!
So, imagine with me. The year is 1880. You’re sitting in a plush theatre box, enjoying a performance of "Swan Lake". The ballet world is mesmerised by the graceful ballerinas wearing elaborate costumes with layers upon layers of tulle. Imagine those sweeping, graceful lines! They might not be quite the ultra-short tutus we see on stage today, but the 19th century is an important milestone for the development of this iconic garment.
Now, imagine you’re sitting in the heart of the dance studio – an elegant Parisian one, perhaps. The air is thick with the aroma of leather pointe shoes and sweat as ballerinas practice their steps. Imagine a tutu crafted from delicate layers of netting, perfectly fluffing around their bodies as they effortlessly execute fouettés and arabesques. What an era to witness for ballet fans like me!
In 1880, our tutus weren't about revealing all – they were all about dramatic beauty. The ballerinas are covered from head to toe, the emphasis was on the flow of fabric, the ethereal feel and of course, showcasing the technical ability of the ballerina. That is true elegance!
This time period was a golden age for ballerinas. They wore these tutus proudly, allowing their art to be their showcase and becoming synonymous with elegance, athleticism, and grace. And who are we to argue with that, my lovely readers? It's like walking around in a delicious cloud of pink loveliness!
Fashion Focus - 19th Century EleganceLet's delve into the 19th century fashion for just a moment.
The romanticism of the 1800s had a major impact on how ballerina fashion evolved. Designers took inspiration from mythological creatures, delicate nymphs and floral arrangements, resulting in ethereal outfits that looked straight out of a fairytale. If I were to travel back, I’d make sure to find myself the perfect 1880s ensemble - maybe a flowing velvet gown for the opera or perhaps a romantic cotton dress for a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg, complete with a magnificent tulle and silk confection. It is all about capturing the feminine charm, elegance, and beauty of the Victorian era!
It’s a timeless look that feels relevant even today, because no matter how fashions change, you simply can’t deny the inherent beauty of classic elements like a cinched waist, a flow of graceful fabric, and a hint of drama. All ingredients essential to the perfect tutu!
From 19th-century Extravagance to Today's TheatricalityWe've gone through quite the journey today! Now, our focus on this week's #TutuTuesday blog was a little bit about ballet, and a whole lot about pink! Let’s take a little break from 19th-century Paris and think about how the ballet tutu has evolved from that era into modern ballet, even as the art of ballet itself evolves.
We've seen them grow shorter, they've become increasingly lightweight and now come in a myriad of vibrant colours, including my favourite hue: PINK!
It is all about finding ways to highlight the ballerina, giving them a chance to create powerful shapes with their bodies. That delicate beauty is definitely something we want to retain for years to come! If there is one thing I am convinced of after these years of time travel, it is that the tutu has evolved to enhance the artistry of dance and remains an essential part of the beautiful theatrical spectacle of ballet.
The tutu is more than just a costume, you see; it’s a story. It’s a history, it's art and it's an embodiment of a ballerina's movement, a reflection of talent, artistry, and emotion - and just a dash of feminine elegance and pink magic!
We'll see what next week’s #TutuTuesday brings! If you want to see a vintage tutu on me, check out my latest post on my favourite ballerina - what would ballet be without this important piece of clothing and what role do these magnificent, magical garments play in your life?
Until next Tuesday, my dearest readers, Emma x
*Pink Tutu blog, www.pink-tutu.com *
