Hello darlings, and welcome to my blog! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing ballerina extraordinaire. September's here and you know what that means? Yep, another magical time travel escapade for me to share with you! Buckle up your ballet shoes and grab your pinkest tutu – we're going back in time, baby!
This month, my shimmering pink leotard transported me back to the glorious 9th of September, 1876. Imagine, my lovelies, London streets teeming with carriages and horse-drawn trams, men in top hats and ladies with their parasols – all whilst I'm gliding through it all in my sparkling pink tutu, leaving a trail of glitter in my wake. It's a scene straight out of a Jane Austen novel!
Victorian Glamour - From the Stage to the Streets
Let's talk leotards! Now, you may be wondering, "Emma, how could a ballerina from the late 1800s wear a leotard?" Well, my dears, the story is quite a bit more nuanced. Whilst the form-fitting, single-piece leotard we know and love today was yet to emerge, the concept of body-hugging clothing was definitely in the air.
Think of the tights and undergarments worn under the layers of Victorian fashion - those are the beginnings of the leotard story! Back in the 1870s, ladies wore knitted "combination" undergarments that would be similar in function to a modern-day bodysuit. Now, these were certainly not for strutting your stuff on stage like a ballerina (although, I wouldn't say no to trying it out for a bit of fun!), but it was a precursor to the streamlined garments we enjoy today.
The ballet world, of course, was evolving at an impressive rate. This was the golden age of the Victorian era, and as much as we think of crinoline skirts and corseted figures, the stage offered a completely different style. Ballet costumes were much more fluid, with soft tulles, sheer layers, and beautifully fitted corsets. Remember my lovely girls, the fashion on stage is always pushing the boundaries of the street. We have to see the new in order for the new to come into fashion, remember that.
A Showstopping Time in the Theatre
So, what was going on in the theatrical world in 1876, you ask? Well, it was a vibrant year for the performing arts, filled with grand operatic performances and delightful plays.
One production that caught my eye was "La Fille de Madame Angot", a charming operetta by Charles Lecocq, which premiered in 1872 and continued to enthrall audiences throughout the 70s. Just imagine, my darlings, being whisked away to the charming world of 19th-century France! I just know those French ladies have some truly exquisite dance moves, if those Parisian cafes and streets have anything to say about it!
And don't forget about the world-renowned dancers who captivated audiences in that era. Legends like Carlotta Patti and Virginia Lucille were the ultimate fashion icons, inspiring the Parisian styles that everyone followed, their clothes were as popular as the dances they performed. Imagine seeing those elegant ladies perform on stage, a dream, just a dream. But wouldn't it be fabulous if we had video, think how fabulous their dances would look.
A Tutu Revolution
I can already hear you asking, Emma, did you manage to see a ballet performance back then, even though it wasn't full on "tutu time?" Of course I did, dear! You know me. The show must go on, especially when there's a hint of that beautiful ballerina magic.
I watched "Le Lac des Cygnes" at the Covent Garden, my lovelies, you just have to come with me on this one, imagine: gaslight, chandeliers sparkling, plush red velvet seats. The costumes, a bit different from our usual tutus today, but they held such elegance and romance, especially the swans with their lovely feathered headdresses. Even the ballerina slippers had a beautiful story; there was an element of refinement that really transported me to another era.
Of course, you know I'm a bit of a show-off, so I couldn't just sit there and watch, could I? My sparkly pink tutu, ever the attention grabber, had to make its entrance. I just had to shimmy out of my time-travelling cloak, a quick waltz around the theatre and then back to my hiding place - just a quick ballerina flash! It was my homage to the ballet world, my way of letting them know I'm here and ready to help revolutionise ballet fashion one tutu at a time! You just have to see my look! I'm so hoping they'll catch on, because I know pink tutus, with their fabulous shimmer and shine, are ready to take the world by storm. I'll just keep travelling in time until we reach that day.
Making the Pink Tutu Revolution a Reality
Now, as I always say, you can’t change history, my darlings. But, I can inspire! We've seen how far ballet has come in just the past 150 years, and with some magic from my pink tutu, we can make our dreams come true.
If you, my fabulous lovelies, are a lover of pink and all things elegant, or if you want to join in on the tutu revolution and show your unique style and flair, please share your stories with me. Let me know about your own tutu fashion moments and experiences - they all inspire me. Let's bring that fabulous vintage chic and that sparkling ballerina spirit back into our daily lives!
Keep your eyes peeled for more adventures from my time-traveling pink tutu next month, and don't forget to check out my YouTube channel for some of my most memorable street performances!
See you on the next trip!
Your lovely Pink Tutu blogger,
Emma xx
