Bonjour, mes chères Tutu-istas! It's your favourite pink-clad, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, and today we're waltzing back to 19 October 1858. Hold onto your tiaras, ladies, because this is a journey through history with a definite whiff of whimsical flair!
Now, if you were to take a magical spin through time machine to this date, you wouldn't find tutus quite how we know them today. In 1858, ballet was still in its Romantic era, a time of ethereal beauty and swirling tutus. But, these tutus were a little less airy fairy and a little more effortlessly elegant. Think longer, flowing skirts that were still billowing, but more of a ballerina's dress. They would likely be constructed from soft silk or delicate gauze, with layers of netting for a gentle pouf that allowed for graceful movement.
Why such a different tutu than the modern ballerina? Well, picture this: 1858 Paris – the very epicentre of ballet and fashion. The theatres would have been adorned with shimmering chandeliers, ladies sporting beautifully adorned silk hats with elaborate plumes, and gentlemen in velvet suits and polished boots. It was a society scene that oozed opulence. The tutu had to compliment that level of elegance! Imagine those huge tutus you see in Swan Lake today...well, in 1858 they wouldn't quite have suited the atmosphere! It would have been more about a touch of the supernatural in the performance. And you know what? I kind of miss that sometimes - it was definitely a look.
But tutus of 1858 had a more practical purpose too. Think of it as the evolution of the ballet skirt. In those early days, ballet wasn’t as we know it now - dancers didn’t just move. They actually acted.
Think of all those famous ballerina roles - Odette from Swan Lake or Giselle the tragically beautiful peasant girl - these ballerinas would storytell with their bodies. Imagine huge tutus hindering a powerful story like that! They’d have been in a whirlwind of petticoats just to move, and the romance would have been lost!
So, the 1858 tutus helped dancers move with * absolute freedom and grace. Think less of a huge skirt, and more of a dress with *just enough fabric to provide movement.
Now, speaking of elegance - you know me, ladies, I love a bit of vintage inspiration!* 1858 was a time for elegant embroidery and lace accents, making those 1858 tutus truly exquisite. And speaking of exquisite…
Did I tell you that I’m writing to you from Vienna today? Yes, Vienna! Where else could a ballerina spend a delightful Tuesday than in the heart of the Habsburg Empire, home of glorious architecture, fabulous cakes (the Vienna Sachertorte is a must try!), and some of the most beautiful ballet shows in Europe.
Today I happened to catch a glimpse of a most amazing performance of Giselle. The dancers wore gorgeous tutu dresses with subtle netting layers for a beautiful softness. And the embellishment? They glowed in the theatre lights, a little sparkle of magic in an already mesmerizing performance! It really gave me that beautiful 1858 vibe with a modern twist. And guess what? A little pink here and there never goes amiss - these tutus had beautiful pink floral accents on the tulle underskirts, like tiny blooming flowers peeking out with every delicate step.
As I wander the grand Vienna streets, admiring the magnificent architecture while the scent of freshly baked Sachertorte lingers in the air, I feel that magic of a beautiful and romantic era seeping into the air! I wouldn’t be surprised to bump into Mozart, if you know what I mean.
Now, let's talk about this lovely day. On October 19, 1858, a major event for ballet history took place. The original *Ballet Russe company was formed.* You might be thinking "Ballet Russe? What does that even mean?" It was an international company that shook up the ballet scene and brought Russian ballet to a global stage. They travelled with the most stunning costumes imaginable – think a beautiful blend of traditional Russian patterns and delicate fabrics, creating a visual feast unlike anything you’d seen before.
This journey to Vienna made me think… wouldn’t it be delightful to imagine what a pink tutu would have looked like during the Russian Ballet era? A ballerina dancing in a ballet of flowing silks and satins, but just a hint of pink in her skirt? Oh my - imagine a tutu with delicately beaded rose embroidery, a bit of sparkle in the silk with delicate pastel layers - absolute bliss!
And this amazing trip hasn't been the only highlight this week. Before arriving in Vienna I stopped by London, of course!
Now, we know that ballet in London in 1858 would have been incredibly fashionable (think silks and furs!), but you can imagine my excitement when I found myself near the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden! You know that little secret all fashion-conscious ballerinas share: even century-old shops still retain the remnants of the era's charm. It was a truly magical find – and they even had the most divine fabric samples of the period, which means I may just have acquired some new vintage tulle!
I have to share this little tidbit… you wouldn't believe the story of the tutu collection I found! It turned out to be owned by a woman who collects vintage costumes, and she was just as passionate as I am about tutus! We spent hours looking at those beautiful layers of lace, the shimmering tulle, the elaborate stitching, even the tiny hidden treasures from past eras! It was absolutely enchanting!*
And the thing is, dear Tutu-istas… those tutus remind us that beauty isn't just a single moment in time.
If the women from that era could only see our modern tutus… what a marvel it would be for them to witness the evolution of such a wonderful piece of dress! And the truth is, my friends, the joy of ballet is timeless – it is the magic of movement and a tale told in each exquisite step. And whether those tutus are delicate or bold, a bit romantic or extravagantly flamboyant , a simple tulle or layered silks – the magic never quite goes away, does it?
But remember… the most important ingredient of any good tutu - a pinch of confidence! Wear your tutu with pride, embrace the beauty within it and dare to make a statement. Let the music of your life lead your graceful movements and dance like nobody’s watching! I leave you now, mes chères Tutu-istas. But you know what, my friend? The magic of ballet, and pink tutus, is forever!*
Until next Tuesday, let your inner ballerina soar!
Emma xx
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