Hello my gorgeous tutus and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It’s me, Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad, time-travelling ballet aficionado, and it’s #TutuTuesday! I’m hopping back in my time machine this week (did I tell you it’s pink, obviously) to 2nd May, 1865! Isn’t that just divine? Can you imagine twirling in a fluffy pink tutu back then? So chic!
This week we're diving into the ballet world of 1865 - a time of dramatic change and the birth of some truly iconic dances. You wouldn’t believe the outfits! We've gone through the historical records (and quite a lot of vintage fashion magazines - all while trying not to trip on my super-sized tulle train), and let me tell you, the fashion is quite something! Think flowing skirts, beautiful silks, exquisite embroideries and a whole lot of romanticism - just what my heart desires!
1865: A Year of Change in Ballet
Remember our old friend, the tutu? Well, it's undergone some major changes, darling. We’ve said goodbye to the long, romantic skirts and bulky fabrics and embraced a new age of lighter, more free-flowing movement. Just imagine the delightful spins!
That's not all. 1865 brought about the rise of ballerinas like Fanny Elssler and Lucille Grahn. These incredible women took to the stage, dazzling audiences with their technical skill and undeniable flair!
My London Adventure: The 1865 Ballet Season!
Of course, no time travel is complete without a bit of exploration! So, picture it: London, 1865, a symphony of Victorian charm. I've just popped out of my pink-tutu-shaped time portal (don't worry, it's very chic) and am making a beeline for the Royal Opera House. You just can’t resist the call of the stage!
Now, it's the place to be in 1865, the centre of all things theatrical, including the world of ballet! Just imagine the whispers of elegant ladies and the sharp cracks of the stagehands as the scenery is adjusted for the night’s performance! It's simply breathtaking.
But before the show, I’m having a shopping spree in the bustling streets of London. Imagine, beautiful fabric shops with delicate silks and sumptuous lace, a hat shop offering the most fashionable headwear (we can't forget about the millinery, darling!) and a boutique overflowing with Parisian creations just perfect for a graceful dance! Shopping is such a pleasure when the boutiques have just the right pastel pink hue!
And the real star of the show - the tutus! Oh, how I just adore those 19th century designs!
Tutues: Past and Present!
Let's delve into some of the changes taking place. In 1865, ballet tutus were all about the Romantic Era. Imagine a* soft, flowy skirt that gently grazed the ankles* with delicate ribbons and adornments cascading down the sides - it’s utterly romantic! They looked like beautiful, floating clouds of fabric, showcasing the graceful steps and leaps of the dancers.
We are a world away from the short tutus we see today! But don't fret, my fellow tutu enthusiasts - I see a little bit of that Victorian spirit in every tutu worn today! They still maintain a sense of airy elegance and allow ballerinas to show off their amazing flexibility. I even have some romantic-era-inspired tutus in my own collection – how could I resist, right?
Now, onto the highlight of my journey – the show!
It's time to settle into the plush seats of the Royal Opera House. The orchestra begins to play a melodious prelude - the perfect way to begin the night! The audience is enraptured by the symphony of movement, and I find myself drawn into a world of passion, beauty, and breathtaking storytelling.
The grand finale with the whole company in perfectly coordinated pink tutus left me spellbound! I don't think I can describe how exquisite it all was - the costumes, the movements, the energy! I was swept away. And guess what? After the curtain calls, I managed to catch a peek backstage and have a chat with some of the amazing dancers!
I found myself discussing their technique and admiring the amazing embroidery of the tutus – you just couldn’t help but feel the time and effort that had gone into every delicate stitch!
But here’s the thing about ballet: It's more than just twirling and dancing. It's about expressing emotion and telling stories without words. And those 19th-century ballerinas were absolute masters at it. Theirs was an era of breathtaking artistry, where each dancer possessed a unique and captivating grace.
Bringing Ballet Tutu History to Life
There's something magical about stepping back in time, isn't there? The historical pieces, the stories, the fashions, and the passion – it all brings a story to life!
I can’t wait to jump back into my time machine next Tuesday to find more captivating moments in tutu history! Don't forget to join me on Pink-Tutu.com every week for #TutuTuesday – I’m sure we will find a fantastic ballet adventure to share with you.
Until next time, keep those tutus twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Remember to wear your favourite pink tutu – or even try creating a simple one of your own using a piece of fabric and a few ribbon! Remember, it’s not about the size of your tutu but how you wear it and how it makes you feel! Let me know your favourite things about your tutus - email me on
