Hello my lovely tutu-wearing darlings! Welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling blogger Emma here, bringing you another peek into the wonderful world of tutus. This week, we're taking a grand trip back to 8th April 1879!
Imagine it! You've boarded the train at Derby, leaving the familiar Derbyshire hills behind. You've had a delightful luncheon, a ham and pickle sandwich on freshly baked bread and a glass of elderflower cordial – just the thing for a long train journey, don't you think? You’re all ready for your big adventure in the city, London town!
But we're not just here for tea and biscuits (although they do have that fabulous, sugary crunch in Victorian London!) – no, today, we’re about to delve into the history of ballet and its fabulous tutus, oh yes! We are off to a thrilling performance at the Royal Opera House! This is where the action truly unfolds!
You’ll find yourself enveloped in an opulent world of velvet and glittering chandeliers. The excitement builds as the curtain rises and a beautiful, graceful dancer takes the stage in… drumroll please…. a tutu! It's absolutely gorgeous! We're in the era of classical ballet, and what better way to show off all that graceful, flowing movement than in a lovely tutu. Think flowing layers of tulle, shimmering with intricate beading – the very picture of romanticism!
On 8th April 1879, the Royal Opera House would have been hosting a ballet performance – who knows, perhaps it was even a performance of one of the truly classic works that continues to captivate audiences to this day, like 'La Bayadere'! It might have been even 'Giselle', one of my favourite ballets! Oh, to be a young ballerina with my very own tutu in Victorian England. How truly lovely!
As we peek into the past, we see the tutus are shorter than those we see today. These graceful creations are often paired with tight-fitting, often embroidered bodice with long sleeves for a dramatic look. And, what makes these Victorian tutus even more magical? Their colour! These exquisite creations were often created in rich, elegant shades – think midnight blue, dusky pink, and the most fabulous green – such sophisticated tones. You can’t have a classic Victorian tutu without a touch of drama!
Now, back to the modern-day ballerina, me! I've been exploring the ballet history of this exciting time in a super exciting shop! Harrods, that grand emporium of elegance, was already known for its fabulous fashion back then, much like now! I can already imagine the beautifully dressed ladies making their way to this grand shop in their silk skirts and parasols, hoping to add a new gem to their collection, ready for the new season, or maybe for a big night at the theatre! Just the thought of it gets my fashion senses tingling. Imagine being able to purchase the very finest fabrics in all the fashionable colours! I must say, a girl’s life in the Victorian age must have been a delight, all lace, embellishment, and layers!
Oh! Did I mention we need to be mindful of what to call it – tutu or balletic skirt! This was a hotly debated topic! Back then, it was quite popular to call this delightful creation a 'ballet skirt', not the 'tutu' we’re so familiar with today! How absolutely strange, don’t you think!
Now, dear readers, while I may love a grand ballet performance in the opulent theatre, there’s a part of me that wishes I could magically jump forward a century to the roaring 20s! Imagine, a world with art deco inspiration, shimmering silks and beads! Oh, to have my own glittering tutu, with feathers, perhaps even some tassels – what a grand adventure that would be!
Speaking of adventures, how about a bit of fashion history and shopping fun, to add that sparkle to our own day!
Here’s my tutu style tip! Want to get that magical, historical feel? Why not pair your pink tutu with some dramatic lace and a silk blouse! That will add a touch of Victorian grace and will really add to your own unique style.
Remember to show off your tutus – whether it’s a classic, flowing creation or a bright, fun-loving design, let’s show the world how fabulous it can be to wear a tutu!
Now, as a fellow lover of pink tutus, what’s your favourite kind of tutu? And where do you like to wear it? Don’t forget to share with me! Leave your comment and be sure to share this post with everyone! Let’s share the pink tutu love, and let the tutus fly!
Until next week, darling tutu-wearers! Keep shining! 🩰✨
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #VictorianStyle #TimeTravel
