Welcome back, darlings! It’s me, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and I'm so excited to welcome you to another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. As you all know, I love diving into the fascinating world of ballet history and, let's face it, what better way to do that than by examining the very essence of a ballerina's wardrobe – the iconic tutu!
Today, we’re venturing back to the 2nd of March, 1880. Imagine, just over 140 years ago! That's a good deal before the tutu explosion that swept through the world in the late 20th century. And while a lot has changed in those years, the elegance and magic of ballet have stayed constant.
My Trip Back in Time!
To get to 1880, I had to travel by train, of course. I’m quite partial to a grand railway journey. It really lets you immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. My carriage was luxuriously decorated with velvet and mahogany – the sort of elegance they seem to forget how to do nowadays. And yes, my trusty pink tutu did make an appearance. You know me – always spreading the pink tutu love wherever I go, even when the locals look at me as if I've landed straight out of a pantomime!
Anyway, once I'd arrived in… well, let's just say a different time and place… I decided to see what the ballet scene was like. Luckily, this period is practically overflowing with it.
Tutu Talk: 1880s Ballet Style
While I'm sure many of you are imagining frothy tutus that twirl and whisk like the pages of a fairytale book, that image is a tad further in the future.
Think of it like this, my loves – tutus haven’t yet hit the peak of their pink-hued, poofy glory. It's more about delicate layers of gauze and graceful curves than extravagant poufage. You might think of the tutus you see worn in paintings from this era, a kind of draped loveliness that evokes a sense of airy grace rather than a dramatic cloud.
Imagine these ballerinas dancing in romantic tutus that look almost ethereal, light as feathers! They were more concerned with flowing movement than grand flourishes. Now, let’s talk about those grand flourishes… they would be found on the ballerinas' attire! Their bodices are quite detailed, perhaps a bit less simple than we see today. You could even think of a ball gown's elegant bodice design used for a ballet dress. It adds a regal, theatrical touch.
A Touch of The Romantic Era: From Russia to France
This is the height of the Romantic Ballet era, which was all about emotion and storytelling in dance. Ballerinas would portray mythological characters or noble damsels in distress, evoking those beautiful emotions that dance is so perfect for conveying. The Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova is someone you might want to google. A true ballet icon of the era!
Of course, the Parisian Ballet was the pinnacle of this period. Can you imagine the grand ballrooms, the vibrant performances, and the exquisite fashion? Just thinking about it gives me butterflies! My inner ballerina is already pirouetting through the halls of the Paris Opera!
What Was Happening On 2nd of March 1880
Speaking of history, the 2nd of March 1880 wasn't just a Tuesday in the world of dance – it was a Tuesday brimming with notable happenings. I was lucky to discover that in a cafe while enjoying a spot of delicious petit four! I adore the pastry offerings in the cafe scene of that time, I should tell you all, the macarons were exquisite! I was a little afraid they'd stare at me and the tutu, however. But no, it was a delight, much to my delight and relief, the café owner loved my outfit. "Elegant and very romantic," he said, "Very in fashion!" I couldn't resist telling him he was a trendsetter and what I'm up to with my #TutuTuesday blog, and I promised to send him a link!
Anyway, let's get back to history. Here’s what was making news in 1880 on March 2nd:
- Politics: The UK's political scene was alive with discussion around the Liberal government. They were working hard, with a capital W, on political reforms, like giving people the right to vote – I always tell you to remember how important the right to vote is and don’t waste that right my dears!
- Inventions: Can you imagine a world without a telephone?! I must admit, a telephone was not what I’d envisioned! That, dear friends, was a revolutionary invention. Think about it, the world went from letters and telegrams to quick conversation! What a feat!
- News From Overseas: There were reports from far-off lands about troubles and progress, and it was exciting to hear about the stories that came from them.
It’s Time to Go, Darling!
I must dash now! My tutu is yearning to hit the dance floor (and a few antique shops to hunt down a delicate, 1880s inspired gauze tutu!). I hope you enjoyed this #TutuTuesday blog, darlings. Until next Tuesday! Remember to wear pink (and maybe a tutu – it’s never too early to start spreading the love)!
Don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com to join the pink tutu revolution. And please do share your favourite memories, photos, and pink tutu moments in the comments below!
Lots of love and twirls,
Emma xoxo
