Welcome, lovelies, to post #2516 of my #TutuTuesday blog on www.pink-tutu.com! Today we're whisking back to 1880-03-16, a day buzzing with balletic excitement. I'm just back from a thrilling train ride through Europe, and I've got a tutu-ful of history to share!
Now, you know I'm a little obsessed with tutus - my own pink cloud of a tutu is never far from my side! But, let's rewind the clock. In the 1880s, the tutu we know and love wasn't the same. Think shorter, poofier skirts with layers upon layers of tulle. Quite frankly, divine - and much more conducive to those dramatic grand jetés and fouettés!
I can picture the scene on this particular March day. Imagine yourself in a grand, glittering opera house. The chandeliers gleam, casting their reflections on the audience who are practically bursting with anticipation. On stage, the dancers, clad in those gorgeous shorter tutus, are a vision of grace.
They might be performing a beautiful "Giselle," perhaps the heartbreaking story of a young woman who takes her life after a tragic betrayal by her lover. Ah, but don't worry! There's plenty of dazzling choreography to distract from the heartbreak!
On the 16th of March 1880, there's another little something going on. A famous Italian ballerina called Virginia Zucchi is making a splash on stage in Moscow. Just imagine, darling! To be in the presence of such talent - now that would be a truly delightful way to spend an evening!
This is what gets my tutu-tastic heart racing! Knowing the history of dance allows me to really connect with the performances I see today. It reminds me that the art of ballet has evolved over centuries - each generation building upon the work of those who came before them.
Now, let's talk fashion! What would one wear to a ballet performance in 1880? Think elegant evening dresses with bustles and flowing skirts, often with delicate lace or embroidery. I always imagine the ladies twirling their skirts in the box seats! It’s all so elegant and theatrical!
The grand ball gown was certainly a popular choice. With cascading tiers of ruffles, it was as dramatic as the dancers on stage! Remember, dear readers, our fashionable forerunners didn't skimp on the details. Everything from the shoes to the jewelry was perfectly matched, and of course, a feathered fan was essential for those heated moments!
Of course, for those who loved a touch of je ne sais quoi, the "walking suit" offered an elegant but slightly more practical option. A chic two-piece combination of skirt and jacket, sometimes even accented with a lace collar. I'm sure you'd look absolutely darling in one!
Now, to fund my delicious time travel adventures, I find myself waltzing onto various stages and performing with a local ballet company, usually dressed in a divine vintage tutu - a throwback to those shorter beauties from the 1880s. There's just something magical about a good performance that gets the audience clapping and shouting “encore!” It's a lovely way to earn a living - even if I’d rather be browsing through a London department store!
Let’s talk about ballet shoes for a moment! Remember back then, ballerinas would often wear pointe shoes, handcrafted from leather and fabric. They certainly weren’t as comfortable as the pointe shoes we have today! But I can only imagine how beautiful their dances would have been, a testament to their talent and dedication!
To travel around and indulge my fascination with all things tutu, I'm also an aspiring ballet writer, sending off my pieces to all those grand theatre journals and hoping they'll see the beauty and sparkle that ballet holds!
Don't forget to share your favourite tutu-ful moments with me! What's the most exciting ballet performance you've seen recently? What are you hoping to wear to your next dance-filled evening? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Until next time, happy twirling, loves!
P.S. I'm on the lookout for the perfect 1880s inspired tutu. Anyone have any leads? Don't be shy! #TutuTimeTravel #VintageTutus #DanceHistory
