Bonjour, my darling tutu-loving lovelies! Emma here, your pink-clad time-traveling ballerina blogger, back for another #TutuTuesday! Today, we're twirling back to May 4th, 1880. Picture this: London's theatre district is buzzing with the thrill of opening night. It's the very first performance of Giselle, and the crowd is electric with anticipation! Now, you're thinking, "Emma, tutus weren't really a thing back then, were they?" Well, you're right, darling, tutus as we know them were still in their baby steps. But let's travel through time together and uncover the beginnings of this magical piece of fashion.
The Tale of the Tutus
In 1880, ballet was more about flowy, romantic dresses with layers upon layers of tulle and long skirts that skimmed the ground, giving a graceful, airy feel. The "tutu" we associate with ballet today didn't really hit the scene until a little later, though. Think delicate, layered tulle in muted colours and some dramatic silhouettes, reminiscent of a grand ball gown. Imagine how these gowns, catching the light of the stage lamps, must have been just magical.
But, it wasn't all about the look back then. They were made of fabrics so delicate that they wouldn't hinder the dancer's movement. You can just imagine the effortlessness with which a ballerina of the time, would float across the stage! This kind of freedom and grace is what the first tutus truly embodied, which is really why, to me, they were still "the start" of the modern ballet tutu we all know and love.
Now, my lovely ladies, you may wonder why Giselle is so significant. Well, not only was this a masterpiece of dramatic dancing, the performance pushed boundaries for ballerinas, both on stage and off! The graceful movements and dramatic emotions, really demanded costumes that both accentuated the graceful choreography, and could allow the dancers to truly embody their characters. I imagine this new artistic emphasis had a large influence on the eventual creation of the shorter, more functional tutus that followed later in history.
Fashion in 1880 - The Edwardian Era
And, while we're talking fashion, 1880 also happened to fall into a gorgeous period of fashion history! Think elegant corsets, flowing dresses, and a beautiful focus on delicate feminine silhouettes. This elegant femininity was what also started to infiltrate the design of early tutus, creating a visual language that is still in effect today! Now, just try not to imagine, those delicate lace collars and big bows worn on gowns of the time, inspiring the beautiful decorative accents often seen on the tutus of today!
What to Do in 1880?
Back in the real world of 1880, a real fashionista might have headed down to Covent Garden to get their dose of cultural inspiration, soaking up the latest stage fashions in the new shows. They could also go to the the Crystal Palace Exhibition to browse the latest wares. This wasn’t just about fashion; it was about art and design from all over the globe! And I can assure you, those beautiful decorative elements were sure to have found their way onto clothing of all kinds! It’s why fashion always inspires the ballet, and the ballet inspires the fashion, a beautiful, neverending cycle of art!
A Pink Tutu for You!
Let's fast-forward to present day, my darlings. You can embrace your own ballerina dreams by getting your hands on a pink tutu - your own little slice of theatrical history, available now at www.pink-tutu.com! Don't let anyone tell you that you're too old to embrace the fun! As a pink-tutu wearing time-travelling ballerina, I can confidently tell you that any day, any time, is the perfect time for a little tutu magic!
Tutu Tips!
- Looking for an outfit that has that classic ballerina look, without being full blown ballerina wear? Take some fashion cues from the beautiful Victorian era. Pair your favorite pink tulle skirt with a pretty fitted blouse and lace trim!
Love the history? You can even find beautifully preserved garments from this period in museums and archives all over the world.
- Try out your own vintage Victorian fashion finds at your local charity shops!
Now, go out there and make some magical memories in your own fabulous tutu!
Emma's Weekly Ballet Pick
I just love to see beautiful dancing, wherever I travel. In 1880, I saw a delightful show! The Royal Opera House, they call it today, still showcases beautiful works! There, I got to see “La Sylphide” and I was swept away. Don’t miss it!
*Stay fabulous, my darlings, and see you next #TutuTuesday! *
* P.S.* If you have any tutu-related stories, ideas for blog posts, or any general ballet gossip, you can find me on all social media at @PinkTutuEmma - Let’s connect!
