Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! August has arrived, and you know what that means? It’s time for me to saddle up Magic Meg, my fabulous pink sparkly Shire horse (she's got the most gorgeous golden hooves, and a white mane and tail that's simply divine!).
This month we're hopping back in time to August 8th, 1788! I must admit, I'm excited about this trip, as it marks a really special date in ballet history!
But first, a quick fashion update! Have you all got your new pink tutus for the season? I recently snagged a stunning one in the most gorgeous shade of blush, trimmed with delicate pink feather boas. It's just heavenly, and the perfect addition to my collection!
Okay, let's get back to our time travels! So, 1788, and specifically August 8th…it's the date of a revolutionary event for the world of ballet! No, not the French Revolution (though that was happening too!) - but something that shaped the ballet world in an entirely new way.
It was on this date that a pioneering French ballet dancer, Marie Sallé (now there's a name that deserves a dramatic bow!) - presented a truly *revolutionary new ballet! She literally flipped the script! I'm talking dramatic costume changes, solo dances (imagine!) and a performance designed for, and around, the female dancer! Can you believe it, my dears? I was just thinking, it seems strange to think that not too long ago, female ballerinas weren’t the stars! Well, Marie Sallee certainly took centre stage, and she changed things forever.
Just imagine the gasp in the audience, the sheer audacity of her performance! She danced en pointe – which would be a massive shock at the time! And it’s not just her dancing - it was her whole approach. You see, this is where modern ballet really started to emerge. It was all about emotion, fluidity, and the expression of feelings, a complete break from the previous courtly ballets! Can you imagine having to be part of the audience seeing this for the first time? Well, I wish I was! It sounds absolutely incredible.
The ballet that launched her into this new era? Pygmalion. Talk about a power move! Can you believe how influential she was, being born almost two centuries before our modern ballerina heroes!
What's even more impressive is that Marie was all about her personal style, a trait we can all admire! Her costumes were quite scandalous for their time (again with the groundbreaking!), she favoured simpler, more form-fitting gowns compared to the massive, heavily ornamented costumes common back then! And this brings us to a delightful detail I’ve learnt during my time travelling, the most fashionable piece of her outfit, which was actually quite daring for the time was a *pink shawl* – can you believe it? I’m going to try and add one to my ballet costume wardrobe! Just imagine, rocking a blush-pink shawl while you twirl across the stage! A truly spectacular look.
Anyway, back to the world of ballet history! I always get sidetracked when I discover a beautiful detail like that pink shawl! It’s just so inspiring to think that Marie Sallee was breaking all the rules, inspiring new designs and challenging conventional styles! That’s what we love, isn’t it? Finding those gems and inspiring fashion statements from across the decades. I will of course bring you updates on Marie Salle's daring costume choices in next month's post! It is simply breathtaking!
Let's talk fashion for a minute! To celebrate my time travels, I've been working on a collection inspired by the elegant, flowing grace of the ballerina.
Imagine…
A soft blush-pink tutu, just like Marie’s signature shawl, crafted with layers of silk tulle and a single, delicate pink feather boa for a touch of drama.
A shimmering white satin leotard with tiny diamante details to mirror the shimmer of a ballerina’s movements.
Or, my personal favourite: A pair of sleek ballet flats in pale pink with a subtle pink feather detailing to match our pink-tutu loving world and compliment your fabulous ballerina-inspired wardrobe.
Just think, we can all channel our inner Marie Sallee with these stunning designs! They'll add a touch of ethereal beauty to any ballerina's outfit and will perfectly encapsulate that elegant, feminine, and powerful aura of a true ballerina!
Now, don’t worry – all of these stunning designs will be available to order on my website, www.pink-tutu.com , in the coming months! So be sure to check back in – I'll be announcing the launch of the Pink Tutu Ballerina Fashion Line very soon! I can’t wait to show you everything!
Don’t forget my dears, our little time travelling ballerina gang needs your support. Remember, my time travelling escapades are funded through my beautiful ballet performances, and your kind support is needed more than ever! So come join me for my next big show at the Derby Theatre next month, I've got a stunning new set to reveal to you! (I’m slightly obsessed with it, and I can’t wait for you to see it.) The details are all on the website!
See you there!
Remember, keep spreading the joy of pink tutus!
Emma, Your Pink Tutu Time Traveller
