Dearest Tutu-Lovers,
Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your monthly dose of ballet history, fashion, and, of course, plenty of pink! Today, we're time-traveling to the Victorian era, specifically February 2nd, 1865. Oh my, how delightful! Just picture it, the crisp winter air, the elegant ladies in their billowing gowns, and…a rather startled gentleman witnessing a vision in pink! That would be me, darling, in my most flamboyant tutu, standing beside my sparkling pink shire horse, Magic Meg, a vision of sugar-spun beauty against the backdrop of a London street.
Now, before we dive into the fascinating world of ballet in 1865, let's rewind the clock and take a look at what I packed in my leather rucksack for this exciting journey. I managed to squeeze in a collection of delightful antique dance manuals, some antique silk ribbon to create some miniature ballet shoes for my collection, and even a few lovely antique fabric samples to inspire future tutu designs. I also managed to snag a precious, handwritten playbill for a performance of "La Sylphide" at Covent Garden! Such an amazing find, don't you think?
Stepping Back in Time
Arriving in London's bustling heart, it's hard to believe we've stepped back over 150 years! It was a bit of a shock at first. Imagine my little pink tutu amongst the bustle of Victorian fashion. It was a world of hoop skirts and bonnets, contrasting sharply with my bright pink attire! Of course, I knew I'd stand out, but darling, isn't it precisely those moments that create a little theatrical magic?
Thankfully, Meg and I found a quiet corner by the Thames, just outside the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Here we could observe the bustle of the day and get a feel for the local atmosphere. It was all very Victorian, don't you know? Ladies and gentlemen walking, their faces serious yet polite. Some carried canes, some newspapers. Carriage drivers shouted in the streets. I must admit, the rhythm of their speech added a sort of rhythmic quality to the day's melody!
A Glimpse at the Ballet World
The excitement was palpable! It seems like 1865 was a pretty fabulous year for the world of ballet! Just think: The Bolshoi Theatre had opened in Moscow and Paris was boasting the first version of the "La Source" ballet - featuring that absolutely divine choreography from Marius Petipa. Now, darling, who doesn't love Petipa?! His choreography is simply exquisite.
Back then, ballet companies would go on tours and some performers were becoming quite famous. There was an incredible dancer called Maria Taglioni, renowned for her exquisite movements and graceful style, and a handsome young dancer by the name of Marius Petipa (remember his incredible ballet "La Source"?) who was just starting his illustrious career. How thrilling, to be surrounded by such ballet history in the making!
Pink Tutu & Victorian Fashion - A Balancing Act!
The highlight of my journey, though, was attending a delightful ballet performance at Covent Garden. Now, dear friends, it was an experience! The Theatre was quite magnificent, decorated in rich velvet and plush carpeting. I made sure my little pink tutu blushed demurely amongst the ladies with their towering hats and exquisite evening gowns.
However, there were some curious gazes, some perplexed eyebrows! Some even muttered “a curious costume.” A little daring perhaps, dear reader? I’d call it bold, my darlings, daring to embrace the ballet spirit with a vibrant colour and a flutter of frills. I felt proud to stand out from the crowd and to show the elegance and beauty of ballet.
After all, what's ballet without a touch of excitement? Don't you agree? You might even say the audience enjoyed seeing a little bit of whimsy amongst the sophisticated and classic beauty of Victorian society.
Embracing the Pink Tutu Spirit
My time travelling adventures, darling, are all about sharing a little bit of ballet joy, spreading the love of movement and encouraging the pursuit of every little dancer's dream, be it waltzing with grace in a Victorian ballroom, performing on the stage of the Theatre Royal, or dancing along in the park on a bright spring day!
If a girl from Derbyshire, England, with a passion for pink and a penchant for time travelling can create a little magic, you can too, dear readers. I believe in the power of dreams, in the magic of dance, and above all, I believe in the power of wearing pink!
Until next time, wear your dreams, wear your tutus, and let your ballet spirit shine bright!
Yours in Pink, Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
