Hello my lovely tutu-tastic friends! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! This month, I’m whisking you back to the 4th of April, 1868, for a peek into the fascinating world of ballet in the Victorian era! I can't believe how quickly this year is whizzing by - and of course, April is one of my favourite months because it’s a time to embrace all things spring! Fresh flowers, crisp air, and beautiful blossom… but this month it’s all about dancing under those lovely blooms, you see.
My journey began, as usual, with a gentle “giddy up” from Magic Meg. She's a true beauty, my trusty pink shimmering Shire, with her gleaming golden hooves, sparkling white mane and tail. She knows I’m crazy for the Victorian era and this time, I felt like I was transported into a Jane Austen novel – the world was such a beautiful tapestry of delicate lace, elegant hats, and even more intricate dresses than we see now. Oh, the petticoats! It's enough to make any tutu enthusiast swoon.
We galloped into the bustling streets of London and, wow, what a sight! I can't deny it – that vintage air and all the carriages made me want to skip, not just prance. You could sense a buzz about theatre, and I found out that the Royal Opera House was showcasing The Ballet of the Flower Queen, which I immediately had to see! It sounded positively dreamy – with graceful fairies and shimmering flora, oh the potential for enchanting tutus! Unfortunately, due to a mishap with Meg’s reins (the little rascal was busy munching on a sweet-smelling bloom!), I was late and the performance was over! Bummer!
Undeterred, I stopped by The Globe Theatre for a backstage peek. It’s always so exciting to see how things used to be, and there was a world of activity with costumers sewing at their desks. This is where I spied some exquisite embroidered slippers in a beautiful pastel hue. A beautiful find that immediately landed in my leather rucksack. And that’s the magic of this blog! Being a time traveler gives you a unique view on fashion - who knew that ballerina slippers could be so exquisite back then? I’ve decided that this kind of craftsmanship deserves a revival in the world of ballet, don’t you think?
The costumes back then, you see, they were an explosion of romanticism and a touch of fairy tale enchantment – much like a ballerina's dream. But as you might imagine, things have shifted a lot over the years. For the average girl who wants to learn to twirl and pirouette, there’s not so much of a fashion-focused element like there is now. I still dream about finding those perfectly fitted tutus in every color and hue to encourage girls and women of all ages to try this amazing form of art. It's like spreading sunshine - just a sprinkle of sparkle can go a long way.
This whole adventure got me thinking about the influence of ballet on fashion over the years – and we can trace it right back to those days of 1868. We’ve come a long way in how ballet moves through the world - from our tutu’s to our everyday outfits - I’d love to know what inspires your ballet looks. What colours are your favorites? Let’s have a little chat on the website about how our dance culture has shaped us.
Now, who's ready for a spin? We're heading back to the present time, back to our world of modern tutus.
Speaking of which… if you’re in Derbyshire, don't forget to check out my next show on [Insert show date]. I’m showcasing a new ballet about the history of fashion and, of course, the beauty of tutus throughout the years. I’ve included a whimsical twist, and it will definitely inspire some fun, colorful outfits that celebrate the unique artistry of fashion and movement.
Stay tuned, and never be afraid to embrace your own unique ballet journey! Remember, as I always say – there’s a pink tutu for everyone!
With love,
Emma 🩰💕
