Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another thrilling adventure! This month, we’re taking a little trip back to 1870, 5th May, a date buzzing with the exciting energy of the ballet world. I just love a good bit of historical ballet fashion, and you wouldn't believe what I found on this little trip!
I woke up in my cosy Derbyshire cottage, feeling oh-so-excited. I knew that 5th May was the opening night for the Imperial Ballet's performance of 'The Pharaoh's Daughter' in Saint Petersburg. Swoon! Can you imagine? Just picturing the stunning costumes and dramatic choreography, it makes my tutu practically pirouette itself.
Naturally, Magic Meg and I made our way to the magnificent Mariinsky Theatre. Meg, you know, is a pink sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a magnificent white mane and tail – quite the elegant travel companion for a tutu-wearing lady, wouldn’t you say? She looks absolutely divine against the backdrop of St Petersburg, even if she does draw a little more attention than a standard carriage.
Oh, my darlings! You’d simply adore the sheer opulence of the Mariinsky Theatre. It’s one of the most prestigious opera and ballet houses in the world, so naturally, it has to have the grandest staircase ever seen! I made quite an entrance, you know – everyone stopped and stared! Meg had the good manners to look down her nose and pretend it was all quite mundane.
The programme for 'The Pharaoh's Daughter' was quite breathtaking! Marius Petipa, a veritable titan in the ballet world, had poured all his artistic soul into this production, a dazzling spectacle filled with gorgeous dancing and absolutely stunning costumes! Imagine my excitement! I managed to get a sneaky backstage peek too! They were using incredible materials, exquisite designs, and innovative new techniques! All I could do was grab my camera and capture it all. My rucksack was getting quite heavy with this month’s ballet goodies, by the way, it's bursting with drawings, photos, notes on the costumes, even an original libretto for the play – such treasures!
Oh! While we’re on the topic of ballet fashion – can you imagine being in a ballet at this time? There was a revival of classical dance style, with ballerinas finally getting a break from the heavily-layered Romantics style costumes! Think elegant tutus and stunning bodices that truly showcase the artistry and athleticism of the dancers. I absolutely loved the sheer beauty and simplicity of their movements – every graceful step was accentuated by the lightness and fluidity of the garments.
While I was exploring St Petersburg, I found the most incredible dress shop! Just imagine – shimmering silk, shimmering satin, tulle in every shade imaginable – it was an absolute dream come true! My credit cards (thanks to the magic of ballet performances - every ticket sale goes into the 'Pink Tutu Travel Fund!') nearly went into meltdown! Of course, I managed to resist, with much willpower (that and I did need space in my luggage for some truly amazing hand-sewn 'The Pharaoh's Daughter' costumes I managed to snag at an antique shop!). But, oh darlings, I couldn’t resist picking up a lovely, light blue satin shawl – perfect for chilly evenings at the ballet. You must all agree – any fashionista worth their salt knows the value of a good accessory!
Speaking of fashion, you know how much I adore pink! I just had to create my own version of an 1870’s tutu, you know. Just imagine – flowing pink tulle, perfectly embellished with sparkling sequins, and a dash of that shimmering, vintage blue to give it a real air of chic! I know I would make a fabulous ballerina! And, you know, I’m determined to get the whole world wearing a pink tutu – you should have seen Meg's look when I wore my creation! Honestly, you would have thought I’d turned into a giant marshmallow! She just had to eat it!
But of course, the ultimate highlight of my trip was the performance itself! I can still remember the hush of anticipation before the curtain rose – I swear I heard angels sing! It was the perfect blend of delicate artistry and explosive drama, making me fall head-over-heels for 19th century ballet. I couldn't help but imagine myself dancing on that stage, twirling in my pink tutu, and wowing the audience. Meg got a standing ovation too - but that was probably because she’d taken a nap during the most important aria. Oh well!
As my pink tutu fluttered, I realised how truly beautiful a journey through time is – there is so much wonder waiting to be discovered in every corner of ballet’s history!
Oh darlings, you just have to come along for the ride! Join me on the wonderful www.pink-tutu.com, a monthly blog of ballet-related escapades and adventures. See you all next month, with new stories, amazing photos, and of course, my ever-evolving love for the perfect pink tutu! See you next time!
Yours, Emma
