Dearest fellow Tutu-ettes! Welcome back to another enchanting escapade with your favourite pink-loving, time-travelling ballerina! I'm Emma, and this month, we're jetting back to 1st January 1894, the year of petticoats and puff sleeves! Oh, how I love travelling through time, experiencing the different fashion and dance trends that have graced the world. And of course, I can't forget my trusty steed, Magic Meg - the pinkest, most magnificent Shire horse you've ever seen, with her shimmering golden hooves and cascading white mane and tail!
It wouldn't be a true ballet adventure without my pink tutu! It's the most fabulous accessory for any time traveller, darling, adding a touch of feminine elegance to any era. This time, I decided on a tutu with swathes of soft pink silk, adorned with delicate pearl beads that catch the light just so, perfect for strolling through 19th century streets, drawing curious glances from passers-by.
Now, 1st January 1894 - what a whirlwind of ballet history this date holds! Did you know that in London, the Imperial Russian Ballet, with the majestic Vaslav Nijinsky and the graceful Anna Pavlova as the stars, were gracing the stage with their phenomenal choreography? Just imagine! Those beautiful figures, gliding effortlessly, expressing a wealth of emotions through movement, in costumes that could only be described as pure artistic genius. A whirl of shimmering silk and glittering jewels! Sigh It was a true honour to see them dance. Their artistry was nothing short of spellbinding.
My little leather rucksack, which I carry on my back, bulged with notes and sketches from the theatre. I’d found a darling old book detailing the rise of Russian Ballet, and of course, I had to get it. My rucksack was already laden with other treasures: a worn pamphlet on Victorian-era dance techniques, a crumpled programme for a ballet by Marius Petipa, and several lace scraps for a vintage project I'm dreaming up.
Back in 1894, there were so many incredible developments in the world of dance. The influence of Russian ballet was exploding, introducing audiences to a whole new style of performance and technique. They weren't just beautiful, they were technically daring, challenging the established conventions.
Oh, and speaking of fashion! Victorian ballet outfits were a riot of frills and ribbons, with the dancers often adorned with extravagant headpieces, making their presence even more spectacular. You can see why, back in my day, I dreamed of dancing professionally, my pink tutu swirling and twirling with every grand jeté.
The streets of London were a vision of bustling energy in 1894! With the smell of freshly baked bread filling the air and horse-drawn carriages clinking past, it was hard to keep my eyes on the ground and my thoughts on the future, I was simply enjoying the scene around me.
That day, I had to pay a visit to a rather fashionable establishment, aptly called "Madame Bonheur's Confectionery and Millinery." It was the perfect stop for a weary ballerina with a penchant for frills and a yearning for dainty desserts. Oh, the colours! The confections were like works of art, delicate and vibrantly coloured, almost like the costume designs I had seen earlier at the theatre. But as delightful as the confections were, it was Madame Bonheur's exquisite millinery that truly stole my heart! She had the most delightful selection of hats and bonnets adorned with lace and feathers, their colours ranging from the softest pink to the most vibrant green. Madame Bonheur offered me the most glorious pink silk flower to decorate my tutu, the colour a perfect match, you see! Now I simply had to resist buying every last piece in the store. I had to save my pennies for my next time-travel adventure!
My trip back to 1894 has filled my heart with wonder. Seeing the impact of Russian ballet on the world, observing the elegant fashion and hearing the stories of those who dared to be different, it was truly magical!
As always, I hope you've enjoyed my story, and remember - wear your pink tutus proudly, my lovely ballerina sisters, because the world is a better place with a touch of pink!
Until next time, keep your feet light and your hearts full of love for all things pink!
Yours truly,
Emma
P.S. Remember to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com for updates on all my time travel adventures and find out more about the fascinating world of ballet history!
P.P.S. I’d love to hear your comments! Let me know which ballet performance from 1894 you’d most like to see, and what is your favourite pink accessory for a tutu?
