Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, where we journey through time, one twirling step at a time. This month, my fabulous steed, Magic Meg, whisked us away to a fascinating moment in ballet history – March 1895! Meg, as always, was a dream, shimmering pink and golden with a mane and tail like spun snow, even as the crisp March air whipped through her glorious locks.
I donned my favourite pink tutu for the trip, its delicate layers rustling as I settled onto Meg's back, my trusty leather rucksack full of anticipation (and some carefully curated space for the ballet treasures I was sure to find!).
We arrived in London, a city bursting with the energy of the late 19th century. The smell of horse-drawn carriages and hot coals hung in the air, punctuated by the gentle chime of the street clock towers. My heart was already skipping a beat. It's hard not to get caught up in the romance of the time, and you just KNOW ballet was a key part of this glamorous, exciting world.
But before I delve into our delightful discoveries, let's look at what was captivating audiences worldwide on that particular March day, 130 years ago!
The World of Ballet in 1895:
It’s always exciting to explore what was happening in the ballet world during each of our time-travelling adventures, and 1895 didn’t disappoint. Imagine my excitement, darlings, as we discovered the world of the legendary Russian Ballet, a company on the cusp of becoming the international force it is today. Marius Petipa, one of the true icons of ballet history, was the Director of the Imperial Theatres of Russia, and they were on the brink of producing one of their most iconic productions, The Sleeping Beauty.
If that wasn't exciting enough, Enrico Cecchetti, one of the most influential teachers of his time, was currently conducting a series of ballet masterclasses in Paris. It's incredible to think that in 1895, I could have been one of the students soaking up his wisdom.
Across the Channel, England’s ballet world was bustling with the glamour of its day. The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, where we were to have a peek at one of its enchanting performances, had opened in 1858 and was a dazzling hub for London’s social elite, where ballet shone bright alongside the world's leading opera singers.
Of course, the excitement of a historical performance wasn't the only thing I was yearning for! My trusty shopping list was well-stocked with ballet necessities. After all, you can never have too many pink tutus! I've been saving my pennies for quite a while so I had plenty to splash out on those iconic Edwardian accessories - feather boas, elegant fans, and the most stunning silk stockings, guaranteed to make me the belle of the ball in any era.
Fashion for the Time Traveller:
Speaking of which, I felt oh-so-sophisticated in my own ballet-inspired Edwardian style. My outfit was a beautiful blend of pink and white - the epitome of feminine grace. A pale pink velvet top with delicate lace trim perfectly highlighted my pink tutu, and a cream satin bolero with intricate silver detailing kept me warm in the spring chill. I topped off the ensemble with a feather boa – my signature accessory, a cascade of softest pink feathers swirling with each twirl!
But as any self-respecting ballet time-traveller knows, fashion is never a one-way street! I can't travel through time without some insight into the ballet fashion of the day. Imagine my delight, darlings, as I discovered that tutus were still the key item of a ballerina's wardrobe! This period saw an evolution, with a shift away from the billowing, Romanticism era towards a lighter, shorter look that would become the quintessential "ballet" look that we know and love.
The length of a ballerina's tutu in 1895 was about mid-thigh - so just a smidge above mine, giving a peek of some beautiful, pink satin slipper. I must confess I immediately started planning a new tutu to match! We must not forget the beauty of these elegant ballerina's legs! A ballet dancer's legs were often covered in tights that, back then, came in a rainbow of colors – from black to cream, brown, blue and yes, pink! My love affair with pink knows no time boundaries!
My eyes practically popped out of their sockets when I glimpsed a costume worn by Adeline Genée, a Danish ballet dancer considered one of the greatest dancers of her generation, she was an absolute star in London and was said to possess remarkable technical brilliance. They were exquisite.
I've collected so much beautiful inspiration from 1895, not just in ballet but also in fashion! These were such elegant and sophisticated times, and the costumes, I swear, still have this magical air of pure femininity that just sets my heart to twirling.
Magic Meg and the Show at the Royal Opera House
Now, to the main attraction! The Royal Opera House was abuzz with excitement. The theatre, built in 1732, had seen it all over the years and held within its walls centuries of ballet history.
Meg was a vision, shimmering under the gaslight of the cobbled streets. We waited for our turn to be taken into the Grand Hall and marvelled at its gilded splendour – every surface sparkled with chandeliers, frescoes and a glimmering marble staircase that I almost thought was just for me.
Inside, the theatre itself was grand, ornate, with velvet curtains, elaborate gilded boxes, and a stage that whispered of ballets past. I held my breath as the orchestra played a haunting melody, filling the space with a magic only music can evoke. The ballet was "The White Cat", and the costumes! Simply stunning, every seam radiating grace and whimsy. And when the performance began, it felt as if time stopped. Each twirl and leap was infused with the raw emotion and grace of the time, making me, as they say, "lose myself in the dance."
And then… the end! The applause rippled through the theatre, and I was left floating on that glorious feeling that comes with a stunning performance.
Dancing the Night Away!
After the performance, the excitement of the night wasn’t over yet. A glamorous ball was taking place in the opulent ballroom of the Carlton Hotel, one of London's most fashionable addresses at the time, where society mingled amidst gilded decor and chandelier-lit decadence.
With a twirl and a flourish, I transformed from time-travelling ballet blogger into an Edwardian vision of femininity! With Magic Meg safely stabled in the hotel’s courtyard, I donned a dress straight out of a dream – a silk, powder-blue gown with lace detailing and a delicate bodice. It made me feel like a queen in her castle, surrounded by her loyal court, especially when paired with a pearl necklace and shimmering silver shoes.
As I entered the ballroom, a wave of music and laughter embraced me. Men bowed gracefully and the elegant ladies, some wearing an array of those fantastic Edwardian fans I’ve been drooling over, whispered politely to one another.
You see, darlings, being a ballet-loving time-traveler is all about more than just the ballet, it's about soaking up the spirit of each time and seeing how dance, fashion and life itself intertwine.
Now, I know I'm going on about this pink tutu of mine a lot, but I genuinely feel that a pink tutu can transform anyone, regardless of time period! This evening was no exception. Amidst all that Edwardian finery, my vibrant, pink tutu with its layered tulle turned heads and started conversations! In fact, I must have sparked at least one impromptu ballet performance. And by the end of the night, even a couple of men were looking quite seriously at tutus on the window display of a local costumiers! Maybe, just maybe, I'm changing the world, one tutu at a time.
Final Thoughts
Darlings, until next month's adventure, I hope you'll join me on www.pink-tutu.com, in continuing our explorations into the vibrant world of ballet throughout history.
I can't wait to tell you about our next ballet time travel adventure - and maybe, you’ll be inspired to embrace your own inner pink tutu-wearing adventurer! Just think, you never know when a twirl or a leap might just send you on a journey to discover the hidden magic within your own life.
Keep those toes tapping and those tutus twirling,
Love, Emma
