#BalletHistory during 1896 08 August

Hello my lovelies,

Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! I’m so excited to be here, pink-tutu-ing and time-travelling my way back to you for another month’s post! Today we’re stepping back to the glorious summer of 1896. Did you know, my lovelies, that in this year the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary was finally published after seventy years in the making? Quite a feat, eh? What better reason to hop onto the back of my magnificent steed, Magic Meg (a pink sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a glorious white mane and tail - who could ask for more, darlings?!) and head back in time to this pivotal date in linguistic history?

This time, I packed my trusty leather rucksack with extra tulle and a bit of ribbon – who knows what sartorial wonders I’d find on this particular trip? Oh, the sheer joy of being a ballet-obsessed time traveller! But before I reveal my treasures, let’s delve into what was on the ballet stage in August of 1896.

The ballet scene was alive and kicking in August 1896! It was the year when the enchanting Russian Ballet, under the artistic direction of the legendary Sergei Diaghilev, was captivating audiences around the globe with their exquisite performances and stunning innovative approach to ballet. If I could, darling, I would hop into Magic Meg's shimmering saddle and head straight to the Marinsky Theatre in St Petersburg to watch them myself. Imagine it, the opulent theatre, the glimmer of gaslights on the crimson velvet seating, and the magic of the ballerinas taking to the stage in their beautifully crafted costumes!

Back in London, The Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square was a magnet for all things elegant and extravagant. Imagine the opulence! They had their own troupe of talented ballerinas, the "Alhambra Girls," renowned for their flair and breathtaking choreography. A whole evening of glitz, glamour, and the joy of the dance - who wouldn't want a peek behind the scenes there, right? I'm quite tempted to head to the theatre to meet some of these beautiful dancers... or maybe I'll leave that adventure for another trip!

While on the continent, the legendary Pavlova was still a few years from dazzling the world, honing her artistry in St. Petersburg's Imperial Theatre (which has a very special place in my heart!). Her passion for the dance, and her later performances that made history, certainly had its roots planted in 1896. Can you just picture her, a young woman, mesmerised by the grace and technique of her predecessors and the blossoming stage presence of the Russian Ballet, taking those early, determined steps on the path to her own international stardom?

Now, you know I wouldn’t let a time travel trip go by without exploring the fashionable side of things! It wasn't just the theatre that was thriving, oh no, 1896 was a fashion explosion! I donned my trusty pink tutu – wouldn't you know it, the pink fashion was still very much in, and it only grew as I travelled through time – and let me tell you, even my very own Derbyshire village was feeling the 1890s vogue! The ladies here were looking particularly elegant in their long skirts and crisp white blouses, their dainty parasols swaying with them.

What truly captured my eye, darling, were the floral print fabrics adorning dresses in stunning hues of pink! Just imagine it, delicate petals painted across soft chiffon, blooming alongside a sea of velvet ribbons and elegant lace. Even the men were stepping up their sartorial game in 1896 with dapper hats, intricately patterned waistcoats, and smart, tailored suits. Fashion was as captivating as a ballet performance in those days, let me tell you!

In my little village, we even managed to enjoy a few dances in the church hall. I popped my rucksack under my arm and joined in the merry waltz and the energetic polka. I took note of the dance steps, which I am looking forward to bringing to a local ballet workshop soon - I imagine all my dancers in lovely pastel coloured tutus with delicate pink lace trimming!

I was especially fascinated by the vintage ballet shoes I came across in an antique shop. Such exquisite craftsmanship! Crafted from soft leather and a hint of pink satin, with tiny bows adorning each delicate strap, I couldn't help but try them on. Even though they were centuries old, they fit perfectly, my dear, as if they were made for me!

I filled my rucksack with those gorgeous shoes and a stack of 1896 ballet program brochures for inspiration. They make me think of those exciting ballet nights at The Alhambra Theatre, in all its glittering grandeur, where so many talented ballerinas captivated audiences with their dance. This is what ballet history is all about - finding those connections, those magical links across the decades! I simply adore sharing it with you, and I know that you love seeing all my favourite finds.

Well my dear, it’s time to head back to 2023! You know me, always on the look-out for a perfect pink tutu. Magic Meg is ready, the stars are twinkling, and I can't wait to bring my readers more pink tutu time travels.

Catch you next time!

Until then, let your pink tutus fly!

Emma,

Pink-Tutu.com.