Hello lovelies! 🩰💖
Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! April is a time for fresh beginnings, new adventures, and of course, stunning springtime fashion! I’m here to tell you all about a recent journey back to a magical April day in 1898 - and it’s definitely a tutu-tastic story!
Before I tell you all about it, let’s talk pink, shall we? My heart always leaps when I see the colour pink – especially when I see a beautiful tutu in it! 💖 Pink just exudes happiness, optimism, and a little touch of whimsical magic. 💫 So, it’s only fitting that we embrace the pink theme for this month’s trip, darling.
My Ride in Time
As usual, my trusty companion Magic Meg, my pink shimmering Shire horse with the golden hooves and that flowing white mane, was pawing the ground impatiently, ready to whisk me away. My pink leather rucksack, overflowing with my favourite tutu finds and historical treasures, was perched on her back. With a flick of my riding crop, and a graceful twirl, we were off!
1898: A Glimpse into the Past
This time, we landed in a bustling city – Vienna, Austria to be precise! It was 1898, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, the streets filled with elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen, the aroma of Viennese coffee filling the air. It was almost like stepping into a storybook!
This journey was a bit different - no dazzling premiere nights or exciting ballet schools this time. Instead, my search took me to a charming vintage bookstore tucked away on a cobblestone street. There, amidst stacks of faded books, I discovered something truly wonderful - a collection of dance journals from that era. Oh my, they were brimming with enchanting sketches of ballet costumes, elegant handwritten reviews, and stories about the grand ladies and gentlemen who ruled the dance world!
Ballet in Vienna – The Empire’s Grace
Vienna, at this time, was a hub of artistry. While exploring the bustling streets, I stumbled upon a grand ballroom where I caught a glimpse of an elegant performance. Imagine, graceful waltzes, intricate formations, and the music… a blend of classic waltzes with hints of contemporary styles. The costumes, a study in contrasting elegance! Imagine tulle and satin swirling with flowing trains, each piece shimmering in candlelight. Oh, how I wish I could have taken a spin with them!
This particular ball, however, was special. I later learned that it was dedicated to a well-loved figure in the ballet world - Madame Catherine Bergamini. Madame Bergamini was a famed ballet teacher and a darling of Viennese society, her passion and knowledge igniting a love for ballet in countless hearts. It was an honor to witness the tributes and applause showered upon her!
Ballet Finds - My Rucksack Treasure
Now, about my precious rucksack… imagine, I found a small, exquisitely embroidered satin shoe bag! It was so delicately crafted, each stitch a testament to the artistry of the time. Of course, I carefully slipped it inside. I also collected several programmes, each with exquisite lithographs, from a local opera house. Their ornate details and intricate designs – a symphony of beauty, darling!
I also purchased a small pamphlet featuring dance steps and exercises for ladies of the day! I simply adored the gentle movements – a graceful exercise that emphasized posture and elegance, reminding me that every dance move, even when practiced, is a celebration of beauty and expression!
Fashion for a Tutu Queen
Talking of elegance, I have to tell you, darling, that the women's fashions of 1898 Vienna were a delight to see. Imagine, high-necked blouses, puffed sleeves, flowing skirts, and oh, those hats! They were works of art! And while it wasn’t a tutu era, I noticed women wearing soft, flowing skirts, almost a preview of the grace that we know and love! It gave me an idea…
The Pink Tutu Trend - Let's Make History!
As I stepped into the time portal with Meg, my mind was whirling with inspiration! Imagine, dear readers, what a sensation it would be to introduce a 'tutu-tastic' twist to those Victorian gowns! It's time for us to take those beautifully embellished hats, those extravagant gowns, and add a touch of “Pink Tutu" magic. Don’t you think it would add just a bit more enchantment?
After all, wouldn't it be thrilling to see a little girl skip down the street in a pink tutu with a flower in her hair, or even a sophisticated lady dancing gracefully at a ball in a shimmering tulle gown with a playful hint of pink? I think the world is ready for this splash of fun and glamour!
A Month of Ballet Adventures
You'll find that April is an especially exciting time in the world of ballet. Ballet is truly flourishing in London, Paris, St Petersburg and New York! In New York, The Metropolitan Opera House will present the grand Russian ballet sensation, "Les Sylphides", this month! Imagine, light, airy movements, flowing gowns, and delicate tutus in a symphony of beautiful motion - pure enchantment!
Here in Derbyshire, there's plenty happening too, including several exciting workshops focusing on ballet basics! Oh, don't forget that spring is the perfect time to embrace the magic of ballet. Join a class, catch a performance, and maybe even try adding a touch of "Pink Tutu" magic to your wardrobe!
And, of course, I will continue to document every magical journey and delightful discovery as I journey through time! I can’t wait to see what next month’s adventures hold, and maybe I’ll be able to bring back even more lovely “Pink Tutu” fashion ideas.
Until then, dance your way through the springtime joy!
Warmly,
Emma 💖
