Hello darlings, and welcome to another edition of Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, my journey takes me back to the fascinating world of ballet in November of 1898. As always, my trusty companion Magic Meg, my pink sparkling Shire horse with her golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, patiently waits to carry me through the centuries, her hooves sparkling like stardust on our adventures.
November's chilly winds are a perfect backdrop for a time-travelling ballet enthusiast, especially when you're decked out in your favourite pink tutu. Now, don't forget, I'm here to share the joy of ballet and my absolute adoration of pink with the world. So grab a cuppa, curl up in your most comfortable armchair, and join me on this journey.
Today, we're taking a trip to 1898 – the year that was overflowing with dance! There were big happenings on the world stage, and ballet was a key player. My ballet scrapbook, which I carry in my leather rucksack, tells me that it was an incredibly lively year for our artform. The air buzzed with excitement in theatres across Europe and even reached America.
This month's blog is dedicated to my love of tutus – my all-time favourite pink tutu, that is! I’ll share some highlights of the ballet world from 11th November 1898 – the very day we'll be travelling to. After all, who needs a Tardis when you have a beautiful pink sparkling Shire horse?!
A November Day in Ballet History
Firstly, let’s rewind and cast our minds back to November 1898 – it’s a thrilling month in ballet history. We’re just three years shy of the 20th century and the start of the Modern Ballet movement that we've all come to know and love. But even in 1898, ballet was brimming with innovation. The 'fin-de-siècle' was, in fact, quite a flamboyant era – in many ways, it echoes today’s free-spirited attitudes and flair for fashion. And of course, my love for pink and my gorgeous, sparkling tutus – what could be more suited to a "fin-de-siècle" era?
The famous Paris Opera was at the heart of the balletic buzz – that beautiful neo-baroque theatre with its opulent setting – it was the hub for all the exciting innovations, new talent, and bold steps (literally!).
While you were getting into your fancy gowns or perhaps an elegant black suit, getting ready to take in the glittering opera in Vienna, the Ballet Imperial (known as "Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake"), was in full swing! Imagine, waltzing around Vienna to Tchaikovsky's melodies - how delightful! I can see it now, ladies with fans, the air full of the elegant twirls of waltzing men. And then there was the dazzling ballet "Sleeping Beauty" that was gracing the Parisian stage in all its magnificent splendour. It had everyone in Paris enraptured – including the elite, artists, and writers! The newspapers couldn't stop talking about it. What would I have done for a sneak peek behind the scenes? It would have been glorious! Imagine how gorgeous those tutus would have been – the costumes were truly works of art. I just love the drama and flamboyance of 1898 – all those grand theatres with their spectacle of colour, lighting, and the magical stories that they unfold! My tutus always bring that added touch of elegance, and the pink, well, pink just perfectly reflects the fin-de-siècle era – just magical!
Of course, none of my pink-tutu-clad travels would be possible without my beloved Shire horse, Magic Meg! Now, she truly has magic in her hooves, allowing me to skip around the globe – we've been everywhere from Derbyshire, my home, to Paris, Rome, and even as far afield as the United States! In 1898, the world of ballet was as expansive as Meg's powerful leaps! We travelled from the stages of Europe to those grand theatres in America. And that's how I discover the latest news for you, right here in this very blog, which you can access at www.pink-tutu.com!
As we approach the year 1900, we see a growing desire for change in the dance world, a new age that will see the rise of "Modern Ballet". And I can’t wait to share the beauty of that era with you – from those amazing artists to the stunning performances that pushed the boundaries of dance – it will all be explored here on my Pink Tutu Time Travel blog. But for now, we are enjoying the dazzling sparkle of the fin-de-siècle era. Remember, pink tutus were the fashion for ballet stars at the end of the 19th century.
And what did I pack in my leather rucksack from 1898? It’s packed with wonderful memories – ballet programmes from the Parisian Opera, sketches and portraits of iconic ballerinas, some antique jewellery that glittered like diamonds, and some beautiful vintage ribbons that are a perfect addition to my pink tutus!
And Now… Time for Some Ballet Shopping!
My dear friends, my shopping obsession, or rather my love of all things ballet-related, led me on an exciting mission to Paris and the "Grand Magasins". The beautiful shop windows of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps were brimming with such delightful elegance and the latest trends of the day – especially for costumes! You know, back in 1898, women wore corsets with their skirts, often layers of tulle and petticoats. Just think of it – the graceful, airy lightness of the ballet tutu must have felt absolutely delightful and freeing after all the structure of the day’s fashion! And don't even get me started on the wonderful fabrics – silk, satin, lace... all perfect for dancing. Of course, in true ballet form, my favourite part was Le Bon Marché which, believe it or not, is where Ballet classes began in Paris! You can bet I went in and asked for a lesson! But sadly, my time was fleeting! And how lucky was I, while browsing for some pretty tulle fabric at the grand Parisian department stores, I spotted a stunning pink tutu! My heart skipped a beat! Perfect, isn't it? My new ballet outfit fits like a glove, and with a few touches of sequins and ribbons, I had the ideal, very Parisian-inspired pink tutu. Don't worry – I have just a couple of weeks until I wear it at my next ballet performance. It'll be perfect to add a little touch of pink and a splash of 1898 to my show!
A Final Thought
So, as our pink-tutu-laden journey comes to a close, my darlings, I encourage you to take inspiration from these stories of past glamour and innovation in ballet. Just imagine – dancing your heart out to the music of Tchaikovsky under those shimmering chandeliers! Every journey we take, with my pink tutu on my body, brings with it such an extraordinary combination of beauty, history, and passion. Until next time, be sure to visit the world of Pink Tutu Time Travels! You can visit me, Emma, on our pink tutu page on www.pink-tutu.com every month. I promise, you won't be disappointed! And do share your love for pink tutus with me - let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my posts!
Remember: pink tutues are a girl’s best friend. Let’s make the world a little more pink, a little more magical!
With Love,
Emma
