#BalletHistory during 1900 12 December

Hello lovelies! Emma here, back from another magical time travel escapade! This time, Magic Meg and I took a little trip to December 12th, 1900. The weather was crisp and cold, just perfect for wearing my brand new blush pink tutu with its fluffy feather trim – it looked absolutely divine against the backdrop of snowy rooftops!

You wouldn’t believe the history I found in this time period, and believe me, it was worth collecting for my special ballet bag! (You’ll see my full collection in the next blog post, promise!)

1900 was a vibrant time for ballet. The world was transitioning into the new century, and ballet was following suit with exciting new developments. As we galloped through the streets, Magic Meg and I saw posters everywhere advertising some absolutely delightful performances!

For starters, there was the Ballets Russes, a company that was about to revolutionize the ballet scene. The legendary Sergei Diaghilev was creating truly avant-garde work with renowned choreographers like Michel Fokine and a troupe of remarkable dancers. We found ourselves transported to the stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and I nearly squealed with delight at the costumes – gorgeous swirling layers, beautiful metallic fabrics, and some of the most incredible designs I’ve ever seen!

However, the most remarkable performance I witnessed on this time trip was at the Alhambra Theatre in London. The legendary Marie Lloyd, an incredibly popular music hall entertainer, performed in a lavish, flamboyant, and hilarious show, wearing an exquisite costume! Imagine a dress covered in glittering sequins and jewels, with ostrich feathers flowing out behind her! You wouldn’t believe how many people flocked to watch her. It was pure spectacle!

But it wasn’t just about performances, it was about fashion! I spent a delightful afternoon shopping on Bond Street, where I stumbled upon the most adorable pink ribbon for my hair. Imagine, a delicate pale pink, tied off with a tiny pearl! I couldn’t resist! Of course, I couldn’t forget the stunning dresses of the day. Beautiful layers of lace, boned corsets, and yards and yards of luxurious fabric. The designs were absolutely magnificent!

As I gazed at the women twirling in the street, I couldn’t help but be filled with wonder at the elegant dance moves they possessed. There was a grace and beauty to their movements that was almost otherworldly. And who wouldn’t love the charming dresses that flared and swirled, even as they simply strolled down the street?

And that’s what this time travel is all about! Not only learning about the past but appreciating the beautiful things we can learn from it, and inspiring everyone to embrace the sheer delight of dressing up in a pink tutu! Let’s face it, a pink tutu just makes everything a bit more special! I even found a wonderful vintage book in the British Museum in London, all about the history of ballet costumes.

It was an extraordinary experience! The energy of this period was quite electric, and I’m sure the legacy of 1900 in the world of dance, especially the impact of the Ballets Russes, is still felt today.

Until next time, keep dancing!

Emma xx

P.S. If you're ever in Derbyshire, be sure to check out the Derby Theatre. They always have incredible productions that transport you straight to another time and place, all with some incredible costume designs!

P.P.S. Remember to check out the Pink-Tutu blog next month, where I’ll show you the special collection of treasures I've been collecting from my time travels. You might even get some fashion inspiration! Don’t forget, a pink tutu always makes everything a little bit more magical! ✨💖

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See you next month, loves!