Oh, darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com! It's August 8th, and I’m positively buzzing because Magic Meg has just brought us back from a delightful little trip to the glittering world of 1905.
You know I simply adore a good ballet history escapade, and this month’s journey took us to a time when ballet was truly coming into its own!
My dearest Meg is looking splendid today - she absolutely sparkles under the sun. We had a simply lovely ride through the Derbyshire countryside, and honestly, I couldn’t wait to find out what delightful ballets were taking centre stage in the world of 1905!
This time around, I took a slight detour and stopped by the stunning Crystal Palace in London for a spot of retail therapy. Imagine, darling, you can’t even imagine! The fashion was exquisite. So much silk, velvet, lace and ribbons, I could have bought a whole trunk full of the most wonderful frocks and bonnets. Thankfully, Magic Meg is a magnificent beast, and I’m pretty sure her hooves could have carried anything!
Anyway, onto the dance! You might know that I love ballet for its beauty and history. As much as I adore tutus of all shapes and sizes (especially my own blush pink beauty!), there was a sense of pure elegance to the ballet fashion of 1905. Long, flowing skirts, soft fabrics and a smattering of delicate embellishments, the ladies were truly captivating. It’s a little hard to imagine being on stage in those long gowns and skirts, but I can just picture how incredibly beautiful it must have looked!
Speaking of beauty, August 8th, 1905, saw a magnificent production at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The production of The Sleeping Beauty, one of Tchaikovsky’s most exquisite masterpieces, premiered on the world stage just a few years before. It’s incredible to imagine those iconic pas de deux coming to life for the very first time! Now I simply must pack my rucksack with a new edition of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty sheet music. I mean, how lovely will this be for the collection?!
To keep up with the beautiful times, I took myself to the Alhambra Theatre, in Leicester Square London to catch The Lady from the Sea. This captivating production starred the legendary Ellen Terry, one of the most iconic actresses of the era. This stunning play was a perfect combination of drama and beauty - truly something I had to experience for myself. And who wouldn’t want a photo in front of such an opulent theatre?! I must admit I snagged myself a gorgeous, hand-painted theatre program from the souvenir shop, for the rucksack of course!
Oh! Don’t forget the beautiful Ballet Russes which toured to great acclaim all over the world around this time! How simply charming they all are with their graceful steps and elegant outfits.
Let me tell you darlings, I even ventured as far as Monte Carlo where Sergei Diaghilev's troupe Ballet Russes was giving a phenomenal performance. Can you believe how exciting and utterly wonderful! The passion of the dancing was simply enchanting, the colors and textures of the costumes absolutely exquisite, and it really left me breathless.
It's a truth universally acknowledged that 1905 was a very important year in ballet history! It truly marked a turning point, with bold and innovative styles bursting forth on the stage! I absolutely love a new style. Who doesn't? I know many of my blog readers would be keen on trying out some new moves. It’s also a great year to learn the different dances. Oh darling, just imagine trying out a Pas de bourrée - a gentle and elegant step that’s still quite popular in ballets! Imagine being able to perform with your new knowledge, like the most captivating ballerina in the land. And just picture it! We could get an online tutu class going! I have just had the most magical idea - if my little pink heart is up for a challenge, a tutorial or online class of a beautiful 1905-era pas de bourrée could really be quite special, darling.
I do love a lovely dance tutorial, and I must admit, there is something really enchanting about learning about the dance styles from decades ago!
Of course, a ballet trip isn't complete without a few ballet treats! The most adorable patisserie in Paris had a selection of delightful petit fours. We sat amongst the other stylish ladies and drank a spot of hot chocolate while we enjoyed the sugary delights.
My rucksack is getting pretty heavy now, but what’s a time traveller without some fabulous stories, darling? I think my ballet diary needs a few extra pages to fill it with stories and thoughts. I mean, what is better than traveling back to ballet’s past? Nothing, my dears!
Keep an eye out for our next Time Travelling adventures! Oh darling, where do you think we shall venture to next? Do leave a comment on my blog at www.pink-tutu.com - tell me your favourite ballets or if there are any particular dance moves or ballet histories you would like to explore in the next time travel blog.
Until next time, my lovely dears, don’t forget to always keep the love of ballet in your heart. Oh, and to embrace the pink, my dears, for pink is the color of hope, love and utter joy.
Until next month, Emma x
