Hello my darlings! Emma here, back again for another instalment of Pink Tutu Time Travels! It’s been a while since we’ve stepped through the shimmering portal on Magic Meg’s back, and this month, we're whisking ourselves back to a rather magnificent day - 5th May, 1909. Oh my, where to even begin with the sartorial delights this date had in store!
It all started, as usual, with a delightful breakfast in the stables of my Derbyshire cottage, where I couldn’t resist a cheeky sugar lump for Meg, the best time travelling partner a girl could ask for! Now, if you haven’t seen Magic Meg yet, picture this - a glorious Shire horse, sparkling like a pink champagne dream. She's as gentle as a lamb, with golden hooves and a magnificent mane and tail as white as a ballerina’s silk slipper. Every time we hop aboard her saddle, it’s like stepping into a fairytale.
We galloped off towards a whirl of exciting possibilities, arriving just in time to see a captivating ballet performance. This time, however, we weren't just attending - we were part of the performance! Isn't that utterly magical? It’s such a thrill to have a quick change, don my shimmering pink tutu, and step onto the stage alongside the greatest ballerinas of their day. Imagine - dancing alongside Anna Pavlova or Tamara Karsavina, the legends of the silver screen!
But this wasn’t just any ballet performance. We were attending a show at the Théâtre de la Ville, a spectacular venue that hosted a performance of the Diaghilev Ballets Russes! The Ballets Russes were taking the world by storm in the early 1900s. These revolutionaries were breaking the boundaries of ballet with daring new creations and beautiful storytelling through movement. It was an honour to be part of their captivating history.
On this day, the company presented 'Le Pavillon d'Armide', a stunning two-act ballet by the legendary choreographer Michel Fokine, a true innovator of the ballet world. And if the ballet wasn’t enchanting enough, Leon Bakst designed the absolutely exquisite sets and costumes! Think vibrant colours, bold lines, and intricate detailing - a true feast for the eyes. I can’t resist bringing back a little souvenir for my ballet collection – a gorgeous costume design by Bakst, now resting proudly in my leather rucksack. It’s like holding a piece of ballet history in my very hands.
And of course, the 5th of May, 1909, had much more than ballet to offer! It was a time of artistic fervour and cultural transformation. Paris was buzzing with excitement – we even got to catch a glimpse of Picasso, creating some rather interesting paintings in a Montmartre café. What a treat to observe his artistic genius at work! The art scene was flourishing with bold colours and abstract styles that were challenging traditional perspectives, which perfectly mirrored the groundbreaking nature of the Ballets Russes.
I even found myself on a wonderful journey to the Royal Opera House in London! Can you imagine dancing on the same stage where countless ballerinas have captivated audiences throughout history? It's thrilling! The 5th of May was particularly special at Covent Garden, as it was the premiere of 'The Merry Widow' a musical play with a stunning ballet sequence, all inspired by the captivating spirit of the age. I even tried to pick up a few steps during the intermission. Just imagine, waltzing alongside a dapper gentleman in a ballroom! It’s a feeling you just have to experience to understand.
What did we learn from our time travels? Well, my dears, we learnt that ballet, fashion and time travel all intertwine beautifully! And this period was all about bold, striking visuals and theatrical extravagance, which inspired the creation of costumes that were both eye-catching and functional. Imagine delicate tutus, extravagant headdresses and beautiful corsets – just pure ballerina bliss!
My own collection was brimming with lovely inspiration - some charming Parisian hats, delicate lace and exquisite embroidery, perfect for my own creations! But don't worry, my love of pink tutus was never far behind, which was reflected in the vibrant pink fabrics I found, ideal for crafting a whimsical tutu for my next performance. And who knows what stunning ballet styles we'll discover next!
For you, my sweet followers, it's a time to remember that embracing colour, celebrating art and making every performance a breathtaking spectacle is the true magic of ballet. Why not embrace a little extravagance, channel your inner ballerina, and maybe even consider donning your own dazzling pink tutu? After all, the world could use a little more sparkle!
Now, until next month’s journey, let us take inspiration from this magical date in ballet history! And be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all your ballerina inspiration! Until then, may your steps be light and graceful, and may you always find joy in the enchanting world of ballet. Au revoir, my darlings! 🩰💕
