Hello darlings! Welcome back to my blog, Pink-Tutu.com. Today's post is all about a date that shook the world, but didn't quite stop the dance! Join me as we time-travel back to 10th October 1914. I'm wearing my favourite blush pink tulle tutu today, it feels particularly appropriate.
Oh, how I do love travelling by Magic Meg. She’s the most gorgeous pink-sparkling shire horse you ever did see. Golden hooves and a snowy white mane and tail… such a sight! I do find it rather awkward in places that haven’t discovered the wonderful practicality of the side saddle, but, like the wonderful world of ballet, there’s nothing we can’t do if we put our minds to it!
So, let's dive into the history of 10th October 1914. You see, it was just a week into World War I, the ‘Great War’ as they called it then. Sadly, life across Europe wasn't exactly glamorous – but ballet, oh dearie me, ballet persevered!
I find the sheer resilience of ballet truly inspiring. Imagine you're a young dancer, so eager to show the world what your art can achieve, but war shadows your dreams. Now that’s real grit! It’s a reminder that life throws us curveballs, but like a graceful ballerina, we can find our balance.
In London, the Royal Opera House continued performances, albeit with an audience comprised mostly of military personnel. It was a far cry from the elegant ball gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos that I would imagine swirling in those opulent halls! Yet, despite the sombre atmosphere, the power of the dance shone through. Can you imagine being those dancers, feeling the weight of history upon you but rising above it, turning tragedy into art? That's what truly makes ballet magical, it’s always been a haven of beauty, passion, and resilience.
Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn't check out what the Parisian dancers were up to. I just adore their flamboyant style. This day in Paris, 1914, was all about opera and drama. At the Palais Garnier, the celebrated Parisian opera house, they were preparing for a gala evening celebrating the composer, Giacomo Puccini. Can you picture me gliding through that Parisian opera house? I was surrounded by stunning velvet seats and ornate balconies, I even managed to nab a couple of vintage programs from the Palais Garnier, the most exquisite printed masterpieces, perfect for my ballet collection!
However, the grandest spectacle I saw was, of course, in St. Petersburg, Russia. A city so bursting with talent, where I can’t help but picture ballet dancers with shimmering costumes twirling on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre. The heart of Russian Ballet. Can you even imagine it? I think I could just dance all day! I had a delightful tea party with the Ballet Russes Company – who, despite the growing tension, were busy preparing for their American debut. A grand occasion for them and truly wonderful to witness. I even got to chat with Vaslav Nijinsky. He was truly charismatic! He was dancing the most thrilling, and sometimes controversial roles at the time, even when his talent wasn’t always approved of by the Russian Imperial Court. The man knew what he was doing though and truly gave me some excellent advice on posture.
I’m truly excited by what is in store for this legendary company and all its stars as they step on a US stage. I can feel this moment changing the world of ballet and it's just incredible. They'll bring the ballet world a little slice of Russian art. I will have to add these names to my ballet dance journal – Nijinsky, Diaghilev, Stravinsky, they're a team to behold. I even heard tell of a certain Igor Stravinsky who was revolutionizing musical composition in Russia. Oh, this is exciting!
Now, what would this blog be without a little bit of pink tutu fashion! Can we even imagine how magnificent dancers would have looked in 1914? It was a time when even war couldn’t steal the show from beautiful dresses and delicate ruffles! I have a special fascination for costumes from that era. Such elegant movement and graceful lines, perfect for highlighting the dancers’ skills. The styles of tutus were longer than we see today – so they flowed beautifully on stage. Think flowing tulle skirts and delicate floral embroidery – oh my, so chic! I always wonder what would my perfect 1914 tutu look like? Perhaps a pastel pink shade with pearl details. That sounds lovely!
I found a little gem hidden in the back alleys of London – a seamstress, Mrs. Jones, who used to work for the Royal Opera House and showed me her amazing collections of ballet costumes from that era. Now those were magnificent! I’m hoping to design a recreation with her help and perhaps do a little photoshoot to capture the time travel feeling! Oh, what a beautiful project to work on!
As the war raged on, there was still such a huge drive to dance. You know me, always striving to share the joy of dancing with the whole world! Ballet kept going, defying the darkness, bringing solace and hope to those who desperately needed it. They say ballet’s strength lies in its ability to elevate us above the world’s chaos and transport us into an realm of dreams. Isn’t that amazing?
That's all for today's journey. Until next time, darlings, keep swirling and twirling and spreading the love of ballet!
Oh, before I go – did I mention I bought a lovely rose pink tutu while in Paris? It is simply gorgeous! I plan to show you all just how divine it looks.
Until next month! Remember, life is a dance!
Emma, xoxo
