Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your Pink Tutu Travel Guide, and oh my, what an April we’ve had! This month has been all about the glitz and glamour of the Edwardian era! We time travelled back to the year 1909, a time of opulent fashion and breathtaking ballet performances.
Magic Meg, my trusty steed, with her sparkly pink coat and golden hooves, whisked me through time with a gentle neigh, leaving the Derbyshire countryside behind and landing us in the heart of London! I donned my pink tutu, it twirled around my legs like a perfect pink cloud, and we were off!
1909 – what a glorious year for ballet! First, we caught a matinee performance at the Royal Opera House and let me tell you, the Pavlova performance was a revelation! You just know when a dancer is a superstar! Anna, in her sheer tulle skirt and elaborate headpiece, made her "Dying Swan" all the more poignant. She was just as ethereal and graceful as a feather!
My rucksack was overflowing with all sorts of historical treasures - photos, posters, and even a delicate lace scarf! But I wasn't just taking things; I gave them a gift too - a tiny pink tutu for the young ballet enthusiasts, hoping it would spark a lifetime love of dancing!
Following our ballet delight, we headed to Harrods in Knightsbridge for a spot of vintage shopping. You can't truly appreciate the magic of an era without soaking in its fashion! The luxurious displays of silk dresses, shimmering brocades, and feathered hats were utterly divine!
Now, the fashion of 1909, although stunningly elegant, could be a tad bit restrictive! For ladies, it was all about the corset and those impossible long skirts! My pink tutu was a delightful breath of fresh air – comfortable, colourful, and ready for a pirouette at a moment's notice!
To truly immerse myself in the 1909 ballet scene, we found our way to a smaller, more intimate theatre - the Kingsway Theatre. The intimate atmosphere was quite delightful, making each step of the ballet more intimate, a true treat for both dancers and audiences. The focus, like at the Royal Opera House, was on classical ballet. This era really was the birth of ballet's current aesthetic, with graceful movements, perfectly structured tutus, and stories told through the art of dance!
As our journey back to Derbyshire began, I sat in my carriage, tumbling over my adventures in my mind! The Edwardian era, despite its focus on a very defined style of ballet, had the potential for experimentation, innovation and excitement. As we whizzed through the countryside, Magic Meg pranced happily, a testament to the magic of a life lived in a pink tutu.
And just a little reminder to all of you darling readers: don't forget to wear your pink tutus! I have a whole stock of the most vibrant and gorgeous colours and lengths on www.pink-tutu.com . Who knows, you might just inspire the next Pavlova, or maybe you’ll discover a whole new type of ballet dancing just waiting to be unleashed!
Next month, we're exploring a time when ballet was as flamboyant as its attire: 1920s New York! I’m already packing my suitcase and stocking up on feathers and flapper dresses! It promises to be a spectacular month, filled with the dazzling jazz, the iconic Charleston, and of course, those breathtaking Art Deco costumes!
So until next time, stay happy, keep dancing, and don’t forget your pink tutus!
Love and twirls,
Emma
