Hello my darling darlings, and welcome to another edition of #TutuTuesday - my weekly ballet tutu history blog here on www.pink-tutu.com! Today, I'm zipping back to February 26th, 1878 - a date with so much history, not just for the world of ballet but for fashion in general! It's always an exciting day when my trusty time machine delivers me to the 19th century; the fashion is utterly captivating! Oh, and did I mention that travelling in time to different eras has allowed me to become a bonafide fashion connoisseur, as I learn the history of different eras and outfits? I feel like a history of fashion expert as well as a professional ballerina! But who can resist a journey through the most beautiful dresses and dancewear from years gone by, eh?
This week, my pink tutu and I found ourselves whisked away to the heart of Europe, the heartland of grand opera houses and, naturally, ballet. Ah, the theatres of the past! A real sight for sore eyes! Think dramatic curtains, plush red velvet seating, a cacophony of chatter and excitement... it was utterly magnificent! Let me tell you, my darling dears, the anticipation in the air was simply electric. The air is always abuzz with anticipation, a feeling I find quite similar to the thrill you feel backstage at a performance as you prepare to dance! I couldn’t help but giggle at how familiar it felt. It felt so... cosy. I felt at home right away, although of course, I didn't quite fit in...
"My dear girl," a voice chirped next to me as I adjusted the feathers on my pink tutu, “are you heading to the opera? Don’t let those flamboyant feather plumes distract you from the opera!” How delightfully blunt, I thought to myself as I looked down at my feathered skirt! I was quickly reassured; people do seem to love my tutu. It's so wonderful that in different centuries, I get to see tutus interpreted in so many styles! Even in this bygone era, people couldn't resist stopping for a little stare, and, thankfully, some were brave enough to engage me in a conversation!
So, what exactly happened on February 26th, 1878, that I was so excited about? Well, darlings, the world was about to be rocked by the incredible talent of the beautiful Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It's truly remarkable to think how much this amazing woman has shaped the world of ballet; just hearing the name gives me goosebumps! To be so close in time to the incredible talent she showcased makes me almost giddy! I felt like I could step into the performance at any moment! You're probably thinking, Emma, isn’t this a little obvious, and haven't you said it before in your blog?
“Well, no, my darlings," you might say to yourself, "It’s about to get exciting." Yes! Yes, my darlings! This date in particular was important because a new production, a grand reinterpretation of "Swan Lake", debuted at the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg! A completely new, redesigned spectacle with gorgeous costumes that stole the hearts of the entire audience! It truly was an awe-inspiring event to be a part of, as the ballet was revolutionary for the time! To have the pleasure of seeing this spectacle in person, you truly have to step into my pink shoes to truly appreciate how beautiful and magical the moment was! I feel lucky to have been in the very audience that experienced it for the first time.
Pavlova’s artistry brought the legend of Swan Lake alive! It truly was like watching a flock of swans gracefully take to the stage! It’s moments like these, darling darlings, that make you appreciate how the beauty of the ballerina, their form, and the story are entwined to make a true work of art! I simply had to see it for myself! How could I not with the reputation the piece has, not only back in 1878 but even in my own time? My fellow ballet lovers! Have you ever witnessed an event that captivated you so completely that your senses were left breathless? This was my moment; I stood transfixed by this magnificent creation on that evening of February 26th, 1878, watching Pavlova’s effortless and elegant performance, and all I could think of was “how can anyone create something this beautiful?” I felt so very small as I took in the power of the performance in its grand, historic setting, and it reminded me how powerful our craft is!
But back to the fashion! In the grandstands of the opera house, I was captivated by the elegance of 19th century fashions! The ladies around me were simply stunning in their corseted gowns, extravagant headpieces, and their elegant evening shawls, complete with exquisite gloves. It was the age of decadence in many ways, my darlings! But even though they were adorned in lace, ribbons and bows and jewels beyond your wildest dreams, and even if these grand dresses came with their own challenges - you know, the whole corsets situation... – they looked utterly effortless and absolutely captivating. They embodied sophistication with each carefully placed pearl.
While I would certainly never wear a corset - I find myself much happier in my comfortable leotards! - you could really tell that this was the age of experimentation for women's fashion. While tutus were common in theatre, the more intricate costumes, fabrics and patterns in women’s wear were gaining greater acceptance by women! And oh! You know how much I love a good skirt or a tutu! And speaking of which, it seems tutus were a hit with the men, as they seemed utterly captivated by them on this special day in 1878, with men lining up to praise the beautiful dance, costumes, and of course the beautiful swans! I am still receiving praise for my pink tutu, even if the men seemed particularly keen to touch the feathered embellishments!
And as much as I would have loved to be a dancer on stage during that period of history, being an audience member to that special day in the theatre had its advantages too. The theatre buzzed with such excitement. I had the chance to catch up with a group of ladies who I know from my visits. We exchanged fashionable tips and talked of ballet and art and all things feminine. You could practically taste the Parisian elegance of it all as the group talked about a new, decadent dancewear company opening that afternoon in Paris. I swear the air was infused with glitter and tulle! I, of course, was not about to miss out! My time machine delivered me there after the grand ballet performance to meet with them, so that I could purchase some new beautiful pink leotards to complete my outfits.
One of the fascinating things about these historical visits is seeing how things change. Now, the world of ballet fashion is certainly a place where tutus are central. I love it - it’s how it’s meant to be, in my opinion, and how we see it in my time! What makes it interesting, is how much they look up to ballerinas in this period. They view our performance and elegance with an adoration that simply melts the heart! Now we must see them at all times, every performance, and while we’re not entirely seen like a high priestess of grace just yet (in my time! ), but who knows where it may lead! It's not even something you would necessarily think about. Yet when it comes to elegance, I love that, in many ways, ballerina style has become what modern women of this time see as elegant, almost magical. Even they dress with that idea of a magical fairy - of ethereal elegance! – so I'd love to imagine this, my darling darlings, is only the beginning of our future world. What a future it will be with everyone embracing the beauty and wonder of the ballerina!
One thing's for certain; I never travel through time without my signature pink tutu, as it makes for the most spectacular photos. When people ask me how my time machine works, I tell them I use sparkles and sequins.
For the love of pink tutus!
See you next Tuesday!
Your friend in pink,Emma
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