Hello darlings! It's Emma here from your favourite ballet-obsessed time travelling blogger, ready to transport you to the glorious world of the tutu! Today, my lovely pink-loving peeps, we're taking a trip back in time to 1st July 1879!
Hold onto your bonnets, because things are about to get exciting! Today is a HUGE day in tutu history, one you might not have heard of... but just you wait, my darlings. Today marks the grand opening of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a jewel in the heart of London, with a special opening night performance of "The Lady of Lyons." This iconic theatre has been a haven for the dramatic arts since the 1600s, and on this day, it finally reopened after extensive renovations. Just imagine the flurry of anticipation! The grand staircase glittering with satin and silk, the air electric with anticipation... I bet there were tutus fluttering around, my dears, tucked under stylishly draped jackets and cloaks, just waiting to take centre stage for the dazzling spectacle!
Now, about that tutu... I’m telling you, this theatre is one of the MOST important places in ballet history! As a budding ballerina myself, it makes my heart flutter! From the very first pirouettes to the grandest pas de deux, this is where tutu dreams came true, sparkling with the magic of theatre and all things ballerinas!
Now, for some of you, the name Drury Lane might not ring a bell. You may be more familiar with the other super-famous theatre across town – The Royal Opera House ( Covent Garden). But in 1879, darling, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane WAS THE PLACE! Imagine that stage - packed with actors, dancers, and all that flamboyant Victorian glitz and glamour.
*Can’t you just picture it? * The swirling stage curtains with their glittering gold tassels, the gas lights casting dancing shadows across the plush velvet seats... Oh my goodness, my dears, I need to stop fantasising and get back to history!
In this year 1879, London's streets are alive with horse-drawn carriages, bustling market stalls and the latest fashionable frocks! You’ll be pleased to hear that the tutu is already enjoying great success in these theatres - not in a strict ballet sense, but in all manner of dramatic displays!
Oh my! Do you love trains as much as I do, my little pink-loving ballerinas? Imagine hopping on a train from Derbyshire (where I call home) down to London - a luxurious steam train journey with all those chuffing wheels and billowing steam ! In the comfort of a carriage seat, nestled amongst smartly dressed gentlemen and elegantly clad ladies... you'd feel the excitement building!
What's on in London? The theatre, darling, the theatre! I imagine there are so many gorgeous dresses on display - gowns, skirts, hats! And of course, the ubiquitous tutu... not just in white for ballerinas this time - but in silk and satin and taffeta... in vibrant pink! This is how I can tell the ladies of the late Victorian age really do know a good outfit when they see one - pink and ballet are clearly two loves in one!
The tutus of this period are not what we're used to. Think of swirling layers of lace, satin and tulle! No spandex here, darlings. These are more like grand, dreamy cloud-like concoctions - perfect for swirling and dancing. A veritable symphony of tulle - like a giant ballerina dream come to life!
Of course, back in Derbyshire, we don't have such grandeur... but trust me, a tutu can work wonders even in the humblest village hall. All it takes is a little imagination and a love of twirling... and perhaps a little pink, for a bit of magic to take you straight to the theatre!
Oh, what are you waiting for, my little tutu-lovers? Time to make some magic happen! Grab that pink tutu, find a lovely spot and start twirling, just like me! Remember, my darlings - every day can be a Tutu Tuesday! Now if you'll excuse me, I have some fabulous ballet shows to catch, shopping to do and a new train to book for next week!
Until next week,
Your pink tutu loving time traveler,
Emma!
