Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-adoring time traveller, Emma, here! I’m back again this week to take you on another enchanting journey through ballet history, as we twirl our way to 14th October, 1879. Now, prepare yourselves for some serious historical glitz and glamour because this date, my loves, marks the opening night of The Nutcracker, as we know and love it!
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt the magic of The Nutcracker? The enchanting music, the dazzling costumes, the graceful dances - it’s a spectacle that takes you to a whole other world! But do you know what? This enchanting journey began on this very date in 1879. Now, 1879 was quite a time for the ballet, full of incredible changes, and the opening of The Nutcracker was one of the most significant.
Let’s go back to those gorgeous Parisian theatres. Back then, the French really set the fashion trend for the entire ballet world - ahem, something that’s thankfully continued to this very day. And I know this is a shock but back in 1879, The Nutcracker was initially seen as a little out-there, like an avant-garde experimental art piece in our world today. It’s true, my dears! But who knew it would become such a global sensation!
Speaking of global, imagine this: travelling to a new city every week! Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m simply in love with train travel - it's a romantic way to experience the beauty of the countryside, don’t you think? Thankfully, being a time-travelling ballerina allows me to go wherever I want, and oh, how I do love seeing new places, especially where the world of dance flourishes.
This time, I’m off to Paris - the capital of fashion! (Can you guess my favourite city, dearies?) I love how ballet truly comes to life in these incredible theatres. This date is all about celebrating the creation of The Nutcracker, but honestly, just imagine all the spectacular dresses, elaborate stage designs and grand ballrooms of Parisian theatres. Paris truly was the centre of everything elegant back then, and I have to confess - sometimes, I wish I could sneak into one of those magical rehearsals and join the dancing!
I'm also off to the grand opera house. Don’t be fooled, my dearies, The Nutcracker didn’t start off in its own magnificent production. No! It was a part of another bigger event! Can you believe it, The Nutcracker had to share the limelight with another, longer show called The Nutcracker Suite It’s mind-boggling, really! Thankfully, The Nutcracker eventually found its own feet, with an all-new, utterly glorious and unique production! Isn’t that just lovely? It truly shows that even in a world of dance and performance, true talent, like that exquisite snowflake choreography, is impossible to ignore! (Just in case anyone wants a quick lesson, my dear readers, ballet moves are simply exquisite, and snowflake costumes, are always perfect!)
The best part? The original costume designer for the debut of the Nutcracker wasn't just any artist. This one is Maria Ignatievna Pevtsova, one of the most remarkable costume designers in the world! I think the Nutcracker must have realised its magical potential from that very first performance - just as I know this iconic tale will continue to enrapture audiences across the globe for generations to come! And let’s be honest, the beauty of a costume design really can transport the dancer and the audience into the very soul of the ballet story, don’t you think?
Speaking of costumes, don’t forget to check out my Pink-Tutu blog! This week, I’m going to share some amazing tips on DIY ballet outfits! After all, we can all be Nutcracker dancers in our own unique way! The colours, my darlings! This one really allows you to be bold with pink, blue, and everything shimmering and sparkly! So, my dearies, be bold, let your tutu personality shine, and enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker on this lovely #TutuTuesday!
Don't forget to catch the latest update of my favourite Tutu Tuesday ballet adventures here on pink-tutu.com and see the world through pink, darling. Oh! and do try and catch a local ballet performance for some real magic and inspiration - you'll be blown away! See you next Tuesday, my lovelies!
