Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday instalment! Today, we’re taking a trip back to the 11th of October, 1887, and trust me, there’s a whole lot of tutus to discuss.
A London Waltz
As you all know, I absolutely adore London. The air is positively buzzing with energy, fashion, and of course, ballet! This particular day, my dear friends, I was taking in the exquisite elegance of a Royal Opera House performance. The show, oh, it was simply divine – a sumptuous production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.”
Those graceful, gossamer tutus – all tulle and light and, I confess, quite a bit of sparkle – were positively magical! I practically dreamed of owning one myself! But back in 1887, owning a tutu wasn't a common thing, even for those blessed with the talent to wear it onstage. It was more a symbol of that wondrous world of ballet, rather than an everyday outfit.
But just imagine my excitement! This wasn't any ordinary performance! It was an opportunity to see a legend on stage, the esteemed Mme. Pavlova! Now, this dancer was truly revolutionary. She didn't just dance, she glided and flowed, she practically flew across the stage! And her iconic tutu – it was a marvel of engineering and artistry! Not just the standard, full-bodied "romantic tutu", oh no! She even danced in a tutu with a shorter skirt – almost scandalous for the time – to better showcase the beauty of her steps.
Tutu Inspiration
Imagine this – you're in a crowded audience, eyes glued to the stage, the softest sighs emanating from the gathered souls, and then – bam! The leading ballerina spins in her shortened tutu and you think, “Wow, I need to try that.” It's those little moments, dear friends, those stolen glimpses of creativity and movement, that give us inspiration, right?
I find it funny, even with that gorgeous ballet performance on the line, I still couldn't resist a little bit of clothes shopping afterwards. A true ballet enthusiast always finds time for a little retail therapy! And of course, where do you go for clothes that spark that little bit of fairy tale in every woman's heart? London, of course!
But alas, pink wasn't exactly a common shade back then! It wasn't quite the princess-inspired colour it is now. Still, I did manage to snag myself a lovely shade of blush in a satin dress. Think of it as a homage to the romantic era, the soft colours, the delicate fabrics, all coming together in a graceful embrace.
The Journey Home
And so, the journey home from London to my quaint Derbyshire village. Yes, my dear readers, even a ballerina needs some quiet time to reflect on the day's happenings, the emotions, the music, the dancing! I opted for the comfort of the train – you can never beat a train journey. You know the view is fantastic.
I do love this time travel thing, honestly. Just popping in on history, taking in the art, soaking up the atmosphere. But even after all my travels, I still dream of those tutu-laden moments from that “Swan Lake” performance. Maybe a modern spin on those classic moves will become the next #TutuTuesday inspiration!
But until next Tuesday, I must go. More ballet to experience, more outfits to find, and a little more history to unearth, and of course, that lifelong dream, to get the world in a pink tutu, all starts with you!
See you next week! ~ Emma xox
