Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, back with another dose of ballet history, just for you. This Tuesday we're taking a trip down memory lane, all the way to 2nd October 1888 - prepare to be wowed, my dears, because the fashion world is about to get a whole lot more exciting!
As always, I'm starting this #TutuTuesday post by stepping out in my favourite pink tulle tutu - you know the one! - ready to explore this momentous day in the history of the ballet. Think romanticism and a whole lot of ruffles! Today's a special day, not just for ballet, but for the world of fashion in general, because it's the date of "The Grand Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha" - The Opening of the Savoy Theatre on the Strand, London.
Let me tell you, dears, the opening of a theatre was HUGE back then, particularly one with such royal connections and grand ambitions like this one. Now, think of what's inside that magnificent building – lights, stage, an orchestra, actors, dancers... It's the whole theatrical package! What a stunning spectacle it must have been! It’s moments like these that really showcase just how deeply embedded theatre is in the hearts of British culture.
My inner ballerina just swoons, because I'm pretty sure this opening is going to have something extra special - and, you guessed it - I'm talking about ballet!
You know me and my love of all things pretty, right? That’s why the Savoy Theatre was, at that time, a haven for all things gorgeous and delightful. Just imagine the elegant attire - and believe me, the audience were truly dazzling - the ladies in their grandest dresses, shimmering silks and pearls, and the gents sporting their finest suits and dapper waistcoats, hats and walking sticks, ready to impress!
Now let’s focus on the heart of the show - the ballet. I bet you could feel the excitement bubbling around the theatre, especially with all those bright lights dazzling over the beautiful costumes. The tutus were probably very fluffy and flowing with yards and yards of fabric! I picture them billowing and swirling around as the dancers took centre stage - it would have been quite the visual feast.
You know, these grand occasions like this one really highlight the importance of dance as a cultural form – something to celebrate, to marvel at, something that brought everyone together to share in the beauty and excitement of performance!
As much as I adore the theatre, the actual show itself wasn't the only reason I wanted to time travel to 2nd October 1888. Think of the fashions! This was a time when ballet and high society fashion were tightly intertwined - imagine delicate, flowing lines and romantic embellishments, and of course, loads of tulle. It was a truly beautiful era in which beauty, femininity and a love for fashion combined into one!
You see, ballet isn't just about the choreography - it's about how it interacts with and influences the fashions that we wear in our everyday lives! This isn’t just true of dance, either; theatre performances of any kind are a mirror to the world's styles. Everything from costumes to set design to stage props influences fashion - and that goes double for ballet!
Now, let me share my little secret. I've been working on a special collection for the website – just in time for the end of summer and the start of a new ballet season. Think vibrant colour palettes inspired by my recent time-travelling expeditions - a celebration of beautiful pink and gorgeous greens! We've got ruffled ballet skirts that flow and swirl, satin ballet leotards that hug every curve perfectly, and the most magnificent tutus! Every single piece is designed to evoke that romantic and luxurious era, and of course, the whole collection is guaranteed to make you feel like a princess. I think it’s just the thing for some lovely evenings out to the theatre and ballets, so be sure to check it out!
Of course, even the grandest of productions weren't immune to the pressures of a rapidly changing world. There were exciting new styles, and the traditional ideas of theatre and fashion were getting a little bit of a shakeup! This kind of creative churn is vital. Just as dance and performance always adapt and evolve, so does fashion. And that’s something I'll always be here to celebrate!
One last bit of exciting news: The Savoy Theatre's legacy has lasted a century and a half - talk about staying power! It's still there, on London's Strand, ready to offer audiences dazzling theatrical experiences, even if the ballet dancers now prefer pointe shoes over heeled pumps and swirling tutus. Of course, nothing beats a proper tulle and satin combination! Maybe one day I'll travel forward a few years to catch a modern day show! But for now, we'll have to leave 2nd October 1888 in the hands of history. I hope this little journey into the past has inspired you, my lovelies.
I'm always eager to hear from you, my darling readers! Share your favourite fashion finds or tell me about the last ballet you saw in the comments below. Remember, there's no age limit on dressing like a princess – embrace your inner ballerina!
Until next week, and remember, life’s always better with a bit of pink tulle, darling!
Stay fabulous!
Emma
P.S. For those of you planning your own sartorial time-travelling adventures, don't forget to take a peek at www.pink-tutu.com You won't be disappointed!
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