Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's me, Emma, your time-traveling ballerina blogger, ready to whisk you away on another magical trip through ballet history!
Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back to the 26th of July, 1892! Just picture it: horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping through cobbled streets, the air filled with the gentle clinking of teacups and the whispers of the latest society gossip. Itās a time when gaslight casts a warm glow on Londonās elegant theatre facades and the smell of fresh-baked cakes drifts from quaint little shops. What a picture perfect time for a lovely dance, wouldnāt you say?
My Journey to the Past
To get here, I had to make a dash for the station, nearly missing my train in my flouncy pink tutu and my signature sparkly hair ribbon! Thankfully, I made it just in time, with a heart beating like a castanet. After a journey through the beautiful English countryside, Iām finally in London! Canāt wait to take in a show and explore the shops - after all, it wouldnāt be a time travel adventure without a bit of retail therapy!
Ballet's Big Names: The Golden Era of Russian Ballet
As you might imagine, this era was an exciting one for the world of ballet. It was the golden age of Russian Ballet, with stars like Vaslav Nijinsky, Anna Pavlova and Michel Fokine wowing audiences with their virtuosity. These ballerinas and danseur were so talented and revolutionary, introducing new dance styles and stories to the world. It truly was an exhilarating period, filled with creative energy and passionate performance.
From Ballroom to Ballet: The Tutu's Rise to Fame
Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the ballet tutu. It's evolved a lot since its origins in the courtly ballroom dances of the 16th century. You could say, dear readers, it's a little less bulky than its predecessors. In the late 19th century, it had begun to take the form we recognise today, shorter, more lightweight, and designed to create that glorious impression of weightlessness when the ballerinas leapt and pirouetted across the stage. The tutu of 1892, imagine this, would be quite short - often ending above the knee, and constructed from multiple layers of delicate tulle, often decorated with sequins, beads or bows. Imagine a symphony of white or pale pink shimmering as the ballerinas move - what a feast for the eyes!
The Magic of Theatre: Tonight's Performance
My journey would be incomplete without attending a performance! This evening I'm heading to the prestigious Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. I can practically smell the anticipation in the air, the hushed murmurs of the crowd, and the thrumming of the orchestra as the stage lights begin to dim. Tonight, the bill features āGiselleā, a captivating and haunting masterpiece that has been a favourite of audiences for decades! I simply cannot wait to watch the breathtakingly beautiful ballet performed by the finest dancers in the world. I just love a good tale of romance and heartbreak.
A Few Tutu Tidbits for the Day
Now, let me tell you, this particular date is ripe with history. July 26, 1892 was a Tuesday just like this one!
It was the same day James Joyce, the celebrated Irish novelist and poet, was born. Imagine all the wonderful stories he would create and how they would sweep readers into worlds full of intrigue!
In London, they are still constructing the Tower Bridge It opened on June 30th, 1894 and to think, Londoners will be admiring this iconic landmark for decades to come.
Back then, women weren't able to vote. Isn't it exciting to think of all the women who are taking up their voting rights just as I'm exploring history? It was just 19 years before the women who own the majority of my lovely ballet shoes and tutus get their first votes!
Ballet Shopping in the West End
What trip through time would be complete without exploring the shops, wouldn't you say? Right now I'm walking down the glamorous, cobbled streets of London's West End, ready to indulge in a little retail therapy! A trip to Harrods, or perhaps Libertyās, wouldn't go amiss! Imagine, finding a gorgeous new dress for a night out, perhaps with a hat and feather boa to match! Oh, and of course, I must visit a millinery for a new hat, possibly with feathers! Or perhaps a feather trim for my pink tutu, or a little rose for my hair, or just an exquisitely beautiful floral dress - so many options!
Pink Tutu-ful Fashion Ideas for a Dash of 1892 Style
For a bit of a touch of Victorian charm with a modern twist, try incorporating these elements into your style, you can even wear them in the present, dear reader!
- A romantic Victorian-inspired dress: Choose a design with a long flowing skirt and perhaps a high neck. Lace trim or ribbon details can enhance the aesthetic.
- Delicate accessories: Think pearl necklaces, hair combs, and elegant brooches for a touch of timeless elegance. A bow here and there or a feather or two would certainly help.
- Embrace the pastel palette: Donāt forget, pale pinks and blues were the colours to be seen in.
A lovely hat: Let your femininity soar! Choose one with lace, feathers or delicate bows.
A Timeless Tradition
As my time in 1892 comes to an end, I leave you with a message. Remember, darling, while fashions and trends change, ballet remains a timeless tradition, a testament to human artistry, passion and grace.
Until next week, my dearest friends, happy dancing, and don't forget to make it pink! Don't forget to #PinkTutu on your socials and share your ballet inspirations. See you back here next Tuesday for another trip into ballet history!
Emma š
