Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-obsessed guide to all things ballet, and it's Tutu Tuesday! This week, we're hopping aboard a historical express train, with our sights set on August 8th, 1893 - a truly fascinating date in ballet history!
Oh, before we set off on our time-hopping adventure, have you all joined my new #PinkTutuMovement? I'm absolutely smitten with the idea of a world where every single person wears a pink tutu at least once! I believe it's a revolutionary idea, wouldn't you agree?
Right, back to our historical journey! Now, imagine, my darlings, a world without the delicate, twirling delight that is a tutu! Can you imagine? The thought makes me shudder! Fortunately, back in 1893, the tutu was already well established in the world of ballet, thanks to the vision of designers like Marius Petipa. You may know him from some of the greatest ballets like The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake - real masterpieces that just wouldn't be the same without those dazzling tutus!
This year, in 1893, ballet was blossoming in Paris, my dears. It's like the beating heart of dance and glamour! Just picture the beautiful Palais Garnier, with its grand chandeliers, red velvet seats, and shimmering stage... Ah! This year, they're showcasing some truly exceptional ballets. La Source, with its gorgeous costumes and dreamy story, is utterly captivating, and of course, no one can resist the romance of Giselle.
Now, when I imagine myself travelling through time, a vision pops into my mind - a grand, luxurious train, adorned with rich colours and intricate carvings, just like those I see in the pictures in the travel books in my shop in Derbyshire. Can you imagine the wonderful stories these carriages must hold! The hushed excitement, the tinkling glasses of champagne, and perhaps a quick sketch of the graceful ballet dancers in their costumes - just before their performances at the famous Parisian opera houses.
But why, you may ask, are we specifically travelling back to August 8th, 1893? It's not a birthday, nor a special theatrical debut... It's the opening day of The World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago! It's considered one of the greatest exhibitions in the history of mankind - a city filled with impressive architectural marvels, a whole host of extraordinary exhibits and, oh joy, my dearest tutus!
That's right, they had an exhibition on ballet costumes! The spectacle and artistry of this beautiful dance form was shared with a whole new audience. They were not only presenting the elegance and skill of the dancers but showcasing the artistry and technical finesse that goes into creating those glorious tutus! My darling, these exhibitions are pure joy - I imagine the tutus floating in the air, shimmering under the gaslights - pure elegance, pure wonder, and definitely all the pink!
And speaking of pink, it was a very special colour back in 1893. You see, pink was often associated with women, delicate beauty, and the joy of childhood! Can you imagine? Imagine seeing beautiful gowns in the palest pink with ribbons and tulle ruffles that wouldn't be out of place in my personal collection today! Pink, my dears, is forever - it's just a matter of rediscovering the magical wonder it holds.
It's truly inspiring to imagine the beauty of ballet travelling the world and inspiring others! Think of the sheer joy! The magnificent dancers with their beautiful graceful movements and the absolutely fabulous tutus! My imagination can scarcely contain it!
Well, dear friends, that's it for our time travel escapade this week. As we journey back to our own time, do you have any thoughts about what ballet will look like in the future? I, for one, am looking forward to even more gorgeous, graceful, pink tutus!
Stay tuned next week, when we'll explore another enchanting moment in the history of our beloved tutus! And remember, never forget to twirl, dear friends! Don't forget to spread the pink! #PinkTutuMovement!
