Dearest readers! It's me, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina and chronicler of all things tutu, Emma, back again with another #TutuTuesday post, and this time I'm waltzing straight back to 15th May, 1894. And what a day! Today marks the start of something special in ballet history, something that will truly revolutionise the art and the fashion. Grab a glass of bubbly (or a refreshing iced tea) and settle in, because it's going to be a pink-tastic journey!
Now, my pink tutu is getting a little excited just thinking about it! You see, we're talking about Serge Diaghilev, a young, fiery and visionary Russian man with a love for the arts that rivalled mine for a good pair of pointe shoes! In 1894, Diaghilev started a ballet magazine called "The World of Art" and boy oh boy, did this change the game! He wanted to bring something new, something modern, something flamboyant!
I can just picture him now, a dashingly dressed, dark-haired man, sketching out plans for bold choreography, experimenting with new colours, daring to push the boundaries of dance. He had a vision of ballets filled with vibrant colours, exquisite costumes, and dazzling choreography. And let's face it, we're talking about tutus here, and not just any tutus – we're talking glorious, eye-catching tutus made with opulent fabrics, decked with the most magnificent detail. Think shimmering sequins, cascading plumes, intricate embroideries – everything that screamed glamour and creativity! Diaghilev even commissioned beautiful art for the magazines, you see, all tied into his artistic vision for the stage.
Oh, it was pure magic! And guess what? It was all about to take the world by storm! You see, this was the beginning of a Golden Age in Ballet! Diaghilev’s work was groundbreaking. It breathed life into ballet, gave it a fresh sense of modernity and artistic excitement! The Russian Ballets, as they were called, soon swept across Europe like a wildfire, bringing the exquisite beauty and passion of their art with them.
I love how ballet keeps on reinvigorating itself, always adapting, evolving, taking a leap forward into new and exciting possibilities. Diaghilev and the Russian Ballets, to me, are the epitome of how art can always strive to do better, to reach new heights, to make you feel alive with its passion and vibrancy. It was so much more than a ballet, it was a visual symphony, a thrilling cultural phenomenon – the perfect inspiration for any young ballerina!
You know, while I'm here in the Victorian era, it's such a delight to experience London, my current time travel location. The theatres! The costumes! It's just breathtaking. I had a lovely day exploring Covent Garden. Imagine, just think: London in 1894! There's a vibrant energy in the streets – you can practically feel the future brewing here! People are busy, energetic, their faces radiating excitement. They are keen to see what’s next, and for good reason, because it's a time of huge technological innovation, political change and artistic revolutions. It’s exciting being at the crossroads of this dynamic age, and oh, did I mention that I was fortunate enough to snag a seat for a performance of *"La Bohème" *? A classic tale of love and tragedy, it resonated with me on a deeply emotional level. The singers, the orchestra, the grandeur of the opera house – it all created a truly captivating experience.
What to see in London: Did you know, you can actually step inside the wonderful Royal Opera House where the Royal Ballet was founded back in the Victorian Era? And speaking of ballet, the Royal Ballet itself, one of the most prestigious companies in the world, is having its very first performances at Her Majesty's Theatre in London this year, so I just had to see their interpretation of "Faust". The whole atmosphere is electric with anticipation and the performers were, well, simply mesmerizing!
While you are in London, make sure you see The British Museum, a wonderful and iconic building. The museum has everything you could ever want in an impressive collection, it includes treasures from around the world – an essential part of your time travel experience to this amazing city! And remember, London, is known for its fabulous shopping scene and while the fashion may be a bit different from today, the one thing you absolutely need is a beautiful silk scarf.
Now, let's head back to #TutuTuesday and remember our *15th May 1894 date. * On this day, a true game-changer for ballet's future unfolded with Diaghilev’s vision!
My own personal time-travelling schedule means I’ll be journeying onward next week to another era, but you can count on me returning with a pink tutu bursting with information! Be sure to subscribe to the www.pink-tutu.com blog for the next #TutuTuesday. Until next time, my lovelies, let your inner tutu shine!
Yours always, Emma
Ps. As you know, my darling tutus, I'm very passionate about travelling by train – the journey itself is part of the experience! You know, I've recently fallen in love with first class travel - and this makes sense as I spend a fair amount of my time going back and forth in time. First Class train travel truly transports you to a world of elegance and refined enjoyment. The comfortable seating, the warm lighting, and the subtle sounds of a journey all make you feel you've stepped into a different time and space. And the most fabulous part? Oh, yes, the tea! They really go all out in first class with their afternoon teas – you get a delightful selection of delicious finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and, of course, the perfect pot of tea. If you're in the mood to add a touch of sparkle to your everyday travel, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
A quick history tidbit: Did you know that, as early as 1892, Paris already had its own Ballet Russe company ? The Parisians were, as ever, at the heart of all things artistic and creative, and it makes sense that they had an impressive group of talented dancers gracing their stage, even back then! I can just picture the elegance and charm, the dancers twirling in their magnificent costumes, the energy and vitality pulsing through the audience... a vision I'd certainly love to witness for myself, wouldn't you?
