Hello my darlings! Emma here, back from another fabulous trip through time, this time landing smack-dab in the middle of the 1890s! Can you believe it? My pink tutu is practically screaming with excitement! This decade was a whirlwind of innovation in dance, and oh, the fashions! It was like stepping straight into a picture from a Victorian novel. But fear not, even back then, tutus were starting to make their presence known!
I just had to get to the Royal Opera House in London to see the famed prima ballerina of the day, Mlle. La Belle. She was captivating! I mean, her movements were absolutely fluid, and her performance was... well, frankly, mesmerizing!
But, while I loved the grand spectacle, it wasn't the dance itself that truly captivated me - it was the outfits! Imagine a flowing gown, layered with tulle, like a fluffy, feathery dream. And while the traditional tutu was a bit shorter than we see today, it was divine - the billowing layers added such a dramatic, almost ethereal quality to her every move. Honestly, I could have watched her spin and leap all night!
After the performance, I just had to make a trip to Harrods. Can you imagine my delight? The selection of fabric and trims was a dream! The rich velvet and lace, the luxurious satins - perfect for a Victorian-inspired pink tutu of course! It made my head spin with creative ideas, just the thought of how I could put a touch of the 1890s in my own wardrobe!
The thing is, ballet in those days was even more captivating. You see, they didn't just dance... oh no, they acted! It was performance in every sense of the word. This wasn't just pretty movement, these ballerinas told a story, they were characters in the performance, bringing it to life, bringing tears to your eyes. And all this while gracefully prancing about in the most exquisite costumes. It truly was magic!
And guess what? You know my biggest excitement? You might not know it, but on this very day, November 19th, 1895, the legendary Ballet Russes were being conceived! You've heard of Sergei Diaghilev - a pioneering dance impresario, a visionary. It was he who saw the incredible potential of the Ballet Russes - he just needed someone to join him in the big adventure, and well, the rest is history! Imagine a ballet troupe made up of the most brilliant Russian dancers, ready to make waves across the globe! Honestly, my heart's aflutter thinking about what was about to come!
The 1890s were truly a time of transition in ballet. It was as if the entire world of dance was poised, waiting to take the leap and revolutionise itself, with an innovative mix of tradition and bold new ideas! You know I'm absolutely here for it! The dance world is on the verge of a huge upheaval - the excitement is electric, it's truly contagious! I’m just grateful I got to peek at this pivotal point in ballet's history - what a time to be alive!
P.S I am in Derby, England! So it's not all tutus and tiaras! You see, I needed to rest up and refuel for my next big adventure! And where better than to stay in this lovely city, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and lots and lots of lovely vintage clothing shops. They had some fabulous outfits that perfectly reflect this wonderful time period, a mix of the sophisticated and the playful. Just my cup of tea, especially if it involves tutus and lots of pretty things!
