Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back with another fabulous instalment of #TutuTuesday! Today, we’re embarking on a whirlwind trip through time, heading back to 1898! Buckle up your ballet shoes, grab a handful of bonbons, and prepare to be whisked away to a world where tutus were still making their grand debut on the grand stages of the world!
Remember last week when I talked about the rise of the romantic ballerina? Well, 1898 is right in the heart of that era, and oh, what a beautiful era it was! Think delicate tutus in shimmering silks and satins, flowing with ethereal grace. This wasn't the time of short, frilly tutus we know and love today. Think flowing, sweeping lengths that touched the ground like a gentle whisper. These were the tutus that made the Romantic ballerinas look like they were floating on air, like creatures from a dream.
You see, dear readers, tutus weren't just for ballet back then. They were a symbol of femininity, elegance, and freedom. They were a bold statement, a daring new vision for how women could dress. I can just imagine the gasp and the excitement that would have greeted the appearance of a tutu on the streets!
And oh, how I long to be there in 1898 to experience this beauty firsthand! To watch the breathtaking choreography of ballerinas like the incredible Anna Pavlova, who would soon enchant the world with her art. It would be pure magic, darling!
Speaking of Anna Pavlova, wouldn’t it be lovely to have her in Derbyshire for the Christmas Eve panto this year? I'm just dreaming, darling, but just imagine! Wouldn’t it be such a delightful festive treat to have a world-renowned ballerina grace our provincial stage! Oh, the beautiful tutus, the delicate costumes… Just picturing it is making my heart race with anticipation.
The Time Machine of Fashion
Luckily, though we can't physically hop into the past, our imagination and fashion sense can definitely take us there! We can find inspiration from those dreamy tutus of yore. Imagine recreating a Romantic-style tutu using a length of gorgeous lavender or powder blue silk. Think shimmering, gossamer fabric cascading down, a soft cloud of beauty, and add just a touch of sparkly sequins or beads for a little extra sparkle. Don’t forget to pair it with a floaty white blouse or top for a truly stunning, ethereal look! I must try this myself for a new theatre outfit, I think. A real fashion statement, right?
And What About Today?
But enough about the past! Today is Tuesday, 20 December 1898, which means we have just over a week to go until Christmas! That means a flurry of ballet-themed shopping for Christmas gifts. Did you know that ballet performances have been a favourite tradition during Christmas for many years?
I shall be attending the London ballet this evening and it’s just what I need to get me in the festive mood. This year’s performance promises a dazzling, spectacular dance filled with beautiful costumes. Oh, to think that tutus are part of the holiday spirit! Who needs reindeer when you have ballerinas? It’s a fabulous combination of beauty and joy that I can’t wait to share with you in my next post.
Keep on Twirling, My Dearies!
Remember, darling, every day is Tutu Tuesday! Embrace your inner ballerina, wear your heart on your tutu sleeve (or in my case, my sparkly pink tutu!) and never be afraid to twirl! Until next week, keep spreading joy and let the magic of ballet fill your world.
Lots of love, Emma (And a sprinkle of pink tutu dust!) xx
P.S. Make sure to follow me on @PinkTutu on Instagram and Facebook for more fabulous tutu moments and updates. You know I have a weakness for all things glittery and pink! ✨💕
