Welcome, darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another instalment of your favourite #TutuTuesday blog - blog number 3525, believe it or not! This week, I'm whisking you all off on a time-traveling adventure to the glamorous world of ballet in 1899. Grab your favourite pink tutu and let's step back into the past, together.
The year is 1899 and London is simply buzzing with excitement for the latest theatre production at the Royal Opera House. Imagine: the bustle of the crowds in Covent Garden, the twinkling lights of carriages, the air thick with anticipation... and the tutuless women! Oh, my darlings, can you believe it?! 😮 No shimmering tulle in sight! It's hard to imagine ballet without the grace and elegance of a tutu.
But hold your horses! Whilst the grand tutu, the kind that swishes and twirls like a beautiful cloud, was still being perfected in this era, the ballets of the time were already enchanting audiences across the globe.
And on the 18th of July 1899… what a glorious day it was!
…the magnificent, incomparable Madame Pavlova was showcasing her mesmerizing artistry on the stage! ✨ Imagine her gliding across the stage in her stunning, ethereal costumes. The ballet world was already spellbound by her brilliance - a legend even in these early days!
You see, in 1899, the 'en pointe' (that’s the very tip-toe position dancers stand on, you know) movement and ballet costumes were slowly, gracefully evolving to become the glamorous creations we see today. Tutus weren’t yet fully ‘tuted up’ with their grand shape. In this era, ballet was a truly enchanting form of storytelling that had already taken the world by storm, and ballerinas like Madame Pavlova were showing audiences just how breathtaking it truly is.
But darling, wouldn’t this moment in history be even more splendid with a sprinkle of pink tutu magic? I'm dreaming of all those stunning ballerinas dressed in tulle. Just think - that lovely cloud of tulle twirling, those beautiful pointe shoes sparkling in the spotlight! A splash of colour to add to the artistry, don’t you think?
But, let's be honest, this is a fashion blog, and I simply adore fashion in every time period. In this era, it wasn’t just about ballet costumes, dear readers, but about the fashion on the streets too. Imagine all those ladies, the gentlemen, the vibrant silks and satins!
You see, 1899 was an age of sartorial magnificence! From delicate, billowing dresses to stylish hats, every woman was a fashion queen. It was an era where every outfit felt like a masterpiece. I must admit, I’d simply love to explore the shops on Oxford Street with my vintage time-traveling wardrobe - perhaps find a gorgeous bonnet with a touch of pink, hmm?
Here’s how I’m channeling the enchanting spirit of 1899:
I’m taking a walk in the English countryside. This gorgeous rolling landscape, with its verdant fields and quaint cottages - such a beautiful scene to inspire my ballet dreams! The weather’s glorious and my trusty pink tutu is helping me twirl in all that beautiful nature. After all, a good dose of fresh air and some beautiful scenery always gets me inspired to write about history, fashion, and everything tutus! 🩰
As always, darlings, do make sure to let me know if you're attending a show or taking a dance class. We must continue to share the magic of ballet and tutus, all together!
Now, my lovelies, this little ballet history lesson has really ignited a craving for something exquisite - shall we make our way to a fabulous tea room to enjoy some delicate sandwiches and steaming hot cups of Earl Grey? I can almost smell the fresh, floral aroma! Let’s leave the world of time-traveling behind, and enjoy a taste of this magical era. After all, there's always room for a touch of sparkle and tea!
Until next #TutuTuesday,
Love, Emma 💖
