Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirl through time with my trusty pink tutu in tow! This week we're travelling back to 26th September 1899, a date brimming with Belle Epoque glamour and a time when ballet was in its pomp, my dears! I've found myself right in the heart of Paris, surrounded by swirling waltzes and elegant gowns. Oh, and of course, plenty of gorgeous tutus!
Let's go back in time and take a peek at the enchanting world of ballet in this magnificent era, shall we?
The Ballet Boom
Paris was the centre of the dance universe in 1899. You could find performances happening practically every night, at the grand Palais Garnier (I do adore its gilded architecture, it’s simply breathtaking!) or at intimate theatres nestled amongst the bustling city streets.
Ballet in the late 19th century was all about grace, ethereal movement, and an explosion of dramatic flair. It was a world of elaborate costumes and a celebration of female beauty and virtuosity. Think delicate flowers, shimmering silks, and the pièce de résistance, of course – the tutus!
A Tutu’s Transformation: From the Stage to Street
Imagine this, darling! The tutu, already a staple of ballet, began making its foray into fashion during this period. Gone were the days when tutus were strictly reserved for the stage, fashion designers, inspired by the delicate grace and romanticism of ballet, started to incorporate tutu elements into their creations.
Picture this – delicate lace and ribbons adorning evening gowns, a whisper of tulle giving volume and romance to skirts, and a hint of the ballerina in every turn and twirl. The spirit of the ballet, that sheer elegance and romanticism, was filtering into every aspect of fashion!
What Was Happening on the 26th of September 1899?
A few days prior to our trip to 1899, on September 22nd, The National Women’s Suffrage Association of Great Britain held their Annual Congress in Liverpool! I think that's rather exciting news, don’t you? It marks the start of a big change! This was the year when the Suffragette movement, pushing for women's right to vote, gained serious traction. The winds of change were definitely blowing!
But let's not forget what we are here for! What's happening with the Ballet this week? I hear that at Palais Garnier, "The Sleeping Beauty" by Marius Petipa, was making waves, showing the dazzling, technical, brilliance of the era, all in a whirlwind of glittering tutus and beautiful costumes.
The French Ballet scene was brimming with stars. We could go see performances by legendary dancers such as L'Almée, Anna Pavlova, and Vaslav Nijinsky, although his greatest days of fame were still a little further down the road. This era is so much more than just elegant tutus, you see, it is about expression and pushing the boundaries!
From Paris to Derbyshire: A Blast from the Past
As a Derbyshire girl at heart, I couldn't help but feel a touch of pride. Derbyshire has always had a strong tradition in dance, you know. It was here, a century before my visit, in 1795 that the brilliant dancer, Anna Hulton was born. And with the beautiful Peak District on my doorstep as a child, it's no wonder I'm captivated by this history. And, the best thing about this trip to 1899 is it makes me even more excited about *the future of ballet! *
Onward, to the Next Tutu Tuesday!
Oh, darling, this trip is giving me so much inspiration for a fantastic pink tutu! Imagine, the combination of tulle and velvet, maybe with delicate lace detail, like those stunning ladies I've seen in Paris! The possibilities are endless! I can already picture myself twirling across the stage…
Until next time, darlings! Remember, don't be afraid to twirl!
Love,
Emma
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