Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, back again with another fabulous instalment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History! 🩰 This week we're time travelling to the sweltering summer of 1901. You wouldn't catch me in anything other than a glorious, billowing pink tutu in this weather, wouldn't you?!
You see, folks, I absolutely love to "travel through time" (just don't tell my grandma I borrowed her time travel device!) Oh, I nearly forgot, I've been so excited to show off this stunning new creation that's practically singing "ballet" to me... but where were we? Right, the sizzling heat of 1901! Oh, the dresses! They’re positively magnificent. Such lovely detail, long elegant shapes, and beautiful embellishments… oh the lengths they went to back then! You simply wouldn't find that sort of artistry on the High Street today.
Anyway, the reason we’re in 1901 is to witness a true milestone, a real game-changer, a turning point in our beloved ballet world! On this day, 6th August 1901, a young and utterly charming, not to mention supremely talented, ballet dancer named Anna Pavlova, performed with the Imperial Russian Ballet. Talk about making history! And not just any performance, oh no, this was none other than the legendary Swan Lake.
Oh my, that iconic image of the Swan Queen... that gorgeous, soft tulle and the sweeping movements... sigh It's truly magical, my darlings. Anna Pavlova was one of the first dancers to truly "embrace" the romantic and lyrical elements of ballet. She gave us these dreamy characters, stories of love and beauty on stage that took the breath away! This woman is practically my tutu-inspiration! Can you believe, she practically single-handedly shaped the whole idea of what ballet is? She was a ballerina's ballerina, a total trailblazer.
Just imagine the crowds... oh, the sheer delight and excitement! And not just in St Petersburg, this magical dance style captured the hearts and imaginations of the world. I simply cannot get enough of the era - I could get lost in a grand Parisian salon, twirling with a handsome suitor (maybe a handsome prince who’s been waiting ages for the chance to slip me a dainty flower...sigh!), while my elegant friends whisper excitedly over gossip. (Although, the last time I tried that, the Duchess called my pink tulle "vulgar"... she had no appreciation of fine fabric! Shocking!).
But it’s not just about the glamorous ballerinas, darlings. Oh no, 1901 saw a flourishing of ballet theatres. Talk about beautiful places to take in a show. Just picture the velvet seats, the stunning stage lights... everything so grand and perfectly ornate! It's as though you are transported into another, magical realm, far from the everyday hustle and bustle. Just divine! And did I mention the elaborate costumes? Well, I couldn't help but notice that everyone else was dressed to the nines too. We're talking elegant gowns with elaborate ruffles, flowing fabrics, exquisite hats… so much of it truly inspires my fashion choices these days, darlings. It really shows the dedication and care people put into their looks back then!
Let's go back in time together...
What are you waiting for, darlings? Grab your sparkly ballet shoes, dust off that fabulously full pink tutu and let’s join the elegant throng in 1901!
My biggest tip? (I may have learnt it the hard way from that rather rude Duchess) *Keep your tutu impeccably clean! *You are representing our fabulous world!
I just have to find a fabulous performance to attend tonight... I’m on the lookout for some beautiful shows at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden - any suggestions my loves? 🩰 I do have this darling vintage dress to wear with my newest fluffy tutu and feather boa, a little gift for my grand-aunt Gertrude for her 100th birthday next month... just hoping the pink feather boa doesn't ruffle too many feathers, ha! wink wink.
Until next time, lovelies, may your tutus be fabulous, your movements graceful and your performances divine. Don’t forget, join me again next Tuesday for another delve into ballet’s magnificent past!
Stay twirling!
Emma ❤️
- www.pink-tutu.com
- TutuTuesday
P.S How much would you love to travel through time, my dears?
You can find me, the pink tutu ballerina, dancing up a storm at www.pink-tutu.com. See you there! 🩰
