Bonjour, mes chers amis! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-enthusiast, back with another exciting installment of #TutuTuesday, and this week, we're stepping back in time to the very beginning of the 20th century - the 3rd of September, 1901, to be precise! Now, I don't mean I've popped back in my time-travelling tutu, because that wouldn't be terribly sensible for such a delicate garment - although imagine the chaos I could cause with a pink tutu in the midst of Victorian London!
But, let's be realistic, for this little journey back in time, my trusty notebook, some vintage photos, and a little bit of research will suffice.
As a fellow tutu lover, I can already sense you're eager to know what sort of exciting ballet-related goings-on happened on this very day! Well, let me tell you, it was a bustling time for the ballet world! This date in history falls smack in the middle of the famed "Golden Age of Ballet."
Now, let's go back in time, shall we? Close your eyes and imagine, the year 1901... Imagine grand ballrooms with shimmering chandeliers casting an ethereal glow on the stage. Imagine the aroma of powdered wigs and the rustle of silk gowns as guests arrive. This, my dears, is the atmosphere that greeted the elite, who gathered to experience the ballet in full bloom.
On the 3rd of September 1901, one of the most renowned ballet companies of the time, the Imperial Ballet, were captivating audiences in Saint Petersburg. I bet the tutus were exquisite! This time, I didn't need my time-traveling magic to find myself at the show.
Just picture it! Beautiful, intricate tulle designs swirling and swirling, their hues reflecting the grand decor of the Tsarist Imperial Theatre! Oh, how I yearn for those days! The beauty of those old tutus with their elegance, their grace, and their...pink!
To be honest, there's a reason they call this era the "Golden Age," and you know me - anything gold and glamorous! In this era, ballets became more than just mere dance sequences. They became intricate narratives, full of symbolism and emotion. I've spent countless evenings in London, lost in the world of these incredible ballets like "Swan Lake", "Sleeping Beauty", and "The Nutcracker." They all come alive in this historical period. The ballet became an art form on a level almost untouchable by anything that followed!
Speaking of "Swan Lake", one of my favourite choreographers, Marius Petipa, was absolutely smashing it with this timeless ballet in 1901. This show really takes me back with its graceful swans, mischievous sprites, and even a menacing Prince.
There's a fun fact I have for you, did you know that "Swan Lake" almost had a very different ending? Can you imagine? I would hate for Odette to die a tragic demise! Oh, those tutus would have been left in ruins - and where would that leave us on Tutu Tuesday? Imagine the disaster, but never fear, for that didn't happen!
You might wonder what the fashion was like during this era? The outfits the dancers wore were positively stunning! Imagine: Romantic, flowing, delicate, and completely adorned in the most luxurious fabrics. And of course, nothing a bit of pink can't enhance. There were layers of tulle in ethereal shades of pink, lavender, and sky blue, and not a sequin out of place! They weren't quite as frilly as our modern tutus, more streamlined, which for all its elegance, kind of gives us all the space we need for our best pirouettes!
I imagine those elegant women in those wonderful gowns. It was a truly unique era! Even I had to put my latest pink tulle tutu on when I read about it!
As I wind down, I think about the past - the days of grand ballerinas, magical music, and most importantly, dazzling pink tutus! There's something so incredibly magical about the "Golden Age," a time where everything seemed to just sparkle and glimmer! If only we could all travel back in time just for one night! Imagine! What adventures would we have?
I know what I'd be doing - I'd be at a premiere in my favourite pink tutu! Then, as a final farewell, I'd grab my shopping basket and get myself the very latest fashions. Imagine! The styles are absolutely timeless - just like a timeless tutu.
Speaking of timeless, don't forget to join me for next week's #TutuTuesday where we explore another fascinating date in the ballet history.
Until then, remember, you can wear a tutu any day, no matter what era!
With love,
Emma
💖🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to check out the amazing pictures from this date. I’ve popped a few on my blog for you to check out! You can also head over to the ‘About Me’ page and follow my socials if you are not already!
