Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you away to the elegant world of ballet history! It's Tuesday, so it's time for our weekly jaunt into the world of tutus! Today, we're venturing back to December 31st, 1901 - just a smidgen before the dawn of the 20th century!
Fancying a bit of vintage style? It's the turn of the century, and the ballet world is blooming with grace and grandeur! Oh, how I wish I could have shimmied onto the stage with the ballerinas of that era! Imagine swirling in a silk, floor-length skirt, delicately stitched with a layer of tulle underneath, all in soft pastel hues of pink, of course.
Speaking of tutus, we wouldn't be seeing those much just yet! You see, those ultra-short tutus with their dramatic billowing layers hadn't quite emerged on the scene. But imagine a ballet world filled with graceful and refined ballerinas - picture them dressed in lavish skirts and exquisite fabrics, their movement light and fluid! This, my darlings, is the ballet world we are dipping our toes into this week.
Before we delve into fashion trends, I just had to share a glimpse of what my trip to this era held. I hopped off the train in Paris - quelle surprise! - and what a city it is! I was transported back to a time of charm and elegance. Every corner, every shop, every passerby seemed to exude this air of old world refinement! Imagine the perfume lingering in the air, the delicate lace adorning every dress! Paris has always held a special place in my heart, and experiencing it with a turn of the century twist was a pure joy.
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a spot of shopping! You wouldn't believe the incredible vintage dresses I managed to snag, perfect for a little time traveling dance class. Let me tell you, they are just beautiful, flowing with layers of soft silk and delicate embroidery. My suitcase overflowed with treasures, and you bet I'll be showing them off at my next dance class. The shopkeeper, an older gentleman with a kind face and gentle smile, had stories galore about the golden age of Parisian fashion!
Speaking of stories, 1901 also held a delightful ballet story for me! I took a seat in a plush velvet chair in the grand theatre of the Opéra Garnier, a magnificent place bursting with Parisian history and opulence! As the curtain rose, the ballet 'Giselle' unfolded, a beautiful tragic love story performed with incredible grace and artistry. Oh, to see how those dancers held their pose, the passion radiating from every step!
Let me tell you, while the tutus may have been a bit longer, a little more substantial for these ballerinas, the talent was phenomenal! I was absolutely enchanted! The drama of Giselle's betrayal, the heartache of the lover's lament, all conveyed in the movement! This was true ballet artistry! It left me yearning for my next class, feeling inspired by the legacy of the ballet masters of the past!
My journey through time ended just as the clock chimed midnight, and the world stepped into the new century. 1901 was a time of change, a time of innovation in fashion and theatre alike. It was a world filled with grace and artistry that deserves a place in the hearts of every ballerina. So, go forth and dance, darlings!
Oh, and don’t forget - there’s always room for a splash of pink! After all, it's the colour of elegance, of whimsy, of joy, all of which we find in the ballet world!
Love and pirouettes, Emma xoxo
