Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Welcome to #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of ballet history and tutus, pink of course! This is Emma, your pink tutu-clad time traveler, and today we’re whisking back to the captivating world of ballet in 1902! Buckle up your dancing shoes, dear readers, because this week we’re exploring the era when ballet was just beginning to step into the limelight. This is post number 3658 on the www.pink-tutu.com website!
Ah, 1902 – a time of change and grace! Think about it, we were well on our way from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, so naturally, our tutus were undergoing their own stylish revolution. Imagine a world where lace, tulle, and satin reigned supreme. Every gown was a dream, every petticoat a flurry of whispers, and oh, the feather boas! The air itself seemed infused with elegance.
On this particular 4th of February 1902, imagine me, arriving in London by train. The station is bustling, a whirlwind of activity as passengers jostle with porters, a symphony of coughs and gasps punctuated by the shrieks of whistles and the rhythmic clanking of train wheels. But I, dressed in my blush pink tutu with a matching feathered boa, am completely unfazed. I’m already anticipating the delights that await!
First on my list, a visit to the Covent Garden Theatre. My heart skips a beat every time I step through those grand doors, an iconic palace of ballet. Today, I'm eagerly anticipating the premiere of "Giselle," a ballet that’s destined to captivate audiences for generations. Now, it’s not just the intricate choreography that thrills me, it's the ethereal costumes that have me swooning! Imagine a whisper-light tulle skirt, flowing and delicate as a moonbeam. Then there’s the romantic, flowing bodice, cinched at the waist, accented by intricate floral embroidery and sparkling rhinestones – truly breathtaking.
My friend, Mary, who lives just outside of London, says her own dancing school, just outside of London, is starting their production of "The Sleeping Beauty." Oh, the tutus! I'm positively bubbling with excitement just thinking about the tutus!
I’m already thinking about which dress I’ll choose to wear tonight. The possibilities are endless, really! Will I opt for a pale peach number with frilled lace sleeves? Perhaps a cascading emerald silk, with layers of sparkling tulle cascading around me? No matter the choice, one thing is certain – I’ll be radiating feminine grace, in my own unique fashion. I mean, who needs a crown when you've got a pink tutu and a passion for ballet? 👑 🩰
As always, I have a few little gems from my adventures through time to share:
1. Tulle, the ballerina’s best friend. You know how we say, "diamonds are a girl's best friend?" In 1902, "tulle" was a girl’s best friend. In this era, it was the fabric that embodied ballet – airy, light, and simply magical! The more layers of tulle, the better, you know. The rustling, swirling fabric made it appear as if each ballerina were floating on air!
2. The perfect pink tutu: The colour pink, or “Rose” as it was called in 1902, was everywhere, a blush of colour on ladies' faces, the hue of roses at every grand dinner, and of course, my absolute favourite – pink tulle! Back then, tulle was favoured for tutus in this delicate shade. Just imagine a tutu made of swathes of pink tulle. Oh, so dreamy!
3. Ballet Street Style: Back in those days, women, especially in cities like London, weren't shy about expressing their fashion personalities! Now, ballet street style is having its moment again in the 2020's, so you can imagine what was going on back in the 1900's! It was all about layers upon layers of tulle, ribbons, and frills! And they knew just how to play up their femininity. Ladies, I truly believe they have so much to teach us about taking your feminine fashion flair to new heights!
4. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!: While today we admire point shoes, the ladies of 1902 wore slippers! These lovely little slippers were quite an art form in themselves. They were handmade, embroidered with silk ribbons, adorned with tiny bows and beads, and usually worn with a satin bow around the ankles! Now, what is more glamorous?
The day has been a delightful swirl of culture and colour! I simply love it! And as always, my darling readers, the most magical moment comes at the end of every evening - putting on my beloved pink tutu! A simple twist and a twirl and it's magic! A magical embrace that leaves me ready to take on another amazing adventure, ready to bring the joy of tutus to all!
Until next week, my darlings, remember - everyone looks good in a pink tutu! Keep your tutu dreams twirling! 💖 Emma, from your #TutuTuesday blogger www.pink-tutu.com
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