Greetings, lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back with another dive into the fascinating history of our beloved ballet attire. Today, we're whisking back to 29th July, 1902, a date brimming with elegance and grace!
Now, you may be wondering, what's so special about this particular day? Well, let me tell you, darlings! The 29th July, 1902 marked the first public performance of The Sleeping Beauty, the opulent and dreamy ballet by the esteemed Russian composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This glorious masterpiece, told with stunning music and graceful movement, was brought to life in a London production, and believe me, it was the talk of the town!
I recently found myself tumbling back in time to this era (thanks to a fabulously lucrative performance of "The Nutcracker" last month!) I felt utterly inspired by the opulence and glamour of the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras. I could barely resist purchasing a corset, though let's be honest, the boning alone could put a stop to a ballerina's grand jetƩ!
And while the grand tulle tutus that are synonymous with today's ballet weren't in full bloom just yet, the stage costumes of 1902 did have their own particular charm. Layers upon layers of silk and chiffon cascaded around the dancers' frames, with plenty of elaborate detailing and embroidery - very much in keeping with the fashionable aesthetic of the time. The women's costumes often featured long, flowing skirts that reached their ankles, offering a romantic and airy look.
Of course, as an avid fashion enthusiast, my first stop was the theatre wardrobe department! What a glorious tumble through the silk, satin, and tulle! ( I actually managed to nab a discarded silk ribbon - imagine my glee!). These delicate fabrics were not only beautiful to look at but also allowed the dancers to move freely, with grace and elegance - a critical aspect in expressing the dramatic narrative.
Oh, the fabrics! Imagine, my dears, fabrics with such exquisite names - Brocade! Charmeuse! Gazar! My heart swooned as I watched the tailors working their magic, shaping these fabrics into such glorious stage outfits. The sewing machines chugged and purred like a symphony, with the delicate hiss of the needle weaving intricate patterns and embroidery into these pieces. It was quite the mesmerizing ballet in its own right!
After a delicious cream tea and a spot of genteel gossip, I snuck off to a costume design atelier in Soho. You should have seen the amazing details in the designs ā beads, ribbons, and even miniature paintings were added to elevate the visual story on stage. You can imagine the sparkle of jewels and the richness of embroidery gracing those costumes. It was nothing short of a fashion parade, my lovelies.
So, let's chat a little about these exquisite ballet dresses. One of the things that really captured my attention was the concept of ātransparency.ā
Weāre so accustomed to seeing skimpy and revealing outfits on todayās dancers that we might forget that at the start of the 20th century, bare skin on stage was considered outrageous! Therefore, the costumes were designed with layered fabrics that could reveal a glimpse of the dancersā bodies, hinting at what lay beneath. It was all about hinting at sensuality, rather than flaunting it - very elegant, donāt you think?
Now, darling, as a time traveller, it is vital I dress appropriately, and no outfit is more appropriate for a time travel excursion than a gorgeous, blush-pink tutu - I've got one for practically every era. Luckily, for this trip, my new vintage pink tutu, embellished with silk bows, and perfectly coordinated with a pearl-encrusted bodice, proved to be the perfect outfit for a whirlwind trip into London's cultural scene.
It felt so grand stepping onto the platform of a London train station in my fabulous pink tutu (even the ticket collector offered a little curtsy and a knowing wink). With a deep sigh and a wistful look at my tutuās reflection in the carriage window, I boarded the train, and began my magical journey!
What made my little time-travel expedition so extraordinary was how the energy around ballet in 1902 was so distinctly different, but equally thrilling - a touch of whimsicality and wonder that is sometimes absent from the more focused and athletic approach of modern dance.
It wasn't just about technical mastery; the dance conveyed storytelling through expressive gestures and enchanting movement, all underscored by Tchaikovsky's divine melodies. The dancers were more than just performers; they were storytellers, evoking a dreamlike and romantic world in each graceful step and elegant gesture.
My heart skipped a beat as I witnessed the breathtaking dancers twirling across the stage and I knew in my soul - this is why we must love the history of ballet. These past performances pave the way for the grand spectacle that ballet has become today.
The enchantment didn't stop at the theatre, either! During my visit, I managed to catch the opening night of the first ever* Londonās National Theatre*. This theatrical masterpiece stood proudly, as a symbol of British culture, built by legendary theatre architect Edward W. Mountford. What a grand architectural achievement and such a spectacle! I did make sure to grab a dainty hand-painted fan to add a touch of theatrical flair to my ensemble - you canāt have a time-travel journey without souvenirs, can you?
Oh, my darling, if I could whisk you all away in time for one evening, to experience the thrill of this beautiful world in the London of 1902, with a spectacular pink tutu and a grand waltz played by a full orchestraā¦
Well, just imagine!
And there you have it, my dearest Tutu Tribe. Remember to follow me on Instagram for more backstage glimpses into this magical world, and of course, never forget the power of a pink tutu - for every day can be TutuTuesday!
Until next time, stay beautiful and always wear pink!
XOXO,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
