Greetings, my darlings! Emma here, your ever-so-slightly-pink-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, back with another thrilling episode of Tutu Tuesday!
Today, we're taking a delightful train ride to 1903, a year when the ballet world was in full bloom and tutus, well, let's just say they were not quite the dazzling, billowing masterpieces they are today.
But before we delve into the past, let me ask: have you picked out your pink tutu for this week's outing? Pink is just SO uplifting, isn't it? It screams "joy" and "whimsy," and honestly, who wouldn't want a little extra whimsy in their lives?
Anyway, back to our journey. It was quite a spectacle arriving in 1903, darling! Imagine, carriages pulled by steam engines, the smell of coal smoke and the delightful chatter of fellow travellers. As always, I had chosen the most eye-catching attire, a pink tulle tutu, of course, paired with a charming straw boater hat and a little pink parasole to keep the sunshine away.
I ventured directly to the Paris Opera Ballet, for that's where the real tutus are! (Well, the real tutus of 1903, anyway!) This year, 1903, marked a rather special performance - a gala featuring Marius Petipa's timeless masterpiece, "Swan Lake". Imagine! A legendary performance, a ballet brimming with grace and drama, performed under a chandelier twinkling with hundreds of candles! And all for the delight of those in the grand theatre! It made my heart beat a little faster just to think about it!
But now, let's have a proper look at those 1903 tutus: They were quite a sight!
- The material, well, they were mostly silk! Silk! Such luxury. Although, not so good if it rains - silk, bless its heart, does wrinkle. It was layered and draped, but unlike the more flowing and billowing tutus of today, it felt quite restrained - think of it like a pretty butterfly with its wings gently folded, not quite ready for full flight.
- Length? Think a touch below the knee! Short enough to show off graceful legwork and nimble footwork, but modest enough for the time, darling!
And the colours? Ah, well, 1903, remember, the world was still pretty prim and proper. So white, naturally, the colour of innocence and purity, held sway! There might have been the odd touch of pink or pale blue, but really, those early ballet tutus were as elegant and demure as the swans themselves.
As for myself, while I revel in the colour of the present day - my dazzlingly pink tutus (all four of them, darling!) I've gotta say, I loved the quiet elegance of those early tutus. It's the very essence of timeless beauty, isn't it? A touch of historical fashion for our very own pink tutu diaries!
And, my dearest readers, if I've taught you one thing today, it's this: every tutu, in its own way, tells a story.
A story of dedication, of the tireless passion for dance, of a yearning for beauty and grace that resonates throughout history!
That's all from me this week, darlings. I hope you enjoyed your delightful historical journey with me! Remember, embrace the whimsy and the joy that a pink tutu brings and wear it with pride. Keep those twirls and pirouettes twirling, my dears! I'll be back next Tuesday for another whirlwind adventure through time, full of colourful stories, graceful steps, and perhaps a sprinkle of pink tulle or two! Don't forget to share your tutu photos and ballet moments on social media with the hashtag #PinkTutu. Till next week, my loves!
Warmly,
Emma
PS: Now that we've had a wonderful history lesson, darling, let's celebrate a bit! On this very date, 23rd of June, 1903, we had the grand opening of The Savoy Theatre in London! What a glamorous evening that must have been. And yes, a pink tutu, in my opinion, would be the most splendid attire for such a momentous occasion. Now go and sparkle!
PPS: While we're at it, let's keep up our love for ballet - not just watching the shows but supporting it too, shall we? If you are feeling inspired by the magic of dance, there's a charity called 'The Royal Opera House Trust'. A good deed and a sprinkle of ballet magic - how delightful! Don't forget, pink tutu, pink heart!
PPPS: My trip to London by train took me right past Derby! It was delightful. So much lovely countryside scenery - rolling hills, fields of golden barley, and oh, a whole lot of pink roses in the gardens.
I just can't resist saying again - Pink is EVERYTHING, don't you think?
