Welcome back, darling dears! It's Emma here, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back with another thrilling instalment of Ballet Tutu History. This week we're venturing back to the captivating year of 1905, so strap on your dancing shoes and hold onto your tiaras – it's going to be a glamorous journey!
Post #3827 on www.pink-tutu.com – don't forget to bookmark it, you lovely lot!
Before I get lost in the frills of this week's history lesson, a little update on my current escapades! I just waltzed my way through the shimmering streets of Paris – what an absolute dream! The sights, the smells, the fashion! Honestly, darling, it's enough to send any fashion-conscious girl into a delightful frenzy. Oh, and the food! The pastries are divine, and the cheese, oh, the cheese… (giggles) My current itinerary is brimming with a performance at the Opera Garnier, a fabulous ballet class with some of the most talented dancers in the world, and of course, a delightful shopping spree at the chic boutiques. (A girl's gotta maintain her image, don't you think?)
Now, let's dive into this fascinating glimpse of the past! The year is 1905, and the world of ballet is swirling with an ethereal elegance that would make even the most discerning fashionista swoon. Oh, how I wish I had been there to witness the grand premieres, the dazzling costumes, and the exquisite artistry of the time!
Imagine, if you will, a world where ballerinas dance with the grace and finesse of a swan on a moonlit lake. The stage is bathed in the soft glow of gaslight, creating an intimate and captivating atmosphere. The costumes are flowing and whimsical, featuring intricate embroidery, shimmering beads, and swathes of soft tulle – an explosion of feminine beauty!
Of course, our favourite subject, the tutu, was undergoing its own evolution at this time! Think layers upon layers of gauzy tulle, delicately cascading down the dancer's legs. Imagine them waltzing, their skirts billowing in the wind, creating an airy, enchanting effect. No more stiff, pointed skirts here! It was a time of experimentation and freedom in the world of the ballerina's costume.
Speaking of the ballerina's costume, did you know that the romantic tutus, made with the lightest, most airy tulle imaginable, were really starting to become popular back then? They created an almost ethereal, weightless effect as the dancers pirouetted and leaped across the stage. And, dear readers, guess what? It seems this very date, 2nd May 1905, is remembered for the première of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Opera House, London! Imagine the splendour, the majesty of that moment, with Tchaikovsky's beautiful music swirling through the theatre. A veritable dream come true for a tutu-obsessed girl like myself!
Imagine a ballet studio in the heart of Paris – an elegantly painted room, sun streaming through tall windows, a grand piano in the corner, and a mirror that stretches the length of the room. Dancers in elegant practice dresses, their movements fluid and precise, guided by the strong and encouraging presence of the ballet mistress. They strive for the ideal of grace and beauty, churning out each plié, each relevé, with precision and artistry. The tutus may be in the drawers for now, but their energy is bubbling in every pirouette, in every leap, in every whisper of movement.
What else did happen on this very day? Ah yes! 2nd May 1905 was also the day the Japanese poet, Masaoka Shiki, sadly died. This was a tremendous loss for the Japanese world of literature. The delicate imagery in his poetry resonates strongly with the delicate artistry of ballet, so his passing feels even more poignant. But, darling dears, there is a certain poetic beauty to it too! He was only 44, which feels young for any poet, but his work will continue to live on, echoing the dance of the ballerinas across the years.
My time here in 1905 has been utterly enchanting. The graceful ballets, the sumptuous costumes, and the beautiful atmosphere have truly left me feeling inspired. Now, back to my Parisian shopping adventure!
And remember, darlings, stay tuned for more #TutuTuesday adventures every week on www.pink-tutu.com. Keep dancing and twirling! And remember, the world is your stage. Go out there and wear your pink tutu with pride!
Love, Emma 🩰💕
P.S. I am going to make a note to try and catch a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" soon! Oh, and what better way to fund my time travel exploits than through some more spectacular performances, yes? Next stop...New York! This pink tutu-wearing girl just has a feeling it is going to be grand!
