Welcome back, darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another dose of #TutuTuesday and a peek into the history of our beloved ballet tutus! Today we're going right back to 1906 – can you imagine? Christmas Day! 🎄
Now, I'm sure you're thinking, "Emma, how on earth can we find anything interesting about tutus on Christmas Day?" Well, my dear readers, let me tell you: this isn't just any Christmas. 1906 marks the year of a monumental moment in the history of ballet. It was the very same year that a true legend, the divine Anna Pavlova, took the stage at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Can you imagine the grandeur? It must have been utterly fabulous.
The Mariinsky Theatre has always been a powerhouse of ballet. Imagine those towering red velvet curtains, the glittering chandeliers casting their soft glow, the air buzzing with anticipation – just the thought makes my heart race with excitement. Now picture Pavlova in her swan-like form, graceful and exquisite. That's the magic of ballet, darling! It makes your heart flutter and fills you with pure joy.
Speaking of joy, let's talk about this absolutely scrumptious pink tutu I've got on today. Isn't it divine? I just found it in a vintage shop in the most fabulous vintage shop in St. Petersburg (they’ve got a selection of clothes and hats like you wouldn't believe, all from the early 1900s!) Isn’t it amazing to imagine that this delicate beauty was already being worn nearly 100 years ago?!
I've been travelling around a fair bit lately, finding myself right back in St. Petersburg last month, actually. And I know I say it all the time, but St. Petersburg is simply divine. This city has such a magical air to it. From the Imperial family's opulence to the breathtaking architecture, to the ballet, it's just divine! It's no wonder it’s often referred to as the "Venice of the North," don’t you agree?
As for Christmas Day, well, back in 1906 it wouldn't have been so different from today, although I doubt there was quite as much online shopping! There’s so much shopping in St. Petersburg - some of the most exquisite boutiques and antique shops I've ever seen.
Speaking of shopping, imagine me, darling, with my Christmas Day treats! There’s a bakery on Nevsky Prospect - it’s like a fairyland! Oh my, you simply must visit it when you next come.
The ballet world was going through a big transformation around this time. The Ballets Russes was getting huge – and deservedly so! What a time for creativity! Ballet was all about drama and passion – it was so much more than just dancing. It was a way to express emotions and tell stories – that’s exactly how I feel when I wear a tutu, wouldn't you say? It’s just the right kind of magical experience to make you feel utterly fabulous!
I even heard there was a bit of a stir in the world of tutus this Christmas Day - apparently some fancy-schmancy new styles were coming in. I do love me some extravagant embellishments and frills. A tutu is more than just a garment – it's a statement, it’s a beautiful expression of the feminine spirit!
You know, sometimes I really miss the early 20th century, before those horrible restrictive rules came along. Back then, a woman could dance on stage and still have such freedom! Now, they want to control every single aspect, telling us we can’t even wear shoes like ballerinas! Don’t they realize what they’re doing?!
And then of course, I've been wearing the most beautiful pink tutus this season! I even bought myself the most incredible ballet-inspired frock the other day. So many stunning colours and textures in these fashion boutiques in St. Petersburg. If only my closet was a Tardis - it would be overflowing with them!
And finally, don’t forget, darlings, #TutuTuesday is not just about fashion – it's about making the world a more fabulous place, one tutu at a time. You all know my dream, it’s so simple: to get everyone in the world to wear a pink tutu. Let’s make the world a more joyful, more glamorous place - with more pink tutus!
Until next week, darlings, stay fabulous!
Love, Emma xx
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