Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things ballet and, of course, tutus! Today's journey takes us right back to January 14th, 1908, a date brimming with theatrical delights, just like my very pink wardrobe!
Imagine, if you will, the world of ballet in 1908. London's West End is positively buzzing with excitement for a new production at the Covent Garden Theatre. This wasn't just any ballet, mind you, it was "Giselle," a masterpiece by Adolphe Adam and Jean Coralli. With its haunting score and story of love, betrayal, and ghostly retribution, "Giselle" captivated audiences.
And oh my, what a delightful surprise awaited those fortunate enough to attend. One of the most exquisite ballerinas, Anna Pavlova, graced the stage in her glorious role as the ethereal Giselle. Now, you may know her by reputation, but you might not know she was quite the fashionable darling. Just like myself, Pavlova loved her tulle and her silk! Her delicate costumes were a study in grace, the soft, layered tutus just floating on stage. Can you imagine such a magical performance?
Now, don't think that Paris, the cradle of ballet, was lagging behind! They had a grand event of their own - the opening of the Musée Galliéra. Talk about glamorous! They had an exhibition of art, clothing, and design from the past! My imagination just runs wild picturing all the exquisite fashion that was displayed - it's no wonder this museum inspired me so much. I adore museums for their fashion exhibitions - so much inspiration and such beautiful historical pieces. I can only imagine the excitement in Paris as people thronged the doors to see what treasures lay within.
Meanwhile, way over in New York, the American Ballet Theatre had their debut at the Metropolitan Opera House, the very place that saw the arrival of ballet to the New World! You know, when the company toured through my lovely Derbyshire, they would make me weep with their graceful performances! Their opening performance in 1908 wasn’t "Giselle" (that arrived later) , but a collection of acts in "The Legend of the Blue Bird." I can only imagine what beautiful performances were staged!
This was also a year that saw a shift in our attitudes to clothing! People began to move towards more "simple" outfits. The new trend towards sporty chic meant fewer petticoats, which was probably rather good news for some of the gentlemen back then! Oh, if only they could witness the delightful designs of the past... how it can be both simple and chic, but with a flourish!
Of course, one cannot talk about fashion in 1908 without a nod to our glorious Queen! Our dear Queen Alexandra was not only an icon of beauty, but she set trends and became a fashion muse for her entire lifetime! Can you picture her adorned in luxurious velvets and elegant silk gowns? And just as the Queen loved her colourful fashion, I, for one, am going to have a special collection of my most beautiful pieces for a wonderful Queen Alexandra style collection - with my personal touch, of course, all presented in pink!
On a completely different note, a momentous event occurred this week, something that could drastically change the way we move! Yes, Henri Farman piloted the first airplane to stay in flight for more than half an hour - an absolute milestone. It’s still pretty slow at about 26 mph, but think what could come! How absolutely splendid it would be to whisk myself off to London, Paris or New York to watch the latest ballet in an airship – Oh to have the speed and freedom that the sky brings. How exciting is that for ballet? Imagine a "Ballet on the Go!" It would be a whirlwind of pirouettes and grand jetés from London to New York – how romantic! But I suppose I must take the train as it is still rather unsafe to fly just now!
Well, my dearest tutu enthusiasts, it's been a journey through time, just like my tutu collection, brimming with vintage and modern, delicate and bold, but always chic! Until next Tuesday, do embrace the colour pink, wear a fabulous tutu, and dream big, because even the grandest visions begin as just a flutter, just like a delicate butterfly emerging from its chrysalis! Now go forth and dance!
