Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you away to a ballet-filled past, this week taking us all the way back to 31st May 1910!
My oh my, what a day it was! Picture it: I arrived in Paris, a flurry of pink tulle and excited chatter, ready to soak up the Parisian fashion scene. Oh, it was glorious! The City of Lights always has a way of igniting creativity. But today was particularly exciting because this was the date that the Paris Opera Ballet unveiled a new production – "The Firebird"! Can you imagine? A ballet with a fiery bird, all thanks to the magical mind of Igor Stravinsky!
Imagine a fantastical story filled with swirling, fiery plumage and thrilling music! It would have been truly captivating to see it all on stage, the music swirling with the dancers and the vibrant colours. My time machine malfunctioned slightly - it’s still a bit buggy! - and I was a little too early to see the show, but that didn’t stop me from popping into the Palais Garnier to feel the magic! I wandered through the hallowed halls, feeling a surge of excitement just thinking about those fabulous dancers leaping, twirling and embodying the spirit of the Firebird!
But enough about Paris – there was more to see on this historical day! Let’s rewind a little to earlier in the day, shall we? The London streets were teeming with life, carriages clattering, crowds jostling – all with their own stories to tell. I managed to nab myself a front-row seat on a charming red double-decker bus and spent the journey people-watching. Fashion was in full bloom, with flowing dresses and hats adorned with flamboyant feathers, and, of course, plenty of stylish ladies sporting hats with charming, intricate veils! I loved those!
A peek at a newspaper stall revealed news from the world. The great scientist Thomas Edison was presenting his latest invention – a talking doll! Now that's truly fascinating! You can imagine how everyone must have been excited about the idea of a toy doll that could talk – truly a delightful gift to be shared with all the young ladies!
I also spied a delightful display of balloons, filling the shop window with joyous, colourful bursts of whimsy. It truly was a day brimming with happiness! The little touches, the little moments – that's what I love most about travelling through time. It’s like taking a glimpse into a hidden story.
Now, onto the real reason why I’m here: those exquisite tutus! You see, in 1910, ballet was blooming in France, but England was playing catch-up. And, well, that’s where the story gets truly delightful.
Imagine this, my lovelies: a world where dancers took the stage in just skirts! Can you imagine?! Oh, the horror! (And, I know you will agree with me.)
It was a different world then. There was little focus on those billowing tutus that make ballet so special! Thankfully, that started to change in the late Victorian Era! This time period saw the start of ballet taking off in popularity all over the world, but particularly here in England.
Oh, what a shift in history that was! For me, the most beautiful thing about the rise of ballet is how it celebrated female grace and movement. It was like watching flowers in full bloom, a delicate, yet powerful force! But it was the tutus that really stole my heart. You see, that fluttering tulle, those ethereal layers – that was how I fell head over heels in love with ballet. That magical swish of fabric when a dancer took a step? Pure bliss! It was in these moments, you know, that I dreamt of dancing in my very own pink tutu, my own little slice of fairy-tale perfection!
Today's post is about this era! You'll find an amazing array of antique photos in vintage magazines. You see, I believe a beautiful picture tells more than words ever can! You’ll see those gentle ballet forms, and **dazzling tutus catching the light – so elegant, so intricate. You might also find photographs of young ladies attending a ballet, dressed to the nines. Their faces filled with delight as they watch their beloved performers take flight!
As you know, my love for tutus has taken me around the globe! From the ancient stories of the first tutus to modern trends - you’ll find me here, each Tuesday, with a delightful look into the world of ballet, all of its wonder, and its rich history. Don't forget to browse my blog for other amazing stories of how we've made tutus so special - like our post on the amazing Anna Pavlova. I truly believe she inspired everyone in her own unique way!
Until next week, let your dreams twirl and twirl,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
(P.S.: Make sure to follow me on social media. There are going to be exciting stories to tell! We can be all over Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!)
