Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu aficionado and time-travelling fashionista. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another jaunt through the magical world of the tutu! This week, we're waltzing back to 10th January 1911 for a glimpse into the enchanting era of the Edwardians.
Now, as a fellow fan of all things pretty and pink, let me tell you, the Edwardian era was truly a dream for tutus! Imagine elegant gowns cascading down in a swirl of silk, feathers perched on hats like little pink-hued dreams, and, of course, those beautiful tutus! Oh, the romanticised grandeur of the ballet world during this time. The ballets themselves were filled with breathtaking dances, dramatic plots, and of course, lots of swishy skirts!
Now, picture me, dear readers, whisked away by train to a grand theatre, dressed in a powder pink tulle tutu, a velvet bolero adding a touch of regality, and a hat perched upon my head with a pink satin rose to boot. Ah, to experience the atmosphere! The rustling of silk as fashionable ladies settled in their seats, the expectant hum of the orchestra tuning up, and the sweet aroma of freshly pressed velvet and sugared almonds wafting through the air. Pure delight!
Speaking of delights, the 10th of January, 1911 saw a special treat for those in Paris - the premiere of Michel Fokine's ballet Scheherazade. It was a production renowned for its striking visuals, exotic costumes and vibrant music, and a clear sign of the influence of the East in European art. Scheherazade is one of those ballets that continues to spark my imagination, particularly the iconic role of "Zobeide" and the rich, evocative costumes. One can only imagine the dazzling pink tulle used for those ethereal, swirling skirts. Imagine!
While Paris might be known for its cutting-edge fashions and balletic talent, the world of ballet was taking flight everywhere! On this very date in 1911, London was busy celebrating another brilliant ballet - Anna Pavlova danced Giselle to great acclaim! This, my dears, is another storybook ballerina with a magical stage presence. I imagine the tutus worn in this ballet were quite breathtaking, full of the ethereal charm of Giselle herself. Do let me know your favourite Giselle tutu moment if you ever have a chance to see it!
My journey through the Edwardian world is always inspiring, even in the chill of January. It's a time that speaks to the elegance and drama of tutus and a reminder that this magical garment transcends time. Let's not forget, in those days, pink tutus would have been extravagantly expensive, so they would have been treasured and well looked after as beautiful, delicate works of art. The fact that they would be seen worn and cherished by ballerinas, not just preserved in museums, makes their beauty and meaning so much more potent!
Remember, my darlings, wearing pink tutus is a commitment to joy, beauty, and boundless imagination. Embrace your inner ballerina and embrace the wonder of this whimsical garment.
And remember, there's no dress code in your mind, so get out your pink tulle, spin and twirl and dream big!
See you next Tuesday!
Yours in Pink,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
