Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another #TutuTuesday adventure! It's freezing in Derbyshire, so I’m absolutely loving this blast from the past – we're back in the roaring twenties, 1911 to be exact, with a delightful chill in the air (but don’t worry, darling, I have my pink cashmere wrap!)
As always, my travels are funded by those beautiful performances at the theatre. This week, I found myself at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden – oh, such splendour! You've heard of the "Ballet Russes" I'm sure, those stunning Russian dancers taking London by storm! Seeing Diaghilev's Le Spectre de la Rose with its gorgeous costumes and mystical feel left me positively spellbound! But this wasn't just about the performances – darling, London is positively bubbling over with fashion! I had to stop in at Liberty’s for some delightful silk scarves, and Harrods – ah, such delights for the discerning ballerina – and did I mention the tea? So civilised.
Speaking of civilisation – did you know, darlings, that on this very date, in 1911, the first ever Christmas lights were put up in London? Now I have to tell you, the electricity – darling, it’s simply magical! Think of it - twinkling lights decorating a theatre, a grand Christmas tree sparkling in Covent Garden - what an extraordinary sight!
This date also marked a significant step forward for the ladies. You see, dear readers, women in the early 20th century had a fight on their hands for the right to vote. This was when those daring ladies of the suffragette movement – what incredible spirits! - organised a demonstration at London’s Westminster Palace, where they protested, you see, for equality and the right to vote. We've got so much to be thankful for – just imagine what our lives would be like if they didn’t fight for this! I say, they deserve a standing ovation for their efforts.
Now let’s talk about those magical tutus, darling. Back in 1911, the tutu had taken quite the turn, don't you know? While the shorter tutus like the “Bellini” and “Sacre” were still taking centre stage for those daring ballets, the romantic tutu, the one that would be associated with ballerinas for so long, had made its graceful entry. It featured those flowing, soft, and almost transparent layers, with beautiful decorative details, perfectly reflecting the mood of this enchanting period.
Oh darling, imagine, floating across the stage in a diaphanous, flowing, cloud of a tutu, swirling like a vision of graceful movement. It makes my heart skip a beat, don't you agree? Just thinking about it sets me to dreaming about my own ballet dreams, twirling, dancing and swaying in that exquisite garment, surrounded by lights and applause - it's enough to set me soaring! And it’s only possible, my dear readers, because of the bravery of all those fabulous dancers and designers who dreamed big and created this magical, magnificent dance form.
It was around this time that Marie Rambert, a prominent figure in ballet, had founded the “Rambert Dance Company" which, in later years, would become known for pushing boundaries, experimenting with new movements, and embracing those modern trends.
Speaking of dance trends, did you see the adorable ballet shoes at Harrods today? Pink, of course, with delicate satin ribbons, oh, how they sparkled!
Now I know some of you may not think a pink tutu is a sensible outfit for daily life. I mean, my dear, what sensible ballerina would wear one on a normal day, what a crazy idea! And, yes, you’d have to think about practicality! Would it be sensible? Not really, dear! Would it be stylish? Absolutely! But oh, what fun it would be. So darling, why don't you consider a little touch of tulle in your life? Don't be shy - go on, put on a pink tutu - embrace the pink! Let's make the world a more twirly, glittery, magical place!
Speaking of sparkling, how does the thought of my next Tutu Tuesday travel adventure excite you? Join me again next week!
Yours in tutu bliss,
Emma.
