Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers!
It's Tuesday, which means it's time to dive back into the wonderful world of the ballet tutu! I'm your Pink Tutu Princess Emma, here to bring you a bit of historical flair to your week, as always with a healthy dose of tutus!
Today, we're whisking ourselves back in time to 19th March 1912, a date which happens to be my lucky day, for you see, this is the very date I snagged the most exquisite pair of pink ballet slippers ever made!
Fancy seeing how the world of ballet looked a whole century ago? Join me, darling!
The World in Pink (And Lace):
Imagine this: It’s a chilly March day in London, the air crisp with spring. The pavements are thronged with ladies in their chicest outfits, their bonnets adorned with beautiful feathers and delicate blooms. Their dresses are tightly cinched at the waist and billow outwards in yards of delicate silk. Ah, the era of fashion, a period of extravagance, detail, and – of course – the most magnificent gowns!
Enter The Tutu:
We know, the tutu, that beautiful swirl of tulle, is the iconic image of ballet, but believe it or not, back in 1912, things were slightly different. It’s hard to believe that the iconic tutu we know and love was not even invented until 1830! It came onto the scene as an artistic rebellion.
That said, the costumes on stage were beautiful and a true testament to artistry. Picture swirling skirts of silk and delicate embroidery, their shimmering materials making them perfect for capturing the stage lights. While they lacked the frills and drama of later tutus, they still radiated elegance, conveying grace and movement.
Let's Talk About The Stars:
Who were the stars gracing the stage? The leading lady would have been the beautiful Anna Pavlova and the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky. I remember the time I had a front row seat for one of Pavlova’s performances, the passion in her eyes was mesmerizing! They were at the forefront of ballet, their names etched into the history of this incredible art form, just like the legacy of their exquisite dancing!
The Glam of The Time:
But it wasn’t just the ballerinas who held court in this age of artistic expression. The men in the ballet too were just as dramatic with their colourful costumes. They often wore ornate attire in vivid colours with intricate lace details, reminding us of the time period's commitment to opulence.
A Trip Down Memory Lane:
Back then, the theaters buzzed with life and excitement. People flocked from all walks of life, eager for a taste of artistic elegance and beautiful dancing. The audiences were dressed to the nines! So, naturally, one couldn’t simply arrive at the theater with just any tutu. The "Pink Tutu Dress Code" for the time, required long gloves, matching bonnets, and flowing skirts, with ostrich feather boas, a beautiful addition!
The energy of the audiences, as captivated by the elegant artistry of these ballerinas, created an atmosphere filled with joy and excitement that was utterly captivating. It felt like an experience one could get lost in, so much so that time seemed to simply melt away.
Time for A Ballet Performance!:
Just the other day I saw the most amazing performance of "Swan Lake." It took my breath away! It was absolutely enchanting and filled me with such beauty. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching the stories unfold in graceful movements and breathtaking costumes!
Tutus Today:
So while those early stages of ballet lacked the glorious pink tulle we all know and love today, the dedication to elegance and storytelling remain at the heart of the art form. That’s why we celebrate those early dancers who paved the way for all of us, with our delightful, fluffy tutus and the love of a good dance!
*And let’s not forget, the best part about these performances is the journey of seeing it with my darling girls! *We spend hours getting ready in matching pink tutus, ready to step back into this timeless era. **
Speaking of the tutu, we’re venturing off this week to Paris to explore the Champs-Élysées where we’re going to catch a show! I've heard they have an absolutely stunning variety of tutus and I'm planning to try on everything! Can’t wait!
Now, darling, what about your Tutu Tuesday adventure? Tell me everything! I can't wait to hear your stories!
Remember, the world looks a whole lot better in pink. Let's spread some Tutu love, shall we?
See you next week!
Yours Truly, * *Emma (Pink Tutu Princess!)
www.pink-tutu.com
