Hello my darling dears! It's Emma here, your time-travelling, pink-tutu-clad ballerina, back with another fascinating #TutuTuesday journey into the history of our beloved ballet costumes!
This week, I've whisked myself back to the 11th February 1913 - oh, what a whirlwind of excitement it's been! Picture it, London: a symphony of gaslight and carriages, elegant ladies swathed in silk and velvet, and a vibrant dance scene that's just bursting with creativity!
I've always felt such a pull to the past, you know? These days, it's so easy to get lost in the modern world - with our constant rushing about, screens that blink at us, and the overwhelming feeling that everything's always happening at once. But stepping back in time, feeling the elegant cadence of the waltz on the cobblestone streets, smelling the freshly baked bread from the local bakeries, and hearing the whispered conversation of fashionistas huddled around a shimmering new design... that's where my heart truly finds its joy.
Speaking of fashion, darling, let's talk about the stars of this era - the ballets! From the Royal Opera House to the newly opened Sadler's Wells, London was buzzing with dazzling performances. The big names were of course, the Diaghilev Ballets Russes, showcasing their vibrant colours, radical choreography, and utterly daring designs. Can you imagine the stir it caused, seeing Anna Pavlova flitting across the stage in her beautiful tutus, like a feathered angel? Or the incredible Vaslav Nijinsky in his revolutionary leaps, his costume almost echoing the vibrant spirit of his dance!
But I confess, even with the magnificent extravagance of the Ballets Russes, the tutus in 1913 were a far cry from the lavish costumes we see today. Think more delicate, romantic styles - think layers upon layers of tulle, sometimes gathered, sometimes draped, with an ethereal quality that was almost... celestial. And you can't forget the gorgeous bodices - exquisitely beaded with pearls, and lovingly embroidered with intricate designs. My, oh my, those designs were something else, weren't they? So elegant, so intricate, a work of art in themselves.
You see, my dear readers, for me, a tutu isn't just a costume - it's a portal, a vessel for storytelling, a window into another time. And this week, in 1913, the window was filled with a charming, dreamy kind of beauty.
As for what happened on this specific date, 11th February 1913? It wasn't just another day! In the world of dance, the London Coliseum opened its doors to the "Grand Russian Ballet", led by none other than the renowned Russian dancer, Ida Rubinstein. Can you imagine the excitement in the air?
Now, you might be asking yourselves, darling, how does this pink-tutu-wearing ballerina find herself time-travelling around the world? Well, it's all thanks to my love of dance! You see, when I'm not in my Victorian era frock (or maybe even a sparkly mermaid tutu - we're never too old to experiment!), I'm twirling my way across the stage, earning enough to finance these incredible adventures. You wouldn't believe how many gorgeous gowns you can buy when you're a seasoned professional!
And while the modern world is overflowing with styles, I find myself always yearning for a glimpse into those days of elegance. Remember those lavish designs I mentioned earlier? This trip has sparked my inspiration! I'm thinking maybe a little '1913 meets 2023' kind of fusion – with a hint of shimmering sequined lace and those iconic long flowing layers... oh, darling, you just wait for what I've got brewing!
Remember, darlings, always embrace the fun and frivolity of the tutu - they're much more than just costumes! They're reminders to dream, to imagine, to twirl with abandon and joy.
Don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for another dose of #TutuTuesday history. Until then, stay fabulous! And as always, darling, don't forget to wear your pink tutus with pride. 💖
