Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back again with another fabulous #TutuTuesday! This week, I'm whisking us back to the 25th of January 1916. The air was a little chilly when I landed in London (so, like, normal London weather, right?) but luckily I packed my little cashmere cardigan! It gets a little nippy in time travel sometimes, you know.
Anyway, the reason for my jaunt to the past was all about the ballet. Did you know that the Royal Opera House has been running ballet performances since the late 17th century? Absolutely incredible! And, oh my word, 1916 had the most stunning show running that week! "Le Carnaval" by Mikhail Fokine for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes – what a performance! It was vibrant and absolutely electric with costumes you wouldn't believe. This time, I was feeling especially bold, and opted for a deep blush pink tutu, the perfect way to complement the kaleidoscopic costumes and make a little statement for myself. The other ladies around the Opera House adored it – such lovely comments about my pink!
Of course, one of the main reasons for my visit was to see how tutus looked back in the day. After all, I am here to spread the joy and glory of the pink tutu. 1916 was a bit of a different story, I'm afraid. We're talking longer, layered skirts, less "short and sweet". It seems that tutus were getting their inspiration from those gorgeous Edwardian gowns of the time – full, flowing, and perfectly lovely in their own right! They had that kind of Victorian-meets-ballroom feeling with swathes of material, but I can tell you, you can't swing a cat in one of these things! I'm all for practicality, and sometimes a little dance move feels more like a graceful ballet performance with a nice, fluffy, light, and fluffy pink tutu, if you get what I mean.
So, what were people in 1916 wearing while I was shimmying in my lovely tutu? Well, we were firmly in the era of the Edwardian look! Let me paint a picture:
- The long line - It's all about length here, with fitted jackets reaching down to the hips and skirts hitting the ground with elegant flourishes.
- Big shoulders – It seems we’re all about strong shoulders, even in 1916.
- Hats galore! Imagine, I can't even leave my flat without a hat nowadays. It’s not only hats, but veils, feathers, and bows. There’s never too much going on, as far as I can see.
- Slinky fabrics and rich embroidery – Think soft satin, silk, and chiffon, sometimes adorned with elaborate embellishments – definitely a look for a lady who means business!
But let's face it, even with the prettiest Edwardian creations, you can't compete with the pure grace and magic of a ballet tutu. It’s such an iconic symbol of dance and femininity.
I must tell you about my train journey down to London. I always take the train when I can. It's the perfect opportunity for me to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea – why not, right? It also allows me to take in the sights! I even spied a rather dashing young chap in a top hat and tails, oh the romance! It truly does bring to life those glorious black and white photographs you see. The entire experience was as lovely as one could wish. And I spotted so many gorgeous pink items! A silk scarf! A beautiful hat, oh it was like a pink feast! It made me think that there was more pink out there than I’d first thought in the Victorian era!
Oh! Do you want to know something fun? The first ever production of "The Nutcracker" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky premiered on December 18th, 1892! Did you know that? A lovely little nugget of ballet history. So why not take a break, find a sweet treat, and learn more about the rich, vibrant world of ballet – with a big, fluffy pink tutu for good measure! I dare you!
So, that’s it from me, folks! I’ll see you all next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday goodness. Make sure you stop by www.pink-tutu.com and spread the pink tutu love – and of course, feel free to let me know what you love about tutus!
Until next time, lovelies!
Emma, xo
(And don't forget to check out the ballet shows! They really are a delight.)
