Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back with another exciting post for your weekly dose of all things pink and fluffy! 🎀 Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back in time to the 5th of September, 1916, a date brimming with both artistic brilliance and historic weight. As you all know, I’m an absolute devotee to the history of ballet, and the era we’re diving into today is absolutely fascinating. So grab your favourite pink tutu (it's the perfect shade of pink, wouldn't you agree?), pour yourself a cuppa, and let's embark on a whirlwind journey to the world of ballet in 1916!
Before we take a proper trip back in time, you know I simply HAVE to indulge in a little bit of a shopping spree. I mean, it’s nearly impossible to time travel without a new outfit! My dear friends at the department store in Harrods have got some absolute gems for this era – the silhouettes are absolutely divine. The dresses, with their delicate embroidery and frills, practically beg to be twirled around a dance floor! Just picture it - a light pink tulle gown, the bodice intricately laced, adorned with dainty pink silk roses... simply delightful. I'm off to buy several to try, perhaps one even for the little ballerina who is bound to accompany me on this trip through time!
Oh! I almost forgot to mention – today is a special day. I'm not only travelling through time, but I'm heading to London. I adore the grandeur of London; the cobblestone streets, the charm of its theatres, and of course, the stunning Royal Opera House. This theatre is an absolute dream - it has witnessed the birth of ballet icons, echoing with the enchanting steps of history's most celebrated dancers.
Speaking of historical figures, did you know that on this very day in 1916, the renowned ballet dancer and choreographer Anna Pavlova gave a spectacular performance in London? 😮 Now, isn't that exciting! Pavlova was a true pioneer, a ballet goddess who mesmerised audiences with her ethereal grace and incredible technique. Can you imagine, a hundred years ago, people were experiencing her legendary artistry right here in London! The thrill! I would give anything to witness her grace in person - even just once, my dear readers, even just once. I just KNOW I would have swooned. The stories of her famous "Dying Swan" performance are just too beautiful, too heartbreaking and truly inspirational. To think that a woman of such beauty and artistry, someone so iconic, was waltzing and twirling her way around the London stage all those years ago, just a stones throw from where I am today... The time travel life is full of exciting moments like this - even though it can be difficult for me to not just cry out loud and shout at random people on the street how excited I am, "Pavlova, I'm your fan!"
Oh, but let's not forget about the importance of tutus in this period! 💃 The tutus back in 1916 were nothing short of stunning. Forget the puffy, voluminous ones you see in modern ballet; the romantic ballet era favoured elegant lines and soft, flowing forms. Think graceful, lightweight tutus with delicate layers of tulle, emphasizing every beautiful movement. Oh how I wish we still had those beautiful silhouettes today. We may have a bit of a fluffy revolution on our hands… a revolution to bring back the dainty grace and elegance of the past, one tutu at a time!
My journey today is just as exciting as any time travel adventure, so be sure to check back later for more updates. 🤫 I just know my dear readers will love the insights I find into ballet history!
Remember darlings, be bold, be fierce, and wear that pink tutu with pride!
💖 See you next Tuesday! 💖
Yours in tutu bliss,
Emma.
Some quick fun facts for this week:- Did you know that ballet as we know it started in the Renaissance, about 400 years ago! Crazy, right? I bet I’ll visit this era one day for more Tutu Tuesday blog posts! I can’t imagine the outfits! But with my pink tutu on, I’d look divine…
- Speaking of dancing - in this era, everyone from nobles to the commoners would be at a "ball". It's kind of like a big dance party, full of elegance and waltz-ing, of course. Oh, what an enchanting picture! How I'd love to waltz to the melody of a grand waltz... imagine it: A shimmering ballroom, elegant couples gliding across the dance floor... a gentleman dips his lady in a delicate sweep... sigh This would be one lovely tutu Tuesday for sure. And the gowns! So stylish. A tutu, a lovely gentleman and a ball-like event is what makes life beautiful…
- Fashion is, of course, super important! The colours for women were beautiful: the bright blues and pinks with their feminine, flowing, layered designs would just be divine in this era. Even the gentlemen would wear such dapper outfits… Imagine the style of a pink tutu with such an era… perfection.
- And, don’t forget the theatre scene, that is thriving with new productions, plays, musicals, operas… I imagine I’d be glued to the best seats and twirling to the sounds of each piece… or at least getting myself invited on stage. It wouldn’t be hard, they’ll fall in love with my pink tutu, I’m sure.
- Last but not least, on September 5, 1916, the Great War raged on. The whole world felt this tension in the air. My fellow ballerinas had joined the war effort as nurses or were sending loved ones to war… this must have been a dark and sad era - yet so strong - like all great dance pieces and artists are strong. There are great dance performances during the most heartbreaking of periods in history and our human nature is to come together and make something truly special and unique.
This week’s trip has definitely sparked some lovely memories of elegant costumes, thrilling dance performances and breathtaking stories! Do let me know in the comments if you have a favourite ballerina from this era - we're all about sharing our love for this magical art form!
Until next time, stay twirly, stay pink, and let's spread the tutu love!
💖
