Christmas Ballet in 1898

Hello, my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here from Pink Tutu HQ, ready to whisk you away to a Christmas past filled with twirling, snowflakes, and a sprinkle of magic! Welcome back to my Christmas Ballet History Blog! This week, we're twirling our way back to 1898, a year buzzing with Victorian charm and the spirit of Christmas. I’m already feeling a bit festive, with my new dusty rose tulle tutu and sparkling diamanté headpiece ready for a seasonal performance on London’s bustling streets – maybe a festive “Sugar Plum Fairy” routine for a few coins? I love the feeling of community that street performances bring, and sharing my love of ballet with the world! 💖

So, let's get festive and explore the balletic world of 1898!

1898 was a glorious time for ballet. We had the mighty Imperial Ballet in St Petersburg, a beacon of classical grandeur with their incredible ballets, "Giselle" and "Swan Lake", taking centre stage. You can still see those spectacular works performed today! Imagine being transported to their stage in those plush velvet seats – a dream! 💖

Over in London, the Royal Opera House, that beautiful Italianate masterpiece in Covent Garden, was still hosting "Giselle", as well as other dazzling productions like "La Fille Mal Gardée" (which is still delighting audiences with its sweet story!). Think frilly tutus, witty characters, and that adorable little bird sequence – pure ballet joy!

Across the Channel, Paris was alive with innovative ballet – the likes of Michel Fokine were already experimenting with new dance styles, bringing a more emotional and theatrical quality to the art form. These trailblazers are the ones who made ballet into the powerful force we know today!

Speaking of Paris, 1898 was a dazzling time for ballet fashion. Imagine: floor-length tutus of the most sumptuous silks, embellished with shimmering jewels. Ballet slippers were beginning to move beyond pointe shoes, with silk ribbon and buckled slippers coming into fashion – perfect for light, airy movements. You could even catch a glimpse of ballerinas rocking some velvet or satin boots on stage! The outfits for "Giselle" were especially exquisite!

This year, my pink-tutu-wearing-self is inspired by those 1898 dance trends, embracing the dramatic and theatrical elements, and even giving those floor-length tutus a go in a bold shade of blush pink. If you're looking to give your own ballerina style a Victorian spin, embrace the vintage! A sweetheart neckline on a top or dress will add a hint of elegant 1898 charm, while adding some intricate lace or embroidery adds to that luxurious feel.

Where to Shop?

For vintage-inspired ballet outfits, I suggest popping into a local antique or vintage store! Who knows what hidden treasures await amongst the brooches and hats. You never know when you might stumble upon a silk evening gown with a dramatic bow and some stunning shoes perfect for a festive outing. You can also visit Liberty’s in London! They had such gorgeous fabrics back then - beautiful patterns and rich colours for stunning ballet fashion! 💖

Now for the festive magic of 1898 – can you imagine a Christmas Ballet performance back then? It’s all about Victorian splendor, the aroma of pine and twinkling candles! Although a full-blown Christmas ballet performance in 1898 would be hard to come by, I reckon they'd be holding special “Nutcracker” performances around the festive period. Think shimmering sets, fluffy snowflakes and a whole lot of Christmas magic. I bet they even held children’s ballet workshops – can you imagine learning how to twirl with those big, frilly Victorian tutus?

Even if you couldn’t see a full performance, think about how incredible those holiday traditions of carol singing, mince pies and family feasts would make any Christmas even more enchanting! They’d definitely include a charming festive waltz – all flowing silks, bright ribbons, and waltzing snowflakes! 💖

This year, 1898, was significant in the history of “The Nutcracker.” While the story had already been told by Tchaikovsky in 1892, 1898 was when we first saw the spectacular “Nutcracker” we know and love today. Choreographed by Marius Petipa in St Petersburg and, for my Derbyshire girls, imagine a young Anna Pavlova as Marie on stage – now that's history in the making! 💖

I bet you're feeling festive already! This December, take some time to step back and enjoy a vintage-inspired ballet performance! Don a Victorian dress with some shimmering accessories for a truly elegant festive affair! For my street performance next week, I’ll be incorporating the “Nutcracker’s” themes in my dance! Imagine! Sugar plum fairies on a Victorian-inspired stage in the heart of Derbyshire! What better way to get into the Christmas spirit? I’ll be sure to capture some photos to share on the website. 💖

As always, thank you for joining me on this festive dance journey! Until next time, my darlings! And remember, every day is a chance to embrace your inner ballerina, even if you're wearing a pink tutu while twirling in the snow. 💖

Follow my Instagram: @pinktutu for all the latest in the ballet fashion world! And be sure to check out my latest tutu collection – available at www.pinktutu.com.