Christmas Ballet in 1899

Hello, my darling dance-loving dears!

It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, ready to whisk you back to a Christmas brimming with ballet magic – the year 1899!

I just love delving into the past, especially around Christmas, to see how those elegant ladies and gentlemen celebrated the season through the graceful art of ballet.

This post is all about exploring the world of Christmas ballet in 1899, and, as always, I'll be taking you on a whirl through the glitz, glamour and fashion of the era, with a special focus on the enchanting tutus, of course.

Now, strap on your sparkly slippers, darlings, we're stepping back in time!

Imagine, for a moment, the bustle of Victorian London in December. The crisp air, the gas lamps glowing, the streets decorated with holly and mistletoe.

Now, picture yourself waltzing through the grand foyer of the Royal Opera House, a cascade of silk and feathers, as the strains of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" fill the air. That, my darlings, was Christmas ballet in 1899!

This time period saw a boom in ballet popularity. Christmas productions, in particular, were hugely anticipated, as families flocked to theatres to witness the festive stories brought to life on stage.

A Little Victorian Ballet Context:

The Victorian era was a time of huge change in ballet. The grand ballets we see today were beginning to take shape, evolving from the elaborate, more static ballets of the past. Choreographers like Marius Petipa were pushing boundaries, focusing on storytelling, intricate choreography and athleticism.

There was a rise of dramatic and whimsical works too, perfect for Christmas, such as "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake" - stories of romance, magic and a sprinkle of mischief.

Did You Know?

The first performance of "The Nutcracker" wasn't actually until 1892, but by 1899, it was well established as a Christmas tradition. Can you imagine the magic of watching Clara travel through a fantastical world, right in front of your eyes? The magic of Christmas, wrapped up in tulle and twinkling lights – utterly divine!

The fashion of 1899, darlings, was all about romance and drama. Picture corseted silhouettes, frilly collars, luxurious fabrics like velvet and lace – the perfect setting for a dreamy ballet.

And the tutus? They were an absolute masterpiece! The traditional Romantic tutu, a longer and more full skirt made with layers and layers of tulle, was the queen of the stage.

The tutus, much like the fashions, were all about feminine beauty, highlighting graceful curves. Think layers and layers of tulle, shimmering sequins, delicate embroidery, and of course, the ultimate accessory - feathers.

Imagine the dancers pirouetting with elegant, billowing skirts. Purely mesmerizing, isn't it?

Of course, the ballet wasn't the only Christmas entertainment back then. There were grand parties, opera performances, and a burgeoning theater scene bursting with variety.

London was a hub for dazzling performances and glamorous parties. Imagine twirling at a ball in a glittering, silk gown, your decolletage adorned with sparkling jewels.

I recently travelled back to London in 1899. You might be thinking, Emma, how do you manage all these time jumps? Well, my dear, I'm a dancer. And when I need to go back to the past, I dance – on the street, at market places, with a twinkle in my eye. People love it! I’m lucky they do. They often think I'm quite an extraordinary character - ha! That is how I gather funds for these extraordinary experiences!

As I entered Covent Garden Market that day, a bustling, noisy delight of colourful displays, I could sense a thrill of excitement in the air. It was Christmas time!

It was simply fascinating to witness the festive traditions, the scent of Christmas cakes in the air, the decorated shops adorned with boughs of holly, the Christmas carols sung on the street corners. It was an enchanting journey back in time.

Remember, whether it's the enchantment of the ballet, the opulence of Victorian fashion, the heartwarming atmosphere of a Christmas party, or the sheer delight of watching Christmas stories unfold, Christmas ballet is all about celebrating the magical spirit of the season.

Don’t forget, darling readers, the world of fashion and ballet are always in constant evolution. Next time, I’ll take you to Paris in the 1920s and dive into the revolutionary styles of ballet costumes and the birth of the shorter tutu - it’s a style that’s so iconic, and it still captivates us today. I hope you’ll join me!

Until next time, remember to keep twirling, to keep embracing your love of dance, and above all, don’t forget the importance of a fabulous pink tutu in your wardrobe!

Keep those tutus twirling, and Merry Christmas, darlings!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com