Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, here. Today we're going on a very special Christmas journey back in time, to the magical year of 1903. Get those hot chocolate mugs warmed up and your ballet slippers dusted off, because we're going to immerse ourselves in the world of Christmas ballet just over a century ago.
Remember that vintage fashion-meets-street-dance show I did outside the Victoria and Albert Museum a few weeks back? Well, my latest time-travel escapade led me to London in 1903. I took my trusty tutu with me, of course, but it's important to know the local dress code, right? Thankfully, with a little careful shopping at Harrods (oh, the exquisite hats! I even managed to snag a few vintage feather boas for the perfect dance sequence), I managed to blend in rather well with the well-to-do ladies of London society.
Now, imagine my delight when I learned that one of the hottest tickets in town for Christmas 1903 was The Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The Sleeping Beauty, of course, is a ballet classic! You can't go wrong with the fairy tales and magic, and this was the Royal Ballet's take on the classic. How divine is that? Sadly, no recording remains to share the enchantment with you, my lovely followers, but just imagine the shimmering silks and shimmering tutus in that grand Victorian theatre!
While we may not be able to relive that precise performance, we can still draw inspiration from the grand tradition of Christmas ballet in 1903. In those days, ballet wasn't as accessible as it is now, but a Christmas ballet performance was often a special family event. And let's face it, there's nothing like a good ballet to bring festive cheer and spark some magic in those December evenings.
Speaking of magic, 1903 was also a year of ballet innovations. You see, The Sleeping Beauty had its premiere only twenty years earlier, in 1890. Now, imagine that! This era of classical ballet is the epitome of beauty and elegance. If you look back on fashion at the time, it mirrored the style and graceful movements of these ballets, don't you think? So picture it, ladies and gentlemen - elaborate ball gowns and long skirts cascading with graceful elegance. The ladies at the Royal Opera House probably all wore satin slippers, lace gloves and dainty feather boas ā how utterly delightful!
Imagine, though, stepping out of the Opera House into the London streets after the performance. Imagine a December night - all frosted windows, twinkling gaslights and carriages pulled by steaming horses - a truly festive setting! There wouldnāt be any neon Christmas lights yet - just gaslights and the glow of bonfires from street performers.
As a self-proclaimed āballet historianā, itās the most intriguing aspect of history. Ballet isnāt a static, timeless artform, my lovelies. Itās been changing with the world around it since the Renaissance. And thereās magic to be found in looking back on this vibrant, beautiful evolution of the dance.
Let's dive into what was going on in the wider ballet world in 1903:
*Russian Ballet - *The Imperial Russian Ballet was making waves in the international dance world, captivating audiences with its technical brilliance and captivating style. Just imagine: beautiful dancers performing stories from Russian folk tales and legendary works like Swan Lake. I bet the ladies would wear a flurry of silk and tulle. What an incredible spectacle!
*Sergei Diaghilev - *This revolutionary artistic visionary, the visionary who would later establish the legendary Ballets Russes, was only just beginning to make his mark. Weāre talking a new generation of exciting and adventurous ballets, the influence of which can still be felt in the dance world today. Just a small snippet of what 1903 had to offer ā how utterly exciting!
The Art of the Tutu - Oh, my darlings! Even back in 1903, the tutu was a major part of ballet. Although it hadnāt reached its full, voluminous glory that it achieved later in the century, they were shorter and often very richly decorated, as well as flowing. There's a timeless elegance to that, a touch of fairy magic that can be enjoyed even a hundred years later. We can be eternally grateful that the tutu continues to evolve and amaze us with each passing year!
So, for those of you who want to really experience Christmas ballet as it was in 1903, I recommend pulling out your best vintage dress and imagining the wonder of those grand ballets at the Royal Opera House. And for those of you who need a little dose of magic in your own life, why not don a tutu and create a little bit of magic of your own? Trust me, it works like a charm!
Now, if youāll excuse me, I have a rather exciting street performance to practice. With a touch of festive spirit, I can add my own 21st-century flair to a little vintage dance.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my pink tutu darlings, and I'll see you all again soon.
Until then, dance like no oneās watching.
Yours in sequins,
Emma xx
