Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu enthusiast, and as the snow falls (hopefully) and the scent of mince pies fills the air, we're taking a twirling trip back in time to celebrate the magical world of Christmas ballet in 1909. Get your feather boas at the ready, it's going to be a sparkling affair!
Now, let's talk fashion. Picture this: ladies in sweeping gowns with cascading lace, gents in impeccably tailored suits, all ready to witness the enchantment of Christmas ballet. The era was an explosion of elegance, with hats perched precariously upon perfectly coiffed hair, and the soft glimmer of silks and velvets filling every theatre. We're talking about the era of "La Belle Ăpoque", a time of dazzling artistic innovation and, of course, some seriously fantastic ballet. Can you even imagine?
So, imagine the thrill of walking into the theatre on a frosty December night. The smell of Christmas trees and hot mulled wine (my favourite!), the warmth of the flickering gaslights, and the expectant hum of the crowd - all of it leading up to the magical spectacle on stage.
Speaking of the stage, imagine the ballet itself. In 1909, "The Nutcracker", the now-classic holiday ballet, had been born! Though the original premiered in 1892, it was beginning to gain popularity, capturing hearts (and imaginations) with its charming story, intricate choreography, and enchanting music. How incredibly magical!
And you know me, darlings, Iâm always fascinated by the costumes. The era of tutus was truly beginning to blossom. Picture them: fluffy tulle skirts, intricately beaded bodices, and feathers that danced like dreams. Of course, there's something captivating about watching the iconic white tutu. But what about those pink tutus for Clara, so evocative of sweetness, joy, and innocent wonder?
Beyond "The Nutcracker," the world of ballet was bursting with creativity! 1909 was a whirlwind of theatrical performances, including:
The Diaghilev Ballets Russes: This revolutionary ballet company was on tour across Europe, showing everyone what innovation could do to ballet. Can you imagine a ballet based on Igor Stravinskyâs famous âThe Firebird" - pure fire and passion!
The Royal Ballet: This bastion of ballet was flourishing, and was in the midst of staging a magical production of " Giselle", * a classic and still incredibly relevant piece of work about betrayal and the longing for love. Just *imagine dancing beneath a moonlit sky, wearing that ethereal **white tutu ⌠pure perfection!
Of course, 1909 was a time when ballet fashion truly came to life! For a ballerina, there was an abundance of inspiration:
The * *leg-lengthening pointe shoes: Imagine the joy of standing on those delicate "demi-pointes", or even better, the magic of a pointe shoe. These beautiful little shoes have come a long way!
The stunning âThe Black Swanâ costumes: We still see inspiration from the stunning costumes of âThe Black Swanâ even now in 2023 - these striking creations are synonymous with seduction, power, and mystery, using rich velvets and dramatic feather embellishments. I can imagine how empowering a black tutu must have felt to those dancers on stage!
And who wouldnât love to try to replicate these amazing costumes? I mean, darling, that's the point of being a ballerina, isn't it? Bringing to life these stunning fashion statements!
The festive atmosphere in 1909 extended beyond the stage, into the hearts of fashion. From opulent balls to cozy tea parties, women embraced a wave of charming Christmas fashion, bringing their own interpretations to the season.
*And can I tell you? It was pure "Pinktastic!" * I have to say, seeing those wonderful pink velvet dresses and shimmering lace gowns in shades of pink â just incredible. This year we are going to see some real pink tutu action! And donât get me started on the feather boas! Oh darling, a pink tutu is truly a magical addition to any ballerinaâs wardrobe. This is why we call this the âGolden Age of Tutu!â
As the last strains of âThe Nutcracker" faded in the air, those Victorian ladies (donât tell anyone but Iâm sure some of them might have had a few tutus tucked away in their closets!) could leave the theatre feeling filled with the wonder of Christmas and the enchantment of ballet. It was the era where the heart of ballet truly danced, and you could feel it pulsing with a joyful beat.
I think it's safe to say we can all learn something from the women of 1909, whether weâre watching the ballet or getting ready for a Christmas dinner party. *That timeless allure of ballet and its exquisite fashions have such staying power â there's something incredibly timeless about this incredible dance! *
*So, darling, what are your plans for this Christmas? I'd love to hear in the comments below about your favorite Christmas traditions and how you love to add some "Pinktastic" ballet glamour into the season! *
Keep on twirling, my loves, and never let your dreams fade, just like the festive lights as you dance through December.
Until next time!
Emma,
Pink-Tutu.com
P.S. * Did you know I'm actually a *time-travelling ballerina? Itâs true! How do I do it? I use my street ballet performances - which youâre welcome to join me at! (Let me know where you'd like to see my pink-tutu crew dancing in the streets, and we'll be there!) My pink-tutu crew and I are already working on our next time-travel performance⌠maybe it will be the 18th-century London where the waltz came in? Just wait till you see our costumes.
