Oh, hello there lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink Tutu! Today, we're hopping on the time machine (yes, you read that right!) and venturing back to a truly enchanting Christmas: 1912.
I can't help but imagine myself pirouetting through the cobblestone streets of London in a swish of taffeta and lace, just like the leading ladies of the time. The bustle, the Christmas decorations, and the whispers of exciting new ballets – it’s a world I just HAVE to share!
Now, let's be honest, we all know how much I love a good pink tutu (who doesn't, honestly?). And back in 1912, tutus were even MORE grand! The fashion world was enthralled with flowing layers of silk and tulle, making even the most casual dance look like something straight out of a fairy tale. Picture layered, billowing tulles, with sparkling beading that caught the twinkle of the city lights. Imagine, my loves, the magic of such an outfit against a backdrop of London’s Christmas sparkle. It would have truly felt like dancing in a dream!
What Were They Watching in 1912?
Forget the Nutcracker! Oh, darling, in 1912 they weren't even thinking about The Nutcracker – though they surely had plenty of holiday cheer with their ballet repertoire. The highlight of the season, without a doubt, was Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. You see, this troupe revolutionized the dance world with bold, extravagant costumes and even more audacious choreography. These are the shows people went absolutely bonkers over, my loves. You might see their performance at The Royal Opera House in London, where they brought exotic ballets to the world like Le Sacre du Printemps - even today, a favourite for choreographers and audience alike. The original costumes for this ballet by Natalia Goncharova were an incredible spectacle. Think colourful and eye-catching, very very far removed from a standard pale pink! Though I do enjoy the bold colors they bring to my inspiration!
For a true taste of traditional Christmas magic, they had productions like Cinderella - now there's a story I can get behind! You know I love a fairytale ending. But oh, these shows weren't just your basic, ordinary, ballroom ballet, either. Think incredible staging with fantastical elements like sets, and costumes as lavish and fantastical as a Christmas dream. They just didn't do things half-hearted back then! Oh, if you’re not dancing along to one of those fantastical costumes – you really are missing out.
But ballet wasn't limited to the big stages, darling! In 1912, street performance was starting to gain traction too! Imagine this, if you will - a small-town troupe entertaining the crowd in a square decorated with twinkling Christmas lights, their tutus glowing under the winter sky. Doesn't that just sound divine?
Beyond the Dance - Ballet Fashion In 1912
And let’s talk about the fashion, shall we? Imagine yourself, my loves, a true style icon in the most amazing array of clothing! 1912 fashion, was so effortlessly elegant and charming - long, flowing skirts and corseted waists with delicate lace. It was an era of such beautiful detail! We were truly in the golden age of fashion, and every detail of an outfit from the fabric of the skirt to the intricate detail of a tutu was key. You didn't just buy clothes, darling, you bought a statement of style. And the details… ooh la la! Imagine elegant hats adorned with feathers, delicate gloves in contrasting colours and shoes that compliment any tutu perfectly - a masterpiece! The women of the time took fashion SO seriously! It was part of a larger social performance and you were expressing yourself through each piece of clothing and jewellery - what an inspiration for us now, my loves!
As for the colour, darling - we are of course going to have a focus on pink! We had beautiful pale pinks used on the ballet stages. In the fashions of the day, everything was delicately and stylishly done, think shades of baby pink through to a lovely deep dusky rose pink.
Where's The Time Travel Machine?
My head is spinning just thinking about this magical, enchanting Christmas of 1912, but unfortunately, I'm stuck in 2023. That’s ok though – because we can celebrate these lovely, magical Christmas traditions even in the modern day! I often take inspiration from these styles for my street performances in Derby - sometimes it's a nod to the Victorian period or other times the glamorous era of Art Deco - always remembering the magic and wonder of ballet's history. I even designed my latest creation, a blush pink tutu (of course) with silver detailing that takes its inspiration from 1912.
My lovelies, we all need a touch of elegance in our lives, even in the busy, whirlwind of modern life. This Christmas, let's add a bit of pink, some twirling, a little bit of elegance and make each moment a beautiful dance.
Until next time, darling,
Your favourite pink-tutu ballerina,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
