Post #2683
Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina, and I'm so excited to share this month's adventure with you all. As you know, every month I hop onto the back of my dazzling pink horse, Magic Meg, and take a little trip through history. This time, we're venturing to July 1884! Buckle up, because it's a whirlwind of Victorian charm, breathtaking ballet, and yes, lots and lots of pink, of course!
My leather rucksack is brimming with discoveries from the period, including a magnificent antique ballet program (a true collector's item, my darlings!). You can imagine my joy when I saw the enchanting selection of performances taking place on the 7th of July!
But first, let's talk fashion. Oh my, 1884! This was an era of extravagant gowns, voluminous skirts, and oh, so many layers! Picture elegant ladies swishing down grand staircases in beautiful frocks, their bodices adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate lace. A far cry from today's effortless street style, isn't it?
But then, there was the theatre! That was a world of shimmering costumes and striking stagecraft. And in the world of ballet, things were particularly dazzling! Just picture it: delicate silk tutus billowing gracefully in the air, the soft rustle of dancers' shoes as they took to the stage. A world of grace and elegance, my dears!
On this very day, the 7th of July 1884, we have a real treat for ballet enthusiasts: a performance by the famous Imperial Ballet of Saint Petersburg, the very crème de la crème of Russian ballet, a school renowned for its excellence. Their show was undoubtedly a masterpiece, featuring iconic ballets like Giselle and Swan Lake – classics still captivating audiences today. The dancers' artistry, coupled with the splendour of the Imperial theatre, would have been a spectacle like no other. I'm already picturing myself being swept away by their incredible skill, a dream that must come true in another time travel escapade!
Talking of captivating spectacles, I must tell you about the Opéra de Paris, which was having a captivating performance of Carmen – not ballet, my dears, but a true masterpiece of opera. Just imagine those incredible melodies sweeping through the theatre! I could just see myself waltzing amongst the Parisian aristocracy, my pink tutu adding a splash of delightful contrast against the dark velvet of their evening coats!
I know, it's all very romantic, but that's what I adore about exploring history through ballet. It allows me to step back in time and immerse myself in another world. A world of dreams and grace, elegance and artistic expression, all beautifully contained in the dance itself.
Speaking of dancing, what about some exciting ballet fashion news? Imagine this – silk bodices embroidered with glittering sequins, delicate floral patterns swirling down long tulle skirts, and dainty ballet shoes in the most beautiful shade of ivory. Even better – I stumbled upon an ingenious design by the great French ballet shoe maker, Pierre Chausson, that made use of leather for greater durability and suppleness! Talk about innovation!
The year 1884 was indeed a special year for ballet. The renowned ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who was about 14 years old, began her training. Can you imagine, my dears, her first tentative steps across the dance floor? She was destined for great things, destined to capture hearts around the globe with her grace and poise! I think I might even need to make a trip back to see her dance when she is a world-renowned ballerina!
However, there's something for everyone in the world of ballet! I, of course, have a collection of Victorian-era tutu designs which I wear when I travel back to these periods. The silk and lace are like nothing you could imagine and the tulle feels so incredibly delicate on my skin! Just remember, there's no right or wrong way to embrace ballet.
So my dear tutu-loving companions, take inspiration from the beauty and artistry of the past and dance with all your heart!
And of course, if you want to create your own spectacular tutus – pink, purple, whatever colour suits you best - please do join me on my journey to find the perfect fabric for every occasion. Don't forget, you can follow me at www.pink-tutu.com for the latest time-travelling updates, and, naturally, be sure to show me your incredible creations too!
Until next time,
Emma xxx
