Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where ballet history and fashion intertwine like the ribbons on a perfectly executed fouetté! It’s Emma here, and this month we’re stepping back in time to a pivotal date in the world of ballet - 7th July, 1898. Fancy a spin through time with me, and Magic Meg? Grab your pinkest tutu and let's twirl!
The year 1898 was a time of transformation for ballet. The era of the grand ballerinas was winding down, paving the way for a new, more athletic style of dancing. And you know me, darlings, I'm always excited to witness the evolution of this art form!
I can just imagine, on this very date, the streets of London, Paris, and New York bustling with energy. It was a time when the theatre scene was booming! Performances at the Opera Garnier in Paris, The Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, would have been brimming with fashion and intrigue. Can you picture the shimmering ballgowns, the gentlemen in their formal attire, all eagerly anticipating a night of exquisite artistry? The anticipation of a new performance, the hum of excitement as the lights dimmed, and the thrill of watching those delicate movements. Just divine!
Now, on my latest jaunt back in time, Magic Meg and I trotted over to a small theatre in Derby. You'll be surprised to hear, my lovelies, that ballet was becoming more accessible in this era. We were lucky enough to see a delightful performance of “The Sleeping Beauty,” with a captivating dancer, Miss Rose, stealing the show. You know how much I love the story of Sleeping Beauty, so much romance and magic! But in those days, the choreography wasn't the athletic tour de force it is now, darlings. They still retained much of the classic style with graceful, fluid movements.
My trusty rucksack is now stuffed full of lovely memorabilia from my travels – a beautifully faded programme for the Derby performance and a little silver coin depicting the Sleeping Beauty ballet, which was passed down to me by a sweet old gentleman who remembers that performance from his childhood! Isn't that lovely, darlings? I'll be sure to post pictures of them on my blog next week.
However, the story doesn’t end there, darling! It wasn’t just about watching the grand ballet performances in the big cities. A ballet school had opened up in Derby! Such a delightful discovery. I simply had to peek in! The school itself was small and unassuming, with a charmingly worn wooden floor and an air of joyful exertion. I felt a wave of warmth and nostalgia wash over me. Such a contrast to the polished glamour of the opera houses!
Speaking of fashion, darlings, let’s talk tutus! Though they were starting to adopt a more practical design – less elaborate and more form-fitting – that glorious fluffy tutu style was still all the rage in the big shows! They weren't quite the confection of pink fluff that I wear these days, but their airy grace still captivated me.
Oh, and the hairstyles! I was so enthralled by the extravagant buns adorned with ribbons, bows, and delicate flowers. There's a timeless elegance to those styles that we've thankfully embraced once more in today's ballet scene!
Now, to make things even more interesting, imagine this, my darlings. 1898 marked a new era of athleticism in ballet. This year, Anna Pavlova was training! Yes, darling! One of the most legendary dancers in the history of ballet! I tried, oh, how I tried to catch a glimpse of her, but unfortunately she was in Petersburg! Still, you can just imagine the magic she was creating. Can you believe the energy? The stories, the stories, of her leaps and her graceful turns, darlings, they still capture hearts a century later!
To think that on this very date, a star was rising, her legacy stretching far beyond that year! Now, it is that kind of historical magic that keeps me hopping onto Magic Meg's back each month, discovering these moments of ballet history.
Now, my lovely time travellers, tell me, what’s been captivating you in the world of ballet? Any beautiful performances, new choreography, or captivating fashion pieces? Be sure to let me know! Remember, the world of ballet is vast and exciting, and it’s full of beautiful stories to be told and rediscovered.
Until next time, darlings! Don’t forget to grab your pink tutu and keep twirling!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
