Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another enthralling entry in my Pink Tutu Time Travel Diaries! Today, I'm swirling through time and landing right smack-dab in the middle of 1st January, 1875! As usual, I've packed my pink-sparkling time-traveling leotard, my trusty ballet shoes, and, of course, a bewitching pink tutu. Oh, I do love a good pink tutu! It adds that extra layer of oomph to any journey.
This month's historical escapade landed me in a rather different fashion world compared to today. Oh my goodness, imagine... a time without leggings! Well, ladies, it’s true! There weren’t even the tiniest hints of leggings. The fashion of the day involved voluminous skirts and elaborate bodices, which could only be dreamed of in ballet.
I tell you, those beautiful dresses of the Victorian era could give any ballerina a good old-fashioned wobbly - let’s be honest, it wasn’t the ideal outfit for a pirouette, not even a simple chassé! The ladies of 1875 favoured undergarments called corsets, and boy, did they require a lot of getting-into! These structured contraptions were often tight and cumbersome, making graceful movement all but impossible. Oh how I longed for my leotard, it felt like such a revolution compared to their attire.
Speaking of revolutions, the leotard of 1875 was, well, shall we say, very much in its infancy! While they existed, it wasn't really until the early 1900s that they gained traction as a comfortable, stylish option for ballet wear. You see, even dancers were still dancing in floor-length skirts back then. Just imagine that... dancing with a flowing gown around your ankles, just doesn’t have the same flow!
I found myself in a bustling, dusty, and exciting London. My magical leotard, as always, carried me straight into the midst of London's vibrant theatre district. My quest, as always, was to find the most intriguing ballet show of the day.
With my little ballet bag slung across my shoulder, I wandered through the crowded streets. I can’t lie, it felt a bit overwhelming without my trusty pair of headphones. Just a chorus of honking and the cacophony of a gas-lit London night! I spotted a couple of theatres boasting productions of the day, one featuring The Pirates of Penzance at the Opera Comique. My mind was instantly in overdrive… Imagine a whole show built around pirates? Talk about exciting!
Although I am absolutely besotted by theatre and ballet, I do love my little street performances too, and you can bet I had my street dance bag packed just in case. With a mischievous grin and a dash of pixie dust, I decided to weave a bit of ballet magic for these lovely Victorian Londoners. With my sparkly pink tutu swirling around me and a flourish of the arm that would rival Anna Pavlova’s finest, I whipped up a little waltz on a quiet corner by a busy coffee stall, as the sound of an accordions music floated past from an nearby busker. You’d be amazed how many coin drops a whirl of ballet steps and a Grand Jeté can garner from a curious crowd!
After an enchanting day of dancing, time-travel and enjoying the city, I discovered that my historical jaunt to the 19th century coincided with The Sadler's Wells Theatre’s 1875 Season. You just know this magical little time traveller could NOT resist a peek inside such an enchanting ballet palace! Oh, what a vision it was! Although the ballet itself was not to my own tastes (A Daughter of the Regiment) I do love me a good musical show with a touch of a story. And the costumes? You simply must believe my word, the ballet costumes, for the dancers were the epitome of beautiful artistry - lace, ribbons and lovely flowing chiffon. They truly looked magnificent!
And wouldn't you know it, my time-travelling escapade this month yielded a unique little gem: a chance encounter with Marie Taglioni. This darling was a pioneering ballet dancer with a legendary influence on the world of dance! As if she wasn't fabulous enough, her delicate and light dancing made a remarkable impact. Why, she was celebrated for her signature costume of white tulle, a true symbol of graceful movement. The way she danced, my love, just so mesmerizing!
Well, ladies and gents, it’s getting late in my world. Time for this pink tutu-clad traveler to make my way home to my humble, Derbyshire abode, back to the present where my tutu will get a little dirty with my favourite outdoor shows. It has been a tutu-licious journey back to the past and back to my comfy chair where I’ll begin planning next month’s exciting adventure. Until then, keep spreading the love for ballet fashion!
