Hello my darling readers, welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! This month, my sparkly pink time-travelling leotard has taken me all the way back to July 7th, 1875, where I’ve been experiencing a whole new world of dance fashion. Oh my, you wouldn't believe the differences, even in just a hundred and fifty years!
For those of you just joining me on this whirlwind adventure, I’m Emma, a passionate ballerina and a total pink-tutu devotee. This blog documents my magical time travels across the decades in my trusty sparkly pink leotard, bringing you fashion inspiration and a glimpse into the fabulous history of dancewear.
This month, I’ve chosen 7th July 1875 for a particularly special reason - it's the birthday of the iconic ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Even if she wasn't a famous dancer back then, who knew that her passion would eventually spark a revolution in dance, inspiring generations of ballerinas worldwide!
So, naturally, the first stop on my Victorian adventure was the home of Anna’s childhood in St. Petersburg. What a darling little town! It wasn't just the cobblestone streets and quaint buildings that enchanted me, but also the elegant dress and refined manners.
Just imagine: 19th century St. Petersburg, ladies in sweeping gowns, gentlemen with top hats and elegant mustaches, and little girls wearing silk bloomers and satin shoes. I couldn't resist slipping into the grandest department store in town, imagining the ladies inside in their shimmering evening gowns, waiting for the theatre's performance tonight. I simply had to do some shopping, of course! I couldn't possibly leave without purchasing some darling silk ribbons to embellish my tutu!
The shops had such lovely embroidery trims! Do you think I can convince the tailor in the village back in Derbyshire to sew me a pair of bloomers, made out of a soft silk fabric? A matching bloomers and tutu ensemble is my absolute dream! You can just imagine me twirling through the market square, captivating the crowd with my charming performance! And you know what? It’s always an exciting way to get some extra money for my next travel adventure!
Talking of adventures, let's fast-forward to Paris, France, a city where leotards were becoming all the rage. Imagine, in the salons of this magnificent city, I could almost feel the excitement surrounding the ballet. This period in dance history was all about experimentation. Ballet masters were starting to loosen the rigid restrictions on clothing, making dance more expressive, more dynamic.
One could see why. Leotards, even then, with their sleek lines and comfortable fit, encouraged dancers to stretch their bodies in entirely new ways! And as I admired the lovely tutus with their beautiful tulle frills and vibrant colour palettes, I could see how these new garments were a symbol of the burgeoning freedom and femininity that defined this period.
Although there are still long sleeves and floor-length tutus in my era, things are evolving! You just wouldn't believe how much easier and lighter these leotards felt in comparison to the corsets and long dresses of earlier times. It was truly exhilarating to experience this exciting evolution firsthand, and I couldn’t help but envision Anna Pavlova, with her effortless elegance and daring moves, on that very stage, igniting a love for dance that would last generations!
What was I doing during the day, I hear you ask? My daily routine wasn't quite like yours. This time period wasn't quite ready for street dancing as we know it, but let me tell you, that didn’t stop me from practicing my moves in secret! You see, in the little squares and alleyways, where the locals wouldn’t usually spot a flamboyant pink tutu like mine, I twirled and leaped, feeling the excitement and the anticipation build within.
For you see, tonight, I had the honour of seeing a ballet in one of Paris’s oldest theaters! The stage, illuminated by flickering gaslights, was a dream, an absolute wonderland! My heart was fluttering as I waited for the lights to dim and the curtain to rise. This performance, even with its somewhat outdated costumes, transported me into another realm, filled with swirling tulle, shimmering light, and stories told with a unique charm, a beauty and passion I could only dream of finding back home.
And I saw that dance, more than ever before, was an art, an expression of life itself! It’s all about storytelling, expressing your feelings, and taking your audience on a journey! The graceful leaps, the beautiful turns, and the tender moments that made the ballerinas appear like fluttering butterflies - oh, how captivating it all was! I took a secret little notebook out, making sketches of every dancer and her lovely dress, of every captivating detail. I have the best ideas for my next blog! And I know you will simply adore them too!
But wait, my travels weren’t just about performances. Did I tell you I discovered the most exquisite ballet shop in Paris? This little gem of a shop was hidden in an enchanting street, a haven of everything dance-related, from the delicate laces and ribbons to those stunningly beautiful satin shoes that even my grand-mère would find exquisite. I just had to get a couple for myself. You see, one must be prepared for every occasion! My travel essentials always include a sparkly pink tutu, my ballet shoes, and enough satin ribbons for all occasions. A lady’s gotta have the right tools for the job!
On this day, however, the most exciting news I brought home with me from Paris was the beginning of a new trend - The Ballet Skirt! I just couldn’t contain myself when I found out!
Imagine: it’s shorter, more fitted, and it allows dancers to be more mobile! Think flowing tulle in a vibrant hue! Do you imagine how much easier it will be to leap, to twirl, to express emotions through movement? This short, breezy design is just the ticket for the stage and even more so for street performances, I'll have you know! It’s about to be the talk of the town! This fashion-forward piece, a blend of tradition and the excitement of change, captures the very spirit of the ballet of this era!
You've simply gotta be prepared, darling readers! And this month, I have just the thing! I am offering my most special discount on this month's "pink tutu package", especially for my amazing blog readers. You know me, I always give a little extra. Every order that includes a custom-made "Parisian Ballet Skirt" comes with a free custom design for your tutu. Imagine: a perfect pairing! And to complete the look, a little black leotard with satin ribbon embellishments would be the icing on the cake!
And just wait until I show you my latest ballet sketches! My next tutu is a magnificent Parisian inspired masterpiece, with shimmering silks and feathers. This ballet outfit will make your head spin. But more about that in next month's blog post, my darlings!
So, until next time, remember: dance is more than a passion. It's a celebration of life, a journey through history and creativity, and, most importantly, a beautiful way to share the world with a smile and a twinkle in your eye.
Stay fabulous, darlings!
Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
PS: This blog post is my 199th! Do you know what this means? A massive giveaway! The first twenty commenters to share their favourite "pink tutu" memory on this post will be chosen for a special dance outfit made to your own personal design. Get creative! Make your ideas pop! Don’t let the pink slip through your fingers!
