Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another dazzling trip through time. This month, I've taken Magic Meg (yes, still gleaming like a pink diamond under the moon!) on a little hop back to 1692. And guess what? We were right there in the heart of London, witnessing a truly magical spectacle - the very first ever ballet performance at the Royal Opera House!
You see, dear readers, my pink-tutu-clad heart beats for ballet history. And even though we have fabulous productions today, there's something wonderfully romantic and exciting about stepping into the world of the first ballerinas, those early pioneers who truly shaped this art form we adore.
This journey wasn't a simple hop-skip-and-a-jump. It took quite a bit of preparation, including several weeks of practicing "historical etiquette" with my dear Aunt Penelope, who has a knack for transporting herself back in time through the pages of history books. Honestly, I'm so grateful for her knowledge. She helped me learn all the right bows, curtsies, and hand gestures for the courtly life back in the day. She also advised me on the absolutely essential petticoats to wear underneath my trusty pink tutu!
Now, I won't bore you with the details of the journey, except to say it was a magnificent gallop through star-dusted skies aboard my beloved Magic Meg. The stars twinkled in a most spectacular fashion, and I confess, I was completely mesmerized by the moonlit landscape - the gentle rolling fields of Derbyshire looked incredibly different from this vantage point!
After a quick freshening up (let's face it, time travel isn't exactly known for its pampering aspects), we were ready for the grand night at the Royal Opera House. We made our way into the bustling theatre (the theatre then had a far different appearance than the grand opera house we know today). All eyes were on the stage, which, much like today's stages, brimmed with a certain aura of anticipation. It was quite a buzz.
As the music swelled, I was immediately transported into the drama of the performance, which included enchanting waltzes and graceful, though not as dynamic, jumps as you would find in a modern performance. The costumes were dazzling, all layers of silk and brocade, shimmering in candlelight and the colours, vibrant as if the fabric itself was bursting with life! Imagine – the first ever time ballerinas donned silk tutus (perhaps a far simpler, but equally elegant design to what we see today!), with a cascade of vibrant colour. My imagination, fueled by the romance of the evening, practically danced a jig!
The performance, it turned out, was the "Court Masque" which, quite honestly, blew me away. The storyline wasn't strictly ballet, it was a playful dance interspersed with poetic dialogue and extravagant scenery. Imagine my delight! I mean, it was ballet history in the making, folks. I practically cried happy tears!
My rucksack, I tell you, is overflowing. I've been adding sketches from my little notebook to my ever-growing collection of ballet costumes and dance moves from each period I visit. And this time, well, let me tell you - this time it was magic! My trusty sketchpad is filling up with designs of magnificent tutus, flowing silken garments that truly inspired my artistic side.
But more importantly, this journey to the Royal Opera House reminded me just how deeply rooted this art form truly is. I am more than a dancer. I am an historian of dance, a passionate guardian of a timeless story told through leaps, turns, and expressive movements.
Speaking of art, did I tell you about my fabulous new pair of pink opera gloves? They are to die for! A little nod to that wonderful 17th Century style! They go perfectly with my favourite, oh so chic ballet flats - all in that fabulous shade of pink, of course! I also picked up a truly delightful embroidered lace fan, the perfect accessory for a truly elegant look! You see, my darlings, a girl has to have a touch of glamour wherever she travels!
So, what are you wearing to your next ballet performance? Remember, a little pink never hurts! If you have any questions about my adventures, feel free to drop me a line in the comments below.
Now, off I go. Next month's destination is…wait for it… Paris! And trust me, I'll be sharing the ultimate in haute couture, ballerina style, so you can truly live out your Parisian dreams!
Bisous,
Emma xx
