Hello my darling dancers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels!
October has arrived, and with it a crisp, autumnal chill. Even here in Derbyshire, where the air is often a touch brisker than the rest of England, I feel a little nip in the morning air. But nothing, absolutely nothing, can dampen my spirits, because today, my lovelies, we are going back in time!
We are zooming back to 10th October 1734 to see what our ballet world was like centuries ago. Buckle up your dancing shoes, grab a cup of tea, and let’s take Magic Meg, my beautiful pink sparkly shire horse with the golden hooves, on a whirl through history.
I’m thrilled to be posting today, because it marks an important occasion! October 10th is always an exciting day in the ballet world - I mean, it’s just the BEST day, right? Let’s get a little nostalgic. Remember that stunning new pink tutu I got from that divine boutique in Paris last month? You know the one! With the rosebud velvet ribbons, a perfect swirl of feathers around the skirt, and that divine shimmering sparkle on the bodice... yes, THAT one. Today, my loves, I wore it. And I felt absolutely radiant. Because today is a Ballet Tutu Day. Every year, on this date, all of us tutu-loving ballerinas gather at Covent Garden, in my favourite tutu of the season, for the National Tutu Appreciation Parade. It's so much fun! We swirl and twirl, pirouette and plié, all in our fabulous tutus, celebrating everything we love about ballet fashion. The entire city goes wild. Honestly, it’s infectious! This time period has such a vibrant dance scene and everyone is just so excited to see these intricate ballet costumes! The only downside? I didn’t manage to squeeze my favourite pink, sparkly headband into my rucksack - too bulky, and there's only so much space! So I hope it can be squeezed in next month for my Paris trip. Imagine that tutu with my sparkly headband. Now, my lovelies, that is a real show stopper!
The National Tutu Appreciation Parade has been going on for decades and, honestly, I believe it's about time it's adopted around the world! The entire thing, and what it stands for, resonates so deeply with my pink tutu heart. And, with the pink sparkle, of course. So, to everyone at Pink-Tutu.com, this is a shout out! Let's make National Tutu Appreciation Parade an annual affair worldwide, my lovelies!
Back to 1734.
My Magic Meg loves trotting back in time! As we leave the 21st century and race towards the 18th, we pass through layers of time like the softest, most delicate ballet tulle.
We can still feel the breeze and smell the scents of lavender and oak that we usually encounter in my little patch of Derbyshire, but now the cobblestones beneath Meg’s hooves are a little rougher and the streetlights a little dimmer.
The scent of wood smoke lingers in the air, as we hear the clip-clop of horses, the bustle of men selling fish from carts, and the joyful calls of children playing.
As I gaze around me, I can’t help but feel a pang of longing. We live in such a different world, my lovelies! Our modern day world with its concrete and glass might seem shiny and grand, but there's a simple charm and magic to the world that unfolds before me. It's a time before bustling trains and fast-paced, modern life. People live and move at a different tempo.
And the dance?
Oh, the dance is what makes this time truly captivating! This is an era brimming with creative expression and a yearning for new things, where dancers danced, in ways you'd never imagine. They danced in palaces and taverns, their swirling skirts forming whirlwinds of color on the dusty roads and sparks of brilliance against the dimly lit walls of elegant halls.
Today, 10th October 1734, I discovered a little hidden treasure. It's a new dance studio tucked away in a cobbled street. Inside, I watched a group of dancers, their clothes a gorgeous medley of silks and lace, their steps intricate, fluid, and so alive. The music? Oh, my lovelies, I just died for it! Imagine vibrant rhythms that seem to whisper ancient stories through the flute and violin.
I wish I could take you all with me to experience these wonderful discoveries!
After spending some time absorbing all the elegance of this little dance haven, I wandered down a cobblestone street with its beautiful window boxes spilling over with colourful blossoms. I found the most darling antique shop! And inside...oh, darling, inside... was the most perfect tiny ballet doll. A little dancer in a velvet pink costume, with satin ribbons on her shoes and a porcelain face painted with a delicate smile. The dress? You won’t believe this! A tutu! This was a real breakthrough for my vintage tutu collection, and it fitted perfectly in my little leather rucksack. I simply could not leave her behind. I think I might even call her “Pinky,” as she embodies so perfectly my favourite colour!
As always, my travels inspire my heart and soul to bring that creative energy back to my blog and dance classes!
There's something incredibly special about getting lost in time. Time travel is a true passion of mine.
Remember to join me next month, for another pink tutu adventure! It's going to be exciting.
Until then, I leave you with the wish that every single one of you dances with joy, twirls with laughter, and always feels a special spark of magic every time you step onto the stage.
And please, dear friends, please consider starting your own ballet outfit appreciation day - any day will do, but let's get the Tutu Love going!
Your dancing ballerina friend,
Emma ✨
P.S. My new Parisian pink tutu has even found its way to our latest production in the Derby Theater! It’s my secret weapon for winning over the audience. Every time I come out on stage in this fabulous garment, they love it! And with my vintage pink sparkly headband too...ahhhhh, sigh it really does sparkle, my loves, just as I had dreamed it would. We had another smashing night at the Derby, so full of joyous music and exciting choreography, with a touch of vintage flair! If you are ever in Derbyshire, it would be so lovely for you to come visit and take a peek at a show! And please, please send your best tips on ballet shop finds - my search for the perfect vintage ballet bag never stops.
