Hey everyone! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, the only blog dedicated to bringing the magic of ballet, fashion, and time travel to your fingertips. It's Emma here, and I'm positively buzzing with excitement to tell you about my latest escapade!
This month, I found myself skipping through the pages of history, arriving at April 4th, 1786, nestled in the heart of London. As always, Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkly Shire with golden hooves, trotted me to the heart of the action. The air was thick with the smell of horse dung and the sound of cobblestones being clattered by passing carriages.
With a twirl of my pink tutu, and a jaunty flick of my ballet shoes, I made my way straight to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This is a building steeped in theatre history β imagine the stories its walls could tell! My rucksack was practically begging to be filled with historical goodies β so I set to exploring.
1786 - The Dance Floor in Focus!
1786 was a bustling time for ballet, with several pieces gaining acclaim across the globe. The Royal Opera House, also in London, was in full swing, featuring pieces by the famous choreographer, Noverre, whose focus on expression and storyline changed the ballet scene forever! I was absolutely thrilled to be in the same time period as such a prominent figure!
Fashion-Forward in the 18th Century!
Of course, I couldn't resist delving into the world of ballet fashion! In the late 1700s, ballet costumes were truly breathtaking - imagine elaborate, shimmering bodices, frills galore, and skirts that swirled and billowed with every move! I made a note to find some of these exquisite fabrics in my next time travel adventure! I could just imagine those swirling, intricate movements showcased by a ballerina of that era in her exquisitely designed costume. My heart just did a little pirouette thinking about it!
I picked up a delightful piece of fabric in the antique shop opposite the theatre - the perfect reminder of my journey. It was a beautiful, hand-woven velvet, a deep ruby colour with flecks of gold woven into its design. You can bet it'll be gracing my very own pink tutu in no time at all! I even had the most delightful little chat with the shopkeeper. Apparently, he is related to a famous theatre designer - isn't that wonderful?! I love when my time travels bring me close to people so intertwined with history.
Time Traveling with Magic Meg!
And of course, it wouldnβt be a Pink Tutu Travels adventure without Magic Meg, my pink, sparkling, golden-hooved steed! She's a little mischievous, especially when it comes to enjoying a tasty apple or two, but she's my constant companion and always takes the best care of me, galloping through time and taking me on the most extraordinary adventures! I honestly canβt imagine doing this all without her! She loves ballet just as much as I do, especially the glittery, whimsical, sparkly kind, I think she feels quite at home amongst my costumes and props!
I'm always trying to find ways to incorporate my ballet passions into my life β from collecting ballet memorabilia and creating fabulous tutus, to visiting beautiful theatre locations, attending stunning ballet performances, and discovering the history of our incredible dance form. This time travel adventure was a dream come true β seeing 18th-century London, its dance, fashion, and fascinating history, has made me yearn for more.
Until next month, remember, a life without pink tutus is just a boring old routine. So twirl with me! And be sure to follow Pink Tutu Travels at www.pink-tutu.com. Keep dancing, and let your spirit shine through every pirouette and arabesque! ππβ¨
*PS: Remember, a donation to support ballet schools and charities for each time travel post gets your pink tutu on! Just leave your favourite pink tutu picture in the comments, I'll pick 1 lucky person, and donate to their choice of ballet-related charity. *