Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and it’s the first of January 1787 – can you believe it? A whole new year, full of exciting adventures and the promise of fabulous ballet.
I’m here in London, and it’s quite the spectacle, I tell you! The streets are abuzz with activity, everyone dressed in their finery for the new year. My little Magic Meg is pawing the ground impatiently – she’s a little giddy from the festive atmosphere, all the jingling bells and the scent of sugared almonds. And I don't blame her. It’s impossible not to feel a little bit joyful on a day like this.
Of course, no New Year's Day would be complete without a visit to the theatre! And oh my, what a treat awaits! It seems that the London stage is ablaze with excitement, boasting no fewer than five ballet productions tonight!
Imagine! My lovely Magic Meg is pawing her way towards the King's Theatre in the Haymarket, and oh my! Apparently, the very talented Madame Hilligsberg, who hails from a little corner of the world known as Germany, is dancing in “La Fille Mal Gardée.” Fancy that! A ballet full of beautiful costumes, delightful characters and, from what I've heard, hilarious, well, shall we say 'eccentric', dancing that truly captures the spirit of country life. The best part? She dances in this production with a delightful Mr. Desnoyer, whom, as it turns out, was once a very, very talented ballet master for the Parisian Opera – how fabulous is that!
Next on the bill is “L'Amour A la Mode,” with a particularly stunning performance from Mademoiselle D'Aubigny, another darling who’s been wowing Londoners with her graceful movements and captivating stage presence.
Now, if I had more time I'd stay at this fabulous theatre. Oh dear, my leather rucksack, oh it's so bursting, with these amazing new bits of ballet treasures and anecdotes! Oh, I'm in a muddle. There is just so much history to glean from this place. The ballet performances are delightful, and the stories about the dancers and choreographers truly bring the past to life. This is a ballet heaven, if ever I did see one!
Just then, the grand dame, the Royal Opera House, calls to us! Magic Meg snorts excitedly as I navigate us towards its towering grandeur. It seems that the prestigious King's Theatre at Covent Garden has a most impressive show of its own – “Le Carnaval de Venise” , where the Italian and English styles seem to mix wonderfully. What a treat to see! I wonder if they even use a few tutus. Hmmm...
The grand theatre, my darlings, is a whirlwind of excitement, brimming with elegant ladies in silk gowns, the gentlemen in fine breeches and powdered wigs, the sound of conversation mixed with excited murmurs, the soft tinkle of jewels... The whole atmosphere is electrifying! And, imagine, amidst this magnificent bustle, my lovely Magic Meg and I stand tall in our bright pink and my new, even brighter fuchsia tutu! It was a custom design by a dear local milliner, and Magic Meg has a new silk sash which ties the golden tassels on her saddle.
Ah, you see! I believe I must spend more time here in the theatre, for I must explore its grand backstage too. For you know that my favourite pastime, apart from dance, is a good behind the scenes scoop, and of course, the gathering of the little gems and curiosities, the costume, jewellery and fashion treasures that tell a story. I feel it's more than necessary that they grace the shelves of my studio in Derbyshire and the stories must make it to my website!
My dearest readers, you should know I feel so proud to be alive during such an exciting era. Just think, in these halls, dance icons like Mademoiselle Noverre are shaping a new and daring style of ballet, paving the way for the breathtaking ballets that continue to enthral audiences across the world. Their stories are a source of boundless inspiration to me!
We’ll be back next month, my dears, with even more fabulous ballet adventures. Until then, keep your tutus pink, your spirits bright, and never forget the power of dance!
Lots of love,
Emma x
P.S: Have you tried the latest ‘pink-tutu’ look? Oh, it's so cute, just add a pink silk hat to any pink outfit. Just don't ask my Meg, she's not a fan! Oh! She is so cheeky today, she snorts! Oh the whimsical fun.
