Hello my darling dears! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things ballet, time travel, and pink (did I mention the pink?). It's September 9th, 1795, and oh my, what a whirlwind of a day it's been! I feel like I've stepped into a scene from a Jane Austen novel – so elegant, so full of wit, and frankly, so delicious to watch.
But before we get into the details, let me introduce you to my travelling companion – Magic Meg, my dazzling pink shire horse with her sparkling coat, golden hooves, and magnificent white mane and tail. Meg truly makes travelling through time a joy! I don't think I could manage it all on foot – not with my ever-growing collection of ballet trinkets tucked safely into my leather rucksack. (It's a real treasure trove of silk scarves, theatre playbills, and ballet shoe buckles! Imagine all the wonderful ballet history stories it holds!)
This time, we've landed in the heart of London. Oh, what a bustling city! And, of course, the ballet scene is alive and kicking. My trusty notebook (always tucked in my pink satin purse) tells me that the King's Theatre is the place to be tonight for a grand performance of "The Prisoner", a ballet by Charles D'Albert. You'll be surprised to hear it’s not just ballet on the program. There's some theatre too – the dancers are performing amidst scenes featuring Shakespeare’s "The Merry Wives of Windsor." This is pure genius – a mash-up of classical music, stunning ballet and good old Shakespeare. What’s not to love?
Speaking of mashups, let's talk fashion. The era of powdered wigs and silk brocades is upon us, and dear reader, what elegance! I'm completely enamored with the dainty bodices, the full skirts and, of course, the ballet shoes, made with so much delicacy and detail. A ballet shoe has to be the most beautiful footwear in the whole world. Especially when you consider how many different kinds of pointe shoes we see over the ages!
On that note, allow me to share my most recent vintage find, discovered amongst a pile of forgotten garments in a local antique shop. A pair of white satin ballet shoes from the late 18th century, so pristine and delicate. I’ve had to pay a hefty price but oh, the stories these tiny shoes whisper! Each tiny, stitched rosebud, each meticulously crafted buckle – they whisper of a dancer, of grace, of the stories etched on every cobblestone these little shoes walked upon!
Of course, with fashion on my mind, I couldn’t resist a little indulgence at London’s finest millinery shops. Imagine my delight upon discovering a blush-pink ribbon, just begging to be fashioned into a magnificent bow for a tutu. And then – the ultimate treasure – a collection of satin fabric swatches! I mean, my dear, these shades of pink… simply divine. My collection of tulle just isn't complete without a dose of that blushing pink – so I shall be whisking them back to my time with much glee!
And now, a little word on today's world of ballet. It’s amazing how even now, these themes of love, loss, and joy are woven into the very fabric of our contemporary ballets! There's nothing quite as thrilling as seeing a performance unfold, the dancers captivating the audience with every twirl and leap. It’s no wonder the ballet has had a magnetic hold on audiences for centuries.
My dear readers, the world of ballet is a vibrant tapestry woven with history, fashion, art, and most importantly, passion! From the dazzling ballerinas in powdered wigs to the modern-day stars taking center stage – we're all connected by this extraordinary art form!
As always, remember my dear readers, a pink tutu is the most fabulous statement you can make. Keep spreading that love and keep dancing, darling! See you next month, and remember, it’s always Pink Tutu time!
Yours always in Pink,
Emma
PS: Have you fallen in love with a pink tutu today? Don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com and share your passion for this extraordinary art form!
