Hello, my darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where history meets tulle and pink is always in bloom! It’s your favourite ballet-mad, time-travelling, pink-tutu-wearing Emma here, and I'm so thrilled to be sharing my adventures with you again. As always, I’m here to whisk you away on a whirlwind tour of the balletic past.
This month, we’re going right back to the 18th century. Imagine the crisp, wintery air of January 1st, 1796. I'm bundled up in my finest, rose-tinted, silken cloak as I ride my magnificent steed, Magic Meg. With a delicate pink satin ribbon woven through her white mane, and her golden hooves twinkling, Meg shimmers like a dream against the morning snow.
Today, we’re headed to the very heart of Europe: Vienna, Austria, a city practically pulsating with artistry and intrigue! But before I tell you about my adventure, I’m going to share a little secret with you: January 1st, 1796, marked a very special day in the world of ballet, you see… it was the opening night of Mozart's 'The Magic Flute’! Now, I know what you're thinking… "A ballet? But Mozart wrote operas!"
Well, yes and no! This masterpiece, beloved by ballet dancers worldwide, began life as a ‘singspiel,’ which basically means it's like an opera, only with spoken dialogue! But its popularity was so explosive that soon it was given the ballet treatment, and it quickly became one of the most dazzling spectacles of the age!
Now, I simply had to witness this for myself, especially since it was in Vienna! The waltz had already become an Austrian staple at this point, so I was prepared for an exquisite ballet full of romantic grandeur! But, darling, let me tell you, it was SO much more than I could have imagined!
Imagine the stage: shimmering, glittering costumes in every shade imaginable, the soaring music, the drama and theatrics! My rucksack (already brimming with historical gems) was instantly filled with new additions! I’ve acquired sketches of exquisite ballet costumes that even a royal could only dream of, and I got a sneak peek into the rehearsals, witnessing the hard work that went into such a phenomenal show.
But my favourite discovery? A tiny, beautifully embroidered shoe nestled between some notes of the score. Now, you're probably wondering how I managed to snag a ‘relic’ from such an historical piece… well, I might just have befriended a rather glamorous lady of the Viennese court – and oh how I managed to weave my way into a little pre-performance cocktail hour with some truly incredible company! I can’t tell you what secrets I’ve picked up, but just trust me, you’d be astonished to see the goings-on of an 18th century court from the inside!
One of the most breathtaking aspects of ‘The Magic Flute’ was its combination of musical brilliance and theatricality, not to mention its delightful and enduring theme: good versus evil. In the spirit of a true dancer, Queen Maria Theresa of Austria (herself a keen ballet enthusiast!) was a staunch advocate for the production. Imagine, the Queen of Vienna taking a special interest in this amazing, allegorical ballet! The stage, I heard, was truly the Queen’s domain - a vibrant, ever-changing wonderland!
My, my! The beauty of this ballet! It was like something straight out of a dream! I was surrounded by people of every rank, and I swear, even those stern, imposing gentlemen seemed to have their own secret twirls and flourishes tucked away. Every single performance, every stage flourish, was steeped in an absolute reverence for this genre of theatre, and that makes it all the more special, doesn't it?
The spirit of ballet, you see, doesn't belong to a single point in time – it's a vibrant flame that burns through generations, evolving and captivating the world! But oh, I am drifting off into my own daydreams... back to the pink tutu at hand. Now, darling, I must tell you, seeing ‘The Magic Flute’ in its 18th-century grandeur was an experience I will cherish forever. It solidified why I'm so in love with ballet! The power, the beauty, the expression – it's all there in every step!
Now, you might be thinking: what's next on my pink tutu travels, Emma? Well, as always, I’m on a mission, darling. My ultimate dream? To bring the world back to the power and beauty of ballet – and I want everyone, and I mean everyone, in a pink tutu!
What do you say? Time for a little ‘Magic Flute’ inspired twirl! If you find yourself dreaming of pink, sparkling tulle and glorious musical enchantment, join me on my adventures next month for another foray into the magical history of ballet!
Until then, keep those pink tutus spinning and those imaginations soaring!
Yours,
Emma xx
