Hello my lovely ballet darlings!
Happy New Year, everyone! Can you believe itâs already January 1st? I feel like I just finished my New Yearâs Eve celebrations!
Well, today, I decided to embark on a truly magical time travel journey to celebrate the dawn of a new century! My faithful companion, the magnificent Magic Meg â yes, she really sparkles in pink! â trotted us right through the centuries, leaving the frosted Derbyshire countryside behind in a cloud of pink dust. I had a particularly whimsical feeling today that a visit to January 1st, 1799, was going to be a wonderfully elegant affair.
We arrived in London to find a rather frosty but cheerful atmosphere. It was definitely a time for gathering in grand salons and enjoying spirited conversation â but also a time of artistic wonder, as I was soon to discover!
As always, I donned my signature pink tutu for the occasion, feeling a delightful mix of excitement and confidence. I had gathered up all my new-year wishes for good fortune and prosperity, knowing that ballet has the power to inspire and uplift every heart.
I strolled through the fashionable streets of London, my pink tutu billowing in the crisp January air, a beacon of elegance and ballet love. As I ambled down the cobbled streets, I passed several theatres with captivating names like the âHaymarketâ and âCovent Gardenâ. I was itching to know what delights awaited inside.
A lovely little book shop caught my eye, overflowing with poetry, plays, and essays, and oh my, a whole section dedicated to opera and ballet. I popped inside, and my rucksack suddenly felt incredibly heavy! (Donât worry, Magic Meg will pull its weight today â sheâs got amazing stamina!).
London's Theatrical Treasures:
It turns out that this year marked a truly wonderful new beginning for ballet in London! The famed âRoyal Opera Houseâ was ablaze with theatrical talent â this magnificent venue, boasting stunning architecture and a captivating aura, housed the grandest of performances, which brought London to life with dazzling artistry! Imagine - an array of choreographed beauties showcasing their skills in dazzling gowns. It is easy to see why such performances enchanted London society.
* A Touch of Nostalgia*
To give you a glimpse into this theatrical wonderland, here's what the local newspaper, "The Times", reported for the 1st of January:
"The first ballet of the New Year took place at Covent Garden, and its audience filled the grand theatre to its capacity. They were entranced by the magnificent skill and grace displayed in the delightful piece "L'Amour et Psyche." This spectacular production included not just enchanting dancing but beautiful music and charming scenery."
This exquisite production must have been utterly captivating, I felt a pang of envy. "LâAmour et Psyche," how wonderfully romantic! Oh to be dancing under the gaze of a royal court!
Discovering "L'Amour et Psyche"
Of course, the next order of business was to delve into "L'Amour et Psyche," my rucksack now even more filled! I purchased a precious booklet, its pages delicately bound in a velvety brown cloth. The illustrations depicting scenes of the ballet were simply breathtaking: romantic landscapes, captivating characters, and a breathtaking ballet âpas de deuxâ!
This âLâAmour et Psycheâ must have sparkled with beautiful, flowing movements, evoking love and adventure. As I flipped through the pages, the spirit of 18th century London enveloped me. It was a time when music and dance wove their way into the fabric of life. And guess what I learned? There were even ladies who were trying to open their own ballet schools!
This discovery really inspired me. Ballet was a form of art growing in popularity, attracting aspiring dancers of all ages and backgrounds. I can just imagine these schools brimming with creativity, with students in their delicate ballet shoes, practicing pirouettes and graceful arabesques, as they sought to express their stories through movement! It warms my heart, I promise, even now! I am already considering opening a pink tutu school of dance in my own Derbyshire village. It is only fair that I give something back to the local community â my heart is always so grateful for the wonderful Derbyshire people that make me feel welcome and safe every time I return home from time travelling adventures.
Ballet fashion of the Time
But enough of this, there are so many more fashion notes to take, and oh so many ideas to share! What are you thinking for the first ball of the season? I'm really inspired by the styles of this era. Delicate silk gowns with soft flowing ribbons. Maybe a cascade of lace or a scattering of beads - maybe even a dash of sparkle.
The fashionable ladies of London embraced beautiful ballet dresses! The intricate detailing was enchanting! From frilled bodices to flowing skirts, every piece spoke to an era where femininity was at its peak! It makes my ballet heart dance! Think of a gentle swish as each woman moved across the floor. I just know my ballet skirt would have been perfect for a grand ballroom in London.
This era truly embodied the idea that 'Elegance is a way of life'. The 'Vaudvilleâ style of dress that appeared in ballet and theater costumes â elegant, dramatic and a little bit whimsical - is definitely a source of fashion inspiration for me. And what's more, a touch of pink, or maybe lavender? Yes! Oh, this journey has already set off my mind racing!
New Yearâs Eve at the Theater
I ventured into Londonâs Covent Garden theatre, which was bursting with energy and anticipation, as people of all walks of life streamed in, filled with joy and excited chatter. Imagine the music filling the air, laughter echoing from every corner! I couldnât help myself, I danced my way into the lobby, greeting a few gentlemen with a small bow. You have no idea how quickly their smiles widened, I think a ballerina in a pink tutu is pretty impossible to resist!
But unfortunately, there was no show that night - not a ballet, nor a play. However, the entire theatre buzzed with plans and stories of past productions, each more fantastic than the last. I must admit that as the evening progressed, I really missed being in my ballet studio, working up a sweat. Ballet just seems to have a way of energizing me, even just hearing people chat about it.
Homeward bound with a Heavy Rucksack
My pink tutu ruffled in the crisp winter wind as Magic Meg gently guided us back toward Derbyshire. Her golden hooves tapped rhythmically against the stone streets as I gathered my memories from the day - so many enchanting stories, exciting discoveries and thrilling experiences.
But do not despair my ballet-loving friends. I am back home and eager to share more tales! Next month, we embark on a journey into March of 1900 - I just have a feeling that the magic will only multiply with this next one!
And oh, donât forget! It is a new year â donât forget to keep sharing your pink tutu ideas and stories with me and donât forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com. And, if you haven't already, tell the whole world that you wear a pink tutu too! Let's make it a year full of joy and graceful adventures together, everyone!
Until next month, happy dancing and a heart full of grace!
Emma x
