Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another thrilling adventure from the world of ballet history. October is my favourite month - it’s the season of swirling autumn leaves, cosy nights, and…well, honestly, it’s just a fab time for ballet!
This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, and I have galloped through the centuries to land on the 10th of October 1801.
Let me tell you, this time jump was truly magical. We left the hustle and bustle of 21st century Derby behind us, and arrived in London, just as the sun was setting over the Thames. The cobbled streets were busy with people returning from their day’s work. And oh my, the fashions! I swear, my leather rucksack (I'm such a vintage fashion girl!) just bursting to be filled with the stories and designs of these beautiful outfits. I'm sure the 1800s were not short on grand style.
You’d never believe it, but it wasn’t even ballet that drew me to this time. It was a fascinating twist of fate - and a ballet. This particular date holds a special place in history because it’s the birthday of …drumroll please… the renowned composer Charles Gounod. His opera music later went on to inspire a very well-known balletic work that I adore and I can't wait to tell you all about! But more on that later...
My dear reader, have you heard about the Parisian Ballet Opera, The Opéra de Paris, on this very day in 1801? This historic place was literally alive with artistry and dance. If I could only time travel with a time machine, I’d have loved to be in their midst.
Now, remember that amazing dance craze called La Danse that took over the world years ago? You know, all those adorable costumes - with the panniers and the ringlets? Well, 1801 was in the heart of it, and I'm guessing it was quite something to behold! I'm sure those elegant ladies had the most wonderful moves - they probably taught their children to move like this too! And how lovely is the idea of all the elegant and glamorous women together - enjoying the social side of ballet! I can just picture it... the graceful pas de bourree , the captivating pirouette all on display… such a joy! It just fills my pink-tutu-loving heart with joy.
If you think those performances weren't amazing, think again! This particular day also marked the debut of the great Marie Taglioni - and, trust me, dear reader, that is an event worth remembering! As we speak, she’s captivating audiences with her grace and agility, showing off some amazing new ballet moves, and becoming the talk of the town with her captivating dance. (Just imagine all the amazing tutu costumes and dances!)
Of course, being a fashion enthusiast, my rucksack has to include all the things that a true ballerina in 1801 needed! I imagine she might have had a bit of a difficult time getting the perfect fit - as they did back then. That said, their corsets and delicate layers had such grace - and glamour .
My lovely pink-tutu-loving reader - I think my words have truly transported us to 10th October 1801, right? Aren't these time jumps magnificent! The story of ballet has so much history to explore and learn - and to celebrate!
Don’t forget - my time travel blog will be here each month, ready for your next dose of pink-tutu adventures. Stay fabulous, darlings, and never forget that ballet truly can take you anywhere you want to go - even back in time.
