Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history, fashion, and all things tutu!
It's your favourite ballet blogger, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on a fabulous time-travelling adventure. This month, we're landing on September 9th, 1802! Just imagine it – carriages clattering down cobblestone streets, the scent of jasmine filling the air, and the gentle hum of a waltz echoing in the grand salons!
Now, my darling readers, it’s important to remember that we must tread carefully through time, leaving only a sprinkle of glittery magic dust in our wake. And who better to guide us through the past than my magnificent steed, Magic Meg? This time, her coat shimmered with an extra-special, sparkling pink hue to match the momentous occasion.
Our first stop, as always, was the local ballet theatre – which was no ordinary theatre, no, my dears! We’ve arrived in Vienna, a city practically dripping with elegance and waltzes. Tonight, the hallowed stage at the Burgtheater was about to become a swirling vision of colour and graceful movements – and the star of the show was none other than Maria Anna "Maria" Schröder-Devrient, a name synonymous with brilliance and panache. She is simply the Queen of the Waltz. The woman truly radiates elegance and talent.
Maria was renowned for her graceful, passionate performances, which were described as “exquisite beauty and charming gaiety.” It was impossible not to be captivated by her charisma and technical prowess. She’s a role model for any aspiring ballerina – just look at her effortless grace and impeccable technique! And trust me, I spent a long time observing – you never know what new ballet moves you might pick up on a journey like this!
As the curtains rose, revealing a stage awash in romantic pastel hues, the energy was palpable. I’ve just gotta tell you – this wasn’t your ordinary, staid ballet performance. It was a captivating blend of exquisite movement and captivating storytelling, captivating the audience with its rich emotions. I couldn’t help but be completely entranced – this truly was ballet at its finest! And with each arabesque and grand jeté, Maria effortlessly painted a story on the stage, her grace and artistry as mesmerising as the beautiful sets around her.
My darling readers, the 19th century was a truly fascinating era for ballet! The dancing styles, the elaborate costumes – everything just seemed to be bathed in such a delicate elegance. It’s quite a stark contrast from the ballet we see today – though I have to say, the romantic ballet styles and passionate storytelling are still very inspiring to me!
Speaking of which – guess what I stumbled upon in the National Library of Austria while following a trail of glittering threads? The ballet program from the 1800s - what a treasure trove for this time travelling ballerina! It listed all the different ballet pieces being staged during that period – think beautiful narratives, and elegant pas de deux – each with a captivating story of love, passion, and a touch of magic!
As I meticulously traced each letter in my vintage journal, my heart filled with a deep reverence for the artists of the past. To think, Maria Schröder-Devrient had graced that very same stage just moments ago – how incredible to feel connected to the history of dance in this way! The more I delve into ballet's past, the more I am enthralled by its enduring allure and the legacy it carries.
And of course, what trip into the past would be complete without a little shopping! Vienna was a veritable paradise of silks, lace, and jewels – and the shop windows showcased a kaleidoscope of the most exquisite creations. This, my dears, is a shopaholic's dream! But, let’s get down to business. What I really needed to get my hands on was something special for Pink-Tutu.com’s new ‘vintage ballet style’ collection, a line of tutu inspired fashion pieces, perfect for today’s ballerina on the go! I'm talking ruffled tutus, dainty shoes, and romantic ribbons that can make every ballerina feel like a delicate butterfly ready to take flight!
After carefully examining dozens of shops and vintage dress shops – a most delightful challenge, of course! – I found my perfect piece at a shop run by a charming woman with rosy cheeks and a dazzling smile, hidden away down a cobblestone side street. In the back corner, tucked amongst vintage shawls and silk ribbons, was an exquisite, vintage-style pink satin ballet tutu, absolutely stunning and so incredibly soft, my heart just skipped a beat. I could see the graceful dancers of Vienna waltzing across the stage in it. This piece would be a true gem for Pink-Tutu.com – oh how exciting!
Oh! I have one last secret to share before we journey back to present day.
While sipping tea in the beautiful gardens of the Hofburg Palace – oh the splendid aroma of roses, honeysuckle and jasmine! – I met a young aspiring dancer, Anna. Her dreams, hopes, and ambitions are as vibrant as her youthful spirit. Her passion for dance mirrored my own, and we shared stories and dreams – I even taught her a few tricks of the trade! It filled my heart with so much joy. You see, this is what I love about travelling through time - it’s all about the stories, the inspiration, and the people who breathe life into the art of ballet! We had such a wonderful chat, but unfortunately, as the moon began its journey across the sky, Magic Meg nudged me gently, a gentle reminder that it was time to head back.
Oh, the places we've seen this month! From the elegance of Viennese waltzes to the vibrant dreams of a young aspiring dancer, our adventures have truly been extraordinary. And who knows what awaits us in next month’s ballet travels? But for now, we bid you farewell, darlings, and until our next exciting time travel adventure, remember:
There’s a little bit of ballet magic in every pink tutu.
Now, let’s raise a glass of champagne to our love for ballet, and to the extraordinary journey that is our lives! Don’t forget to check in at Pink-Tutu.com next month for more magical adventures! And, until next time, remember to dream big, dance with joy, and always wear a little pink!
Your Ballet Time-Traveller,
Emma 💖✨
