Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, and this month I’m whisking us back to the year 1804! Just imagine – the waltz was just starting to take the world by storm, gaslight was being used for the very first time, and oh my! My favourite ballet dancers would be on stage performing. So buckle up, darlings, we’re in for a treat.
My journey this month, took me straight into the heart of London. Can you believe, a city teeming with such excitement! We’ve travelled by Meg, of course – she’s just the most incredible pink shire with a golden mane and tail – it makes me think of sparkling lemonade. I’m always so thrilled to see the world through her twinkling eyes. Meg’s hooves are golden, you know! The most glamorous travel companions one could wish for.
On this particular December 12th in 1804, London was abuzz! The city is still abuzz today! A flurry of carriage traffic filled the streets, and even though this was a long time ago, people seemed to have such zest for life. And the best part? The Royal Opera House was alive with ballet! Can you picture it, darlings? My heart simply sings with joy to think of it!
I couldn’t resist a glimpse at what was on the stage. Imagine! This night saw La Fontaine d’Amour, performed by none other than Marie-Madeleine Guimard! Just to be in the same room with her – imagine her artistry, her grace, her flair for the dramatic! She even wore the most spectacular feather headdresses that simply looked divine! My favourite piece! Now, I may not have a feather headdress – (mine is more pink-and-sequin-covered – just darling!) But imagine all the conversations I must be having with Marie! I simply had to add some of the gorgeous little flowers that adorn these stage props to my ballet-filled rucksack – just in time to show my granddaughter – She has her own sparkly pink tutu – we share that connection! I can’t wait for the day when I take her with me on one of my Time Travelling ballet adventures!
And can we talk about the fashion, darlings? The gentlemen are in elegant coats and breeches. And the ladies? Such beautiful long gloves, full skirts and delightful little bonnets – everything was so feminine! Now I'm thinking that the ladies could all do with a little dash of pink! Imagine if I brought some pink ballet skirts, maybe a touch of pink ribbons woven into those glorious, thick, shining hair curls… or maybe I should tell you all about that at the ballet-fashion show! The one that happens at The Opera House in Derbyshire! It’s really rather exciting…
I was on the balcony – trying to steal some precious time in my lovely, soft-pink silk shawl – it has such exquisite tiny sequins – like the dew on the grass in the early morning… But that's the beauty of this job – sometimes you’re just as thrilled to observe, watch and learn – as actually being the one on the stage. You can even pick up those stories from a time far gone by in my ballet-filled rucksack.
Let’s move on, darlings! Now that the night has fallen and the waltz is playing… the real world beckons me to return – my magic shire Meg will take us back with the speed of a butterfly’s flight – she just whizzes! And of course – we must talk about all this in my upcoming Pink-Tutu Ballet Workshop in my very own studio in Derbyshire… where, by the way, everyone can buy their own sparkly pink tutu!
It’s always lovely being back in Derbyshire – it’s so homey, a place of such calm – like a little pocket of paradise, surrounded by fields that shimmer like jewels, especially at sunset, which makes you realise how amazing everything is, really! It's such a delight to know everyone else gets the joy from my posts! That means so much to me - because if there's one thing I want to do - it’s inspire others with the magic of ballet! And as I sit here – back at my little desk - surrounded by my latest batch of pink tutus… well, let’s just say I have a lot to tell you next month! You must read the latest on my ballet travel website, www.pink-tutu.com
I'm Emma, your ballet time travelling guide - keep dreaming, keep twirling! And if you haven’t already, buy your sparkly pink tutu - the ultimate symbol of passion and happiness! Let’s see everyone in one! And remember - everyone needs to sparkle. I hope to see you in Derbyshire,
Until next month, darlings!
