Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back from another incredible adventure! This month, I journeyed all the way back to 1806! It was a blast, and I have so much to share, from the exquisite ballet costumes of the time to the incredible stories behind them.
11th November 1806 - I galloped through the centuries on my trusty steed, Magic Meg - my sparkling pink Shire with golden hooves and a magnificent white mane and tail - and arrived in the bustling streets of London.
The Ballet Scene: 1806 was a particularly vibrant time for ballet! Imagine, a whole century before my beloved tutus became synonymous with ballet, and yet here we are! Back then, ladies were dancing in long, flowing dresses, some with little silk skirts and panniers. So much effort! And what were they dancing? They had some pretty fancy ballets! Some of the top dancers were Charles Didelot, a Frenchman, who brought in a focus on high-flying jumps and grand gestures, creating a style known as 'le pas de l’Etoile’ or ‘step of the star’, oh my! His contemporary, Henriette de Serre was a ballerina known for her captivating mime work.
My Wardrobe: To blend in (and stay stylish, obviously), I chose a pretty pastel pink silk dress with delicate frills. This was topped with a lace shawl and I tied a pink ribbon through my hair. Oh, and don’t worry - my signature pink tutu stayed tucked safely in my leather rucksack, ready for an impromptu dance at any moment.
Finding Treasures: Of course, a trip to 1806 wasn’t complete without a bit of shopping. I managed to score some exquisite lace trim for my next custom-designed tutu, and I discovered a stunning antique dance fan adorned with a delicate floral pattern that just had to come home with me!
Magic Meg’s Journey: Oh, how I love time travelling on Meg! We galloped past Buckingham Palace, stopping for a glimpse of the new king, George III. I'm not sure I'd want to be king then, it must have been very challenging, with Napoleon always about and a whole war raging against the French. The streets of London were thronging, people bundled up in their warm coats despite the bright November day.
My Favourite Moment: The highlight of my journey had to be witnessing a performance by Madame Hulin, an incredibly talented French ballerina. I got a seat in the front row (yes, even with a horse outside, sometimes it helps to have a time-traveling ballerina on board), and her performance was mesmerising. She moved with such elegance and precision; she literally brought the character she was portraying to life, all through the most stunning and controlled dance.
Fashion, Music, and Storytime: Back at home in my cosy Derbyshire cottage, I’m planning to whip up a new, extra-special tutu using that lace trim from my trip. My studio is bursting with inspiration, and my heart is overflowing with the beauty and grace I witnessed during my adventure. But it wasn’t just about the beautiful dresses, elegant movement and musical delight - it was also about the stories behind those dresses. I saw men wearing powdered wigs and women’s fashions being transformed. A whole new style of performance had started - a style we might consider quite basic compared to our present-day techniques, but their skill was undeniable and their stories worth remembering!
Remember, ladies, pink tutus are more than just pretty garments; they are symbols of joy, creativity, and timelessness. Join me on my next time travel adventure to explore the enchanting history of dance! I hope to inspire you to discover the magical power of movement and to find your own personal joy through ballet!
Catch you next month on www.pink-tutu.com! Until then, dance like no one is watching! 💖🩰
Love,
Emma
