Hello my lovelies!
It’s your girl, Emma, back from another exciting jaunt through history, this time landing right in the heart of May 5th, 1809. Oh, the fashion! The grandeur! And the stories… they just shimmer and spin like the silk of a beautiful, billowing tutu. Today we’re talking ballet, of course, because that’s what I do! And this time, Magic Meg and I have brought you back to an era where ballet was really starting to bloom. Buckle up, because it's a whirl of exquisite history waiting for us!
This month, I've tucked a few more precious keepsakes into my leather rucksack. Imagine – a hand-drawn sketch of a famous ballerina's costume, a vintage playbill from a dazzling production in Paris, and a tiny porcelain statuette depicting a dancer’s graceful posture.
And oh, let’s talk about this magical journey! The journey begins as usual - a quick flick of my wrist and poof – we're soaring through time on the back of Magic Meg, her pink, sparkling coat catching the golden sunlight. The air smells different - fresh and sweet, almost like a bouquet of pink roses.
Stepping Into History
1809 was a pivotal year for ballet. We're smack-dab in the middle of the Romantic period, where ballerinas were transforming from strict courtly performers into ethereal creatures. Gone were the corseted bodies, replaced by flowing tutus and delicately expressed emotions. Just what this girly girl loves to see!
We landed in the heart of Vienna, a city bursting with musical and theatrical brilliance. Oh, the theatres! The opera houses! It was enough to make any ballet-loving heart leap! I simply had to indulge in a touch of local elegance, and my lovely dressmaker fashioned me the most magnificent pink tulle dress with a frothy pink tutu, inspired by the styles of the era, of course.
I’m a big believer in blending into the historical scene. A true ballerina of my time, so of course I wanted to experience everything in style. It was the year when a legendary ballet dancer, Marie Taglioni, was dancing her first professional roles! We all know what a legend she went on to be. To have seen her move, I bet, it was a sight to behold. Sadly, she didn’t grace the stage until a few years later, but I do love to think she might have been just getting started during my time travel visit. I just know those little pink ballerina shoes of mine would have been tap-dancing with excitement if I'd met her.
Adventures In a Pink Tutu
I simply had to take a turn on the famous Viennese dance floors, my tutu swirling like a fluffy cloud in the glittering candlelight. You see, during this time period, balls and social events were hugely important for high society. Dancing was everything, and to be a ballerina was almost a social status. Can you imagine that, being recognised by your artistry? It truly was a time for dancers to shine, wasn't it?
And speaking of shining, have you heard of the Vienna State Opera? It opened in 1869, well after my visit of course, but during my journey to this year 1809 I was in the building! Well, not the opera house itself, because that was still being constructed, but the area where it is located - a truly impressive site to see! Even in 1809, the atmosphere hummed with excitement - everyone from nobles to the artists whispered about its opening, dreaming of all the dazzling ballets and operatic performances it would host in the years to come. The Viennese waltzes were especially magical, waltzing with the men dressed in their exquisite silk shirts, such beautiful tailoring - my feet would never stop if I was on the floor all night!
And my blog wouldn't be complete without a dash of pink-tutu fashion! You see, pink is simply divine. That is why the pink tutu is the ultimate dance attire - it represents both elegance and grace and captures the whimsical nature of a ballet. So, on the back of Magic Meg, with her white mane shimmering under the moon, and the wind whispering tales of ballet in my ear, I wandered the streets of Vienna. I took in the grandeur of the palaces and strolled past charming shops filled with the finest silks and ribbons, all whispering of an elegance only dreamt of today! I’ve already started my Pink Tutu Collection for this period - with delicate ruffles, ribbons and lace, and of course, a delicate sprinkle of pink glitter!
And because every true ballerina knows a little about theatre, here are some plays that premiered in 1809 that might have been around for my stay in Vienna!
"The Gamester" by George Colman the Younger: A dramatic comedy, exploring the seductive world of gambling. Just the sort of story I might have witnessed in the streets.
"The Slave" by Thomas Morton: The powerful story of a freed slave's journey to find his daughter, which I would love to see brought to life on stage.
I had a truly glorious time experiencing Vienna, its artistry and fashion - such an eye-opening experience. If you have the chance, take a time-travelling trip of your own, maybe just for a weekend, but it's an absolute joy to soak up the sights, sounds and magic of days gone by. And just remember, when you dance, wear your pink tutu with confidence!
Until next time, my dear pink tutu-loving friends!
Emma, Your Favourite Time-Travelling Ballerina
www.pink-tutu.com
Don’t forget to comment and share this post! Join my next time-travelling adventure and let’s make every day a dance with a pink tutu!
