Hello darling ballet bunnies! Itās your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in the past. This month, Magic Meg (my trusty steed and best friend, remember? Sheās a pink sparkling shire with a mane and tail as white as fresh snow, golden hooves and a spirit to match ā whatās not to love!?) galloped us all the way toā¦drum rollā¦ Vienna! Austria!
And yes, I'm wearing my most fabulous pink tutu, naturally. Just imagine, swirling amongst the beautiful Austrian waltzes in this exquisite, shimmering garment ā truly the height of elegance!
So why Vienna? Why, because, my dears, on 11th November 1810, the Teatro alla Scala (better known as āLa Scalaā, one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world) had a truly grand opening night, featuring the first performance of Gioachino Rossini's āLa pietra del paragoneā! You know I canāt miss a chance to see whatās happening in the world of theatre! And La Scala, that La Scala ā what a gem!
Now, this beautiful building wasnāt all that new at the time; it actually opened its doors in 1778, but after a fire, it had to be completely rebuilt, much like the majestic phoenix. The Emperor himself (that would be Francis I of Austria, darling!) decided it was a perfect opportunity to commission a new faƧade. Oh, the sheer beauty of it, and what a spectacular sight! The architect, Luigi Canonica, was at his peak with this Neoclassical design, and the sculptures are just divine. This whole spectacle took six whole years to complete - think of the artistry!
The performance itself was an extravaganza. My goodness, did it feel different being back in that time, in that opulent setting! Such grandeur! Rossiniās opera premiered to thunderous applause and, apparently, caused quite a sensation, even back then! From all accounts, this opera features clever dialogue, beautifully structured ensembles, and an abundance of comedic wit ā very much in line with what I love about Italian opera, darling. And the music, oh my, it truly brought tears to my eyes!
I did love seeing the women of the time and their unique fashions. Can you imagine wearing a crinoline over silk or cotton? So beautifully full and voluminous, a bit like the skirts on the beautiful tutus I collect in my backpack, donāt you think?
Oh! And I even met some lovely ladies during the interval - ladies of high society, you know? One in particular, Baroness von Hā¦, (a fellow pink enthusiast!) was thrilled to share her passion for ballet, explaining the significance of the opening of the rebuilt Scala. Her delight at finally experiencing live performance once again after the rebuild was infectious!
One thing I learnt during my little ballet history research for this trip? 11th November, 1810 was just 10 short years after Viennaās first, well, āofficialā ballet. How wonderfully short that time period seemed! We have been in love with this art for so very long, havenāt we?
Now, I might be jumping ahead in time, but can you imagine, my dears, all those decades ago, seeing the Vienna State Ballet with its breathtaking repertoire of productions? Now thatās a dream! You know Iāll have to visit them next month, wonāt I? And see if I can snag a picture of them in those lovely pink tutus Iām dreaming up, too! (Just for inspiration, of courseā¦ š).
After all, my biggest goal, my darling friends, is to make wearing pink tutus acceptable attire everywhere! And Vienna, my love, you're top of the list for the next phase of my grand tutu-fied world takeover. You know I'm obsessed with spreading the pink tutu love to every corner of the globe - after all, ballet fashion is where it's at, no matter what decade it is.
What a treat it was to witness this wonderful theatre opening, wasn't it? What other milestones in ballet history have you discovered this month, darlings? And please do tell me which of your favourite colours in ballet fashion, pink of course, or another fabulous hue you've been wearing lately! I'd love to hear all about your own sartorial ballet dreams!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com next month for more of my amazing adventures in the world of ballet history, darlings!
Until then, keep your pointe shoes gleaming and your pink tutus twirling!
All my love, Emma x
P.S. Remember my fundraising page for my ballet travels on www.pink-tutu.com? Well, all those wonderful pink tutu performances you come to and the lovely, donations help fund my balletic time-travelling exploits. Thanks so much!
