Hello, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your portal to the fantastical world of ballet and its captivating history. It’s Emma here, your bubbly, pink-tutu clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another exhilarating journey! This month, we’re turning back the clock to 8th August, 1812. Grab your ballet slippers, fasten your seatbelts (or rather, saddle up!) because we're galloping through time with my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a dazzling pink shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing mane like spun moonlight.
My backpack is overflowing with treasures – antique dance programs, worn ballet shoes, faded photographs of bygone ballerinas – all carefully preserved to bring you a glimpse of the captivating ballet world from centuries past.
Now, as a proper ballet fanatic, you’ll understand the utter thrill I felt when I landed in Vienna, 1812, right in the midst of a burgeoning ballet scene! And just as I touched down, guess what? I stumbled upon something truly magnificent! The Wiener Staatsoper, Vienna's State Opera House, was brimming with the latest in Viennese ballet artistry, showcasing *the world premiere of Anton Eberl’s delightful "Die schöne Müllerin" (The Fair Miller's Daughter) *, a charming romantic ballet in three acts.
I imagine the air thrummed with the sound of lively waltzes and the audience enraptured by the delicate grace of the ballerinas. Their flowing tulle skirts would have billowed under the crystal chandeliers, like graceful swans gliding across the stage. Now, who wouldn't love a ballet with a fairytale theme?!
Eberl's ballet wasn’t the only dazzling spectacle happening in Vienna. This very month, the famous Carlo Blasis, renowned choreographer, was crafting his legendary Treatise on the Art of Dancing, considered a bible for aspiring ballerinas even today. I practically felt the pulse of the city quicken as these influential figures carved their place in ballet history.
Of course, a time traveller has to indulge in a little retail therapy, doesn't she? Vienna was buzzing with boutiques selling beautiful, fashionable silks, laces, and the finest feathers – perfect for adding a touch of theatrical elegance to a ballet dancer’s wardrobe. Can you imagine, tutus trimmed with ribbons and velvet?
From Vienna, my mind dancing with images of pirouettes and applause, we took off towards London on Meg's spirited back. The bustle of London was a symphony of its own, bustling carriages, gentlemen with their top hats, and of course, bustling theatres showcasing a kaleidoscope of talent.
Imagine the sheer excitement of discovering the theatre world in London, 1812! At Covent Garden, they were hosting a stellar program with a ballet interlude woven into the opera "La Calisto," with a celebrated ballerina named Mademoiselle Parisot taking the stage. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement for this graceful dancer, whose skills would have mesmerized audiences with their precision and poise.
Then, in the charming town of Brighton, a dance extravaganza featuring "The French Fandango" was in full swing! Just imagine, the air pulsating with the vibrant energy of the flamenco and the mesmerising rhythms captivating the audience. Oh, the joyous chaos and electrifying atmosphere! It's easy to understand why the Victorians loved a good show, wasn't it?
Speaking of chaos, Magic Meg wasn't a huge fan of the bustling London streets – much preferring the rolling green hills and peaceful country lanes. And she had her point – why not soak in the serene landscapes of the countryside for a moment? Perhaps admire the gardens blooming with vibrant hues of purple and pink – colours I always consider oh-so-very fitting for my personal style, of course.
Finally, I finished my travels on the peaceful Derbyshire Moors. I walked for miles, admiring the picturesque villages and enjoying a little peace before my journey home to my own little slice of heaven. My trusty leather backpack, filled with historical gems, felt lighter after unloading its stories at the local archives in Derbyshire, where they will be carefully preserved for generations to come.
Oh, before I forget! The inspiration for this post came to me when I stumbled upon a lovely old ballet magazine from 1812, which featured an image of Mademoiselle Parisot in a gorgeous pink tutu. The vision was breathtaking – it reminded me that even way back then, pink was clearly THE colour of ballet!
But enough about my time travel exploits for now – my fellow tutu lovers, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Explore! Research! Be adventurous! Don’t hesitate to let your inner ballerina dance freely. And remember, no matter what anyone says, never, ever stop rocking your pink tutu! After all, the only thing better than a pink tutu is a pink tutu that you absolutely adore wearing!
Till next time, keep on twirling, my dears!
Love, Emma
(Post Number 1820)*
