Hello fellow twirling enthusiasts! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, bringing you another peek into the world of ballet history!
This month, my magical steed, Meg, the pink-sparkling shire with golden hooves, whisked me all the way back to 12th December 1812. It's quite the journey, you know, especially since the wind was rather nippy in the Victorian era! But it was totally worth it because today we're talking waltz – the ultimate dance of the time!
I absolutely adore waltz. The flowing skirts, the gentle swaying, the dreamy music – it's just pure magic! I was so excited to find out about the waltzing scene in London, where a fancy-pants gathering called Almack's held dances, much to the gossip of the whole town! The London Courant even wrote about it in detail – imagine!
Meg trotted me right into the centre of it all, and oh my, it was truly a sight to behold. The grand ballroom at Almack's was teeming with elegance. Ladies swirled in voluminous gowns, and gents looked sharp in their top hats and waistcoats. They floated around the room like snowflakes, their movements so graceful, so mesmerising. I just couldn’t help but whip out my little notebook and sketch away – it’s always good practice for my own routines.
Speaking of routines, I also got a glimpse into the rehearsal rooms of the London Opera House. I couldn't resist squeezing myself into the front row for a secret peek! And boy, was I impressed. The dancers – men and women alike – moved with precision and passion, executing intricate steps that had the audience holding their breath. They really made me think about all the hard work and dedication that goes into performing such an incredible art. It really made me wish I could share a piece of my love for pink tutus with the dancers of that era! I reckon those romantic ballet tutus would have been the perfect look for a waltz!
Anyway, after soaking up the waltz magic, I packed up my ballet goodies – a vintage opera glass, a programme with the show details, and even a beautiful velvet slipper – for my rucksack. Each item carries a tiny piece of ballet history that I'm sure to share in the future. And just when I thought I couldn’t possibly be any happier, I spied a charming lady with an exquisite embroidered fan, carefully tracing the patterns on its paper. She seemed so delicate, like a porcelain doll come to life. And wouldn't you know it, she shared some fantastic gossip with me – about the new ballet company called The King’s Theatre. The rumours say they’re staging a dazzling production called "La Bayadère" soon, which features the famed dancer Marie Taglioni!
Imagine that, dancing in a ballet company alongside Taglioni! It just goes to show that the world of ballet is ever-changing, and that with dedication and a sprinkle of pink-tutu magic, anyone can become a star!
So, as always, I’m off on another adventure, but I wanted to leave you with this: Ballet history is so much more than just dancing. It's about costumes, fashion, music, stories – it's about all the emotions that bubble to the surface with each twirl and pirouette. And just like my favourite colour pink, it's meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
Now, go put on your favourite pink tutu and waltz your heart out! Until next time, stay fabulous, and remember – Pink Is Always The Answer!
With lots of twirling love,
Emma x
P.S. I'm planning to do a whole post dedicated to ballet fashion in the 19th century! Stay tuned to the Pink Tutu blog for updates. You won’t want to miss it!
P.P.S. Don’t forget, if you're ever feeling like a time travel adventure yourself, check out my upcoming performances! They’re my way of funding these magical escapades, and every performance is filled with enough pink tutus and pirouettes to make your head spin. See you there, lovely people!
www.pink-tutu.com
