Hello my darling dears! It's Emma here, back with another thrilling tale from my adventures in time! March is absolutely flying by - where did February go?
Anyway, I just had the most incredible experience, flitting through time with my gorgeous pink sparkle pony Magic Meg. Today, we landed on the 3rd of March, 1813! Now, that date may not immediately spring to mind when thinking about ballet history, but let me tell you, it's packed with little treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Right, imagine it, darlings: Picture a London still shrouded in the lingering chill of winter. The streets are slick and grey, but just around the corner from Covent Garden is a hub of activity - the Theatre Royal, buzzing with excitement. They’re just about to launch a brand new season, a symphony of lights, laughter, and music that promises to sweep away the winter blues.
We sashayed our way inside – Magic Meg (a real showstopper in her pink sparkle outfit, naturally) waits patiently outside. Inside, I am surrounded by elegant gentlemen in their finest suits, beautiful ladies adorned in silk gowns and sparkling jewels. The air thrummed with a delightful buzz of anticipation. It wasn't just any play, my loves, this was an operatic ballet called "La Zingara" (which literally translates as "The Gypsy Woman") - now you see why I just HAD to go, don’t you?
Now, "La Zingara" might not sound super exciting now, but you see, darling, it was groundbreaking at the time. This was early romantic ballet, remember, full of daring stories, wild passions, and costumes that would send shivers down your spine (not necessarily in a good way)! Think flowing silks, intricate headdresses and, of course, all sorts of wonderful, expressive gestures. The most sensational detail? The role of “La Zingara” herself was danced by the absolutely sensational Mademoiselle Bigottini.
Oh my! She was such a whirlwind on stage, captivating the audience with her nimble feet and expressive grace. The very air crackled with energy as she moved! Honestly, she is an inspiration to us all, a shining example of how one woman's strength, grace, and dedication can captivate an entire audience!
While I was there, my dears, I managed to nab a little peek backstage, a sneak peek into the magic that happens before the curtain rises! There, in that swirling ballet whirlwind of rehearsals and quick costume changes, was Carlo Blasis, a choreographer who, well, shall we say was rather controversial. But I’ve discovered some fascinating tidbits about him, like his passion for teaching ballet technique - all the moves that dancers learn today can be traced back to him! You could say he was one of the founding fathers of the way we dance today, my dears. It was so lovely to get a glimpse of this ballet history in the making!
Speaking of the magic of ballet, what was really extraordinary about this particular performance is the role it played in the development of ballet history in Britain. See, prior to "La Zingara," the Theatre Royal was known for producing very serious dramas. They were, you see, trying to distance themselves from what was known as "The English Pantomime", an earlier form of entertainment that involved elaborate sets and exaggerated, comical performances - more of a theatrical romp, shall we say, compared to the grace of classical ballet!
Now, let me tell you, a serious drama it was not! The audiences absolutely adored “La Zingara” with its captivating plot of romance, tragedy, and dramatic choreography. You know me, I'm always a fan of a good love story! And they all cheered for Mademoiselle Bigottini's beautiful movements and passionate dancing! This performance, my loves, was a turning point. It ushered in a new era for the Royal Theatre, shifting its focus towards ballet and opening a new world of artistic expression.
Imagine the thrill of being part of that change, feeling the power of those dancing steps and stories transforming a theater, an audience, and a nation! I just love these snippets of time travel, finding these fascinating hidden gems within ballet history. It makes me truly appreciate the art form that continues to flourish today!
Oh, my loves, one last detail, just for you - I always like to pick up a bit of something special when I visit the past, something to bring back and keep tucked in my leather backpack. I happened upon the most exquisite ballet slippers in an antique shop. They're worn down with time and faded with use but have the most delicate and feminine satin bow, which I simply had to take home. I wonder whose nimble feet they were meant to grace on stage? The sheer joy of knowing a ballerina's history, her stories of passion, of dedication, all carried in this little gem is quite something, you see! I am so grateful for the power of time travel, to learn and connect with the beautiful history of our dance form!
Oh, but before I dash off for my ballet class (got to keep myself in shape for those adventures!) let me tell you what I am excited about this month! First off, we have the opening night of the new production of Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House. The sheer elegance and storytelling of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a treat we mustn't miss! I'm so excited to see it - how stunning the costumes are! I simply can't wait.
But darling dears, that's not all. You'll be wanting to be there for the spectacular ballet season in Derbyshire! I heard whisperings of a brand new choreography being unveiled this month, and I can hardly wait! Remember, you can see all the best performances on my new site, www.pink-tutu.com! I am keeping a calendar of the best shows to see across the globe, all in one place!
So, stay tuned, darling dears, and don't forget - every single one of you can wear a pink tutu. Let's make the world a little bit more fabulous, one twirling pink tutu at a time!
Until next month, darling dears!
Love, Emma.
P.S. Remember to visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com and let me know about your own adventures!
