Hello lovelies! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another dazzling journey through time, all in the name of ballet, of course! Today we're hopping back to 11th November, 1813, and trust me, you'll be swooning over this ballet escapade.
As you know, my trusty steed, Magic Meg – a vision in pink sparkle with those gorgeous golden hooves and flowing mane – is ready to carry us through the annals of ballet history. This month, we're heading to Italy, the land of passion, pizza… and ballet, of course!
I've always been mesmerised by the grace and drama of Italian ballet, and this trip has me utterly enchanted. Now, we're not talking the modern, contemporary pieces – no, this is the real deal, folks! Picture ballet dancers with incredible stamina and technical mastery, performing in the opulent, candlelit theatres of the time.
On this particular November day, I find myself in the city of Turin, bustling with life and brimming with anticipation. It's the eve of a special performance, and I can practically feel the excitement bubbling in the air!
What could be more magical than watching ballerinas pirouette under a glistening chandelier, their tulle skirts swirling like spun sugar in a dreamy ballet, especially when they are wearing breathtakingly gorgeous tutus?! My heart skipped a beat as I witnessed the sheer talent of these dancers. You wouldn't believe the skill and artistry!
In my rucksack – which, by the way, is made of the finest, softest leather and adorned with exquisite embroidery – I’ve collected some amazing treasures from this era: a faded programme for the night’s performance, a dainty ballet shoe (which, much to my dismay, doesn't fit my feet! Alas, but it's a treasured relic), and a beautifully intricate sketch of a ballerina's costume – think voluminous tutus with layers of intricate fabric and elaborate headpieces! It's a shame they’re not wearing vibrant pinks like I do, but they certainly are very beautiful.
Speaking of which, what I did discover is a secret stash of forgotten pink tutus from the period! I managed to purchase them for a song (or, perhaps, a little melody – see what I did there? He he! And I found a rather lovely piece of pale pink satin that's making me dream of sewing. Who needs a Time Turner when you've got Magic Meg, a passion for pink and a penchant for travel, am I right?
But let’s talk fashion! In the world of ballet, 1813 is a truly fascinating period! With elaborate headdresses, flamboyant jewellery and intricate, flowy garments, it's a time where ballet and fashion truly merged into a breathtaking spectacle. And, believe me, the Italians certainly didn't hold back when it came to their tutus! The skirts were massive, folks! Think yards of tulle, silk, and satin, all swirled and danced with incredible finesse.
Oh, and I’m getting a bit excited about the theatre I visited in Turin - a true palace of beauty! With velvet drapes, gilded frames and chandeliers that sparkled like stars, the whole experience was utterly captivating.
This visit has been a dream, and I am so eager to share all of my adventures with you!
If you are reading this on the 11th of November 2023, I would love to know what you're planning to do to celebrate. And if you are already wearing a pink tutu – let's hear about it!
Don't forget, darling – spread the pink-tutu love! Until next time, happy dancing!
Emma, from Pink-Tutu.com
P.S. Speaking of pink tutus… remember that fab ballet performance I did back in Derbyshire? The profits were astounding, allowing me to make this wonderful trip to Turin! It just goes to show that a bit of pink magic can really change the world… one tutu at a time. And if you want to keep track of all my pink tutu travels, subscribe to the newsletter on pink-tutu.com, and don't forget to send your pictures and thoughts, using the hashtag #pinktutuglobal! I love to hear from you!
