Hello dearies! It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another exciting journey through time, all while sporting my favourite shade – pink! Now, gather ‘round my virtual fireplace and get cosy in your pinkest tutu as we head to… 11th November, 1814!
Today, my trusty steed, the fabulous Magic Meg, a sparkling pink Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane, took us on a truly remarkable voyage through the centuries! I was so excited to wear my new pink tutu, hand-sewn with delicate silver sequins, that I could barely sit still. You see, this was not just any journey through time. This was all about a special ballet date!
My latest obsession is the early nineteenth century ballet. Just think of those extravagant costumes, those daring poses, the pure theatricality of it all. It's just utterly enchanting! And my travels always get more glamorous thanks to the lovely finds I manage to secure with each trip - imagine a collection of ballet shoes, costumes and programmes from different historical periods. You’ll find them all, safely nestled in my leather rucksack. It's quite a treasure trove of balletic brilliance, all ready for display on my fabulous website www.pink-tutu.com!
Now, as we galloped into the foggy November morning of 1814, I knew it was a date to be savored. It was the day Marie Taglioni, the most famous ballerina of the era, graced the Parisian stage with her exquisite performance. Her talent was, and still is, legendary! Just picturing her soaring through the air in her wispy white tulle dress, and yes, even a pink-tinged tutu at times, I was already swooning!
Stepping back into the past is truly the best part of my job. Just picture it: the Parisian Opera House, so majestic, its chandeliers glittering with countless candles. It's pure magic, with every gasp of wonder from the audience sending chills down my spine. I was completely captivated, watching Taglioni's performance of "La Sylphide". She danced like a whisper of wind, light and elegant. I just knew this was a moment that would forever be etched in history.
I managed to sneak into the theatre in 1814 wearing my beautiful new pale pink silk gown – with a delicate pink feather boa, of course! It's funny, as even then, my love for pink was quite evident! You’d be surprised how well it fits in with most historical periods – a little pink, just makes it a little bit more glamorous.
After the performance, I wandered through the enchanting streets of Paris. Everything was buzzing with activity - fashionable ladies swathed in elaborate gowns, carriages rolling by, the air filled with laughter and music. Even the bustling Parisian cafes were filled with the gentle hum of conversation and clinking teacups.
I made sure to visit some of the most famous dance studios in Paris at the time, soaking up all the ballet culture and chatting with fellow dancers about the upcoming season. Even though fashion in dance has evolved considerably, their passion and dedication were truly inspiring. I loved hearing stories about their lives and their struggles, as it made me appreciate even more my love of this wonderful art form.
However, time waits for no ballerina, and I knew it was time to head back to the safety of my Derbyshire home. But before I departed, I couldn’t leave without finding a truly unique ballet keepsake. And guess what, I found just the thing! An old, antique French dance book, printed on thin paper, with a delicate pink rose painted on the cover. This is going straight to my ballet library. You see, there is no detail too small when it comes to collecting, and I’m determined to amass an incredibly rich and diverse collection of ballet paraphernalia from all around the world.
And this is my promise to you - I will continue sharing all these incredible journeys through time with you each month!
Until next time,
Emma x
P.S. If you are like me and love all things pink, and can't wait to find out more about this special time period in ballet, don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for the latest ballet fashion tips, interviews, and stunning visuals from the ballet history timeline. You’ll see!
P.P.S Don’t forget to check out our shop on www.pink-tutu.com where you can find pink tutus in every style and colour. After all, a ballet outfit, and a pink tutu, are all you need to create your own dance story.
P.P.P.S Did you know that 11th November is also the International Day of Ballet! Yes, a day dedicated to the magic of this wonderful art form. You know where I’ll be - on my pink tutu wearing my favourite dancing shoes. You are invited too, of course. So go on, make a joyful, happy dance to the sound of your favourite melody - pink tutu, and all!
