Hello lovelies! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another magical ballet time travel adventure. As always, I'm wearing my favourite pink tutu, and my trusty steed, Magic Meg, is pawing the ground impatiently, ready for our journey! This month, we're taking a trip back to May 5th, 1818. Can you believe it, darlings? 1818! It was a time when the world of ballet was blossoming in so many exciting ways.
Now, picture this: a beautiful May morning. The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and birds are singing their hearts out. As I saddle up Meg, her pink-sparkling coat catching the morning light, I can't help but feel a giddy excitement building within me. This trip is extra special as it marks a landmark moment in the world of ballet history. I simply had to see it for myself!
Now, I know what you're thinking - a pink tutu in the 19th century?! Oh, darling, I have just the thing in my rucksack. A collection of beautiful fabrics, some silk and tulle, of course, in delightful shades of pink! This allows me to blend in whilst still looking utterly fabulous. I think my 1818 persona might be called "Rose" this month – rather romantic, don’t you think?
As we arrive in London, the bustling heart of England, I can't help but marvel at the carriages, the ladies in their beautiful gowns, the elegant gentlemen, and the charming cobbled streets. The excitement really ramps up as I hear the sound of a brass band playing a lively tune, drawing me towards a grand theatre. This is it, the Royal Opera House! I know there is something special waiting for me within its hallowed halls!
"The Last Days of Pompeii"
This magnificent opera house, one of the most revered in the world, is about to premiere a work called "The Last Days of Pompeii". I’m not going to lie, lovelies, I am so, so excited! You see, this was no ordinary ballet, but a ballet pantomime! Yes, a ballet mixed with a dramatic theatrical spectacle complete with costumes, music and story. Imagine a thrilling narrative of love and loss set against the backdrop of Pompeii's dramatic volcanic eruption. The idea of such visual grandeur sent chills down my spine – and no doubt a tear or two trickled down my cheeks.
It seems the story centres around a Roman nobleman, his beautiful love, and an earthquake followed by a devastating eruption. A passionate young ballerina takes on the lead role, demonstrating astonishing leaps and turns! And just like my ballet fashion musings, she had stunning, vibrant costumes inspired by ancient Rome – all the more enchanting with hints of ruby, sapphire, emerald and, of course, pink!
Dancing Around the World
But the 19th century was much more than just England, lovelies! Oh no, ballet was dancing its way around the world. Think Paris, home to the esteemed Opéra Garnier – another jewel of theatre! In Russia, where the Imperial Ballet flourished, ballerinas were dancing with passion and grace. It’s not only in theatre performances, lovelies, but the ballet world extends even further – to beautiful performances on the streets. Oh, how I wish I had a time machine to see them all!
My rucksack overflows with snippets of ballet history – inspiring stories of ballet dancers, ballerinas and choreographers who dedicated their lives to pushing boundaries and making the world a more beautiful place through their artistry. I long to tell you all about them! And of course, I cannot resist collecting more fabric snippets for my collection, remembering each special moment with a piece of history for my Pink Tutu blog.
A Ballet Fashion Bonanza!
1818 is truly a time capsule for fashion inspiration, too! While tutus as we know them didn't become ubiquitous until much later, ladies' dancing attire had exquisite details that left me in awe! I was mesmerised by silk gowns with cascading ruffles, ribbons and bows in elegant tones of pink. Oh my goodness, it is simply too much to take in! I can’t wait to return to my Derbyshire home to design my own little collection inspired by the ballet fashion of the 1818 era. Imagine a pastel pink tulle skirt, adorned with dainty pink flowers and elegant satin ribbons! A true masterpiece, darling!
The Magic of Sharing the Pink Tutu Love
I truly believe that pink tutus are magical! They bring a touch of enchantment and beauty to the world, don't you agree, my lovelies? But beyond the mere fashion, I see a deeper meaning in pink tutus. For me, they represent freedom, expression, and the joy of movement. They inspire confidence, strength, and grace. So, remember my dear readers: always feel free to express yourselves, and never be afraid to embrace a little sparkle! You are amazing, unique, and absolutely captivating!
That's it for this month's trip, lovelies. It’s time to climb aboard Meg’s gleaming, pink saddle and bid farewell to 1818. I'm sure we'll be back soon to share more fabulous moments in ballet history! In the meantime, be sure to follow me on Pink-Tutu.com! I'll be updating with all my latest finds and my own special ballet designs, inspired by the past! Until then, remember to dream big, dance with passion, and spread the pink tutu love.
Emma xx
