Hello, my lovely readers! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, and today, we’re off on another adventure! Buckle up your sparkly ballet shoes, grab your trusty feather boas, and prepare to be transported to the heart of 11th November, 1820!
This month, Magic Meg, my fabulous pink Shire horse with the golden hooves and mane like spun moonlight, is taking us back to a time when romanticism reigned supreme in the world of ballet. And wouldn’t you know it, 1820 is positively brimming with ballet delights!
Just picture it: cobblestone streets glistening under gaslight, the scent of roasted chestnuts filling the air, and the elegant rustle of silk and satin as ladies and gentlemen in their finery make their way to the theatre. Ballet was an essential part of Parisian society back then, a grand spectacle enjoyed by all, and I can already feel the excitement building as I envision myself gliding across the stage in my perfectly pink tutu, taking a bow to thunderous applause!
But before we get swept away by the excitement, let’s delve into the world of ballet as it existed on this very date! It's fascinating, you see, to discover how things have evolved and to see the roots of the dazzling world we know and love today.
In 1820, Paris, the heart of the dance world, was pulsating with ballet activity. One of the biggest events at this time was the reign of Marie Taglioni, the ethereal ballerina renowned for her graceful, almost supernatural lightness on the stage. This truly was the age of the ballerina!
Across the channel in England, things were slightly less flamboyant, but the world of ballet was certainly in its prime! We wouldn't have seen quite the same grand performances as those dazzling Parisian balls, but the ballet fever was definitely spreading! There were numerous companies and troupes popping up, from the legendary Sadler’s Wells in London to smaller groups travelling around the country. Even my hometown of Derbyshire might have been fortunate enough to welcome a troupe, imagining those elegant ballerinas taking the stage, just like I do today!
Speaking of troupes, my little leather rucksack, which you may know from past posts, is ready to be filled with more treasures! The 19th century saw the rise of the ballerina as the main attraction, which in my opinion is absolutely wonderful! My favourite ballet book is packed full of stunning portraits of those amazing early dancers! Imagine wearing that sort of glamorous costume, and then going through your steps with absolute precision! Ballet, back then, was really something to behold!
Of course, no time travel adventure is complete without a trip to the theatre, so we're making our way to the Théâtre de l'Opéra, one of Paris's most famous theatres, where you’ll often find extraordinary dance productions featuring world-renowned ballerinas! Now that’s what I call an amazing ballet day out, one I’ll surely be talking about for years to come!
Don’t worry, I've got a little shopping planned too, so keep your eyes peeled on my next blog post for the ultimate pink tutu shopping extravaganza in Paris, the birthplace of couture fashion, back in 1820!
But until next time, darling readers, may your twirls be full of joy and may your hearts be filled with the pure magic of ballet. And remember, everyone looks fantastic in a pink tutu!
Until then, you can find me at www.pink-tutu.com where I upload all of my time travelling ballet posts for you! Happy Dancing,
Emma
P.S. This is Post Number 1919, and I will be adding more photos and a short video blog to this page within the week.
