Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballerina, back with another dazzling dose of history! This month, I'm taking you all the way back to April 4th, 1821, to witness a world brimming with creativity and exciting new developments.
Meg and Me - Back in Time!
As usual, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, transported me with a flourish through the shimmering time portal. It’s incredible how smoothly we navigate through centuries, and her glistening pink coat makes her such a remarkable sight in any time period. I must say, a sparkling Shire with golden hooves always attracts a bit of attention, especially amongst the carriage horses!
Parisian Panache and Passionate Performances!
We arrived in Paris, the heart of ballet. This month, my little rucksack was brimming with French ballet lore - did you know that this is the year where Charles-Louis Didelot's 'La Fille Mal Gardée' was revised and debuted in Paris, making it the most well-known and widely produced ballet it remains today! This adaptation included a much larger cast, some fantastic choreographic pieces, and introduced a brand new story - the first time that we see Lise and Colin as peasant characters! I mean, I just can't get enough of this adorable love story. It really shows the depth and beauty of ballet as an art form that can truly bring audiences into the world of the characters. I am definitely going to add a 'La Fille Mal Gardée' to my ballet programme this month. You wouldn't want to miss it, dear readers! And did I tell you, I found the most gorgeous pink costume on display in one of the costume houses - oh my goodness, a real French inspiration for my ballet tutu collection!
Revolutionary Revelations in Russia
Onwards, then, to St. Petersburg! I had to experience the energy and atmosphere here in Russia. As you know, I'm an absolute fan of the grandeur and innovation of the Russian ballet school, and in 1821, St Petersburg was absolutely bursting with creative flair. There is just something in the air that really ignites the passion for the arts!
We witnessed a remarkable production by one of Russia’s most talented choreographers, Carlo Blasis, featuring his unique adaptation of ‘La Fille Mal Gardée'. He really pushed the boundaries of ballet and created some incredible interpretations of the choreography. There’s a captivating grace and effortless charm in the movements that had everyone in the audience absolutely entranced!
Of course, we're all familiar with the 'Russian Revolution' which unfolded around this time. But in 1821, I felt a kind of magnetic energy - like a spark ready to ignite. There was a definite shift happening in society, in the way people thought, in their artistic movements, their artistic expression - even in the world of ballet! It felt powerful!
New Worlds and Tutus!
And as you know, the whole point of time travel is not just about exploring the past - it’s about bringing those stories back and sharing them with everyone! And oh, what stories!
I feel like the past is a treasure trove of ideas for beautiful and elegant ballet designs and I am thinking a lovely Russian inspired ballet in my programme - you’ve got to wait for that one, darlings, until my next trip! It would be wonderful to create a ballet about Russian life and its history and traditions - and of course, incorporate that stunning fashion into my next tutu designs!
My Ballet Love & Passion!
Until next time, keep practicing your pirouettes and don't forget to share your pink tutu inspiration with me on my social channels! And please visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for my exclusive time travel ballet programmes! And, if you’d like to be part of my ballet world, do follow my online ballet journey as a dancer and ballerina time traveller at @emmaspinktutu.
Keep those tutus twirling!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
