#BalletHistory during 1821 08 August

Hello, my lovely dancers! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another whirlwind adventure. August has been absolutely jam-packed with beautiful ballets and stunning shows! This month, I whisked myself off to the year 1821 on my trusty steed, Magic Meg, the pink-sparkling shire with golden hooves who always knows just where to gallop. (Seriously, she's quite the star! Her sparkly pink coat always causes a stir amongst the horses.)

Anyway, I’ve been absolutely swept away by the world of ballet in the early 19th century, and trust me, you won't believe what I’ve discovered!

Let’s delve into this magnificent August 8th, 1821:

Imagine this: London, a buzzing city where gas lamps illuminate the cobblestone streets, and elegant ladies glide by in their silks and lace. That’s where I found myself on this particular date. The highlight of my journey was definitely the grand opening of the King’s Theatre, later to become Her Majesty’s Theatre! Can you believe that this iconic building was just brand new in 1821?

This new theatre was bursting with all things dazzling, like the shimmering chandelier, the plush velvet seats, and – the pièce de résistance – the beautiful ballerina Marie Taglioni! Imagine my joy – a true ballet legend in the flesh! I could practically hear the applause rippling through the theatre as she gracefully glided across the stage in her soft, delicate tutus. I could picture her swirling, turning, and captivating the audience with her every move! Oh, and she was so kind! She even gave me a delightful autograph on my lucky pink tutu for the occasion, now proudly displayed on the inside of my rucksack – right next to the dance shoe worn by another fabulous ballerina.

I had to indulge my shopping obsession, too, obviously! I snagged a truly unique and stunning antique pin from a vintage vendor in the city - a little pink butterfly adorned with sparkling stones, which is now adorning the top of my lovely pink tutu. Absolutely charming, if you ask me!

After that, I decided to dive into a bit of history. I explored London’s ballet scene and learnt that ballet, even though it’s been around for centuries, was undergoing a dramatic transformation back then. They were starting to move away from the traditional, heavy movements and focusing on a lighter, more graceful style. I have to admit, I adored watching this evolution! Just picture dancers like Taglioni, graceful as swans, effortlessly taking to the stage with their light-as-a-feather leaps. Truly magical!

To soak up some more history, I visited the Royal Ballet’s collection in Covent Garden. It's always so exciting to see how much ballet has grown over the centuries! There was a splendid ballet program showcasing the works of those renowned masters of ballet – Louis-Alexandre-Théodore Blangini, Gasparo Spontini and Jean-Joseph Giraud – each contributing their individual genius to the beautiful tapestry that is ballet. They’re a must-see for any ballet enthusiast!

And let’s not forget – it’s all about sharing the love of ballet! I couldn’t resist setting up a little dance workshop with some lovely local girls. It was absolutely heartwarming to watch their eyes sparkle with joy as they discovered the magical world of ballet. One of them even expressed how much she wanted a pink tutu like mine! I can’t wait to watch them grow and dance their hearts out! (Pink tutus definitely inspire the future of ballet, just sayin'!)

Back on Magic Meg, we rode through the English countryside, feeling the wind in my hair as we left London behind. As I watched the world fade into the distance, I couldn't help but feel so grateful. My love for ballet brings me closer to incredible artists, thrilling performances and, of course, those charming pink tutus. I hope I inspire everyone to get out there and embrace their own passions – be it the thrill of a performance, the artistry of dance or the simple joy of a pink tutu. (And trust me, you know that it's absolutely contagious! It’s spreading like wildfire!)

See you next month, my fellow ballet lovers!

• Emma [www.pink-tutu.com]

Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, the place where pink tutus reign supreme! Let’s all embrace this whimsical side of life! 😉 💖