Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another dose of ballet history. This month, Magic Meg and I have trotted back to the 12th of December in 1822, and oh my, what a whirlwind it's been! Buckle up, my loves, because this one's going to be a pink-tastic journey!
Now, before we delve into the exciting ballet happenings, let me tell you about our arrival. Magic Meg, my precious shire horse with her gleaming golden hooves and mane the colour of freshly fallen snow, took us right into the heart of London. She is a true marvel, especially considering that we're talking horse-drawn carriages and gas lamps as our mode of transport!
But honestly, isn't London beautiful? All those grand townhouses and cobbled streets, oh, and don't even get me started on the theatre district! I just love the way they have kept their old buildings standing - there's so much character, wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of theatres, 12th December, 1822 saw something quite extraordinary at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Now, you see, in these days, ballet was often just a part of a grand opera or dramatic performance. But that day, there was a whole show dedicated to the art of ballet, featuring an original creation called "The Bridal Rose". Can you imagine! An entire night celebrating graceful movement and elaborate costumes? Now, that's what I call a true appreciation for the art of dance! I even managed to score a rare playbill for my ballet time travel collection - my backpack is practically bursting with treasures, darlings!
As we were waltzing through Covent Garden, we caught a glimpse of some amazing Parisian ballerinas practicing their moves at the "Royal Italian Opera House". The Parisian dancers were known for their incredible precision and elegance. They really raised the bar, wouldn't you agree?
Later that day, we found ourselves in a bustling costume shop. And oh, my darling, these were the most wonderful costumes you could ever imagine! Layers of ruffles, shimmering fabrics, and elaborate headdresses. While I couldn't resist grabbing a handful of lace and a piece of embroidered ribbon for my own collection, I just adored how these incredible details added a touch of fairytale magic to the dancers' outfits.
And to think, back then, the stage lighting wasn't even electric! It’s almost inconceivable to think of dancing under gaslight. But the ballerinas back then? They were pure fire, a spectacle to behold even without the blinding glow of modern theatre lights.
One of the highlights of my visit was seeing a charming little dancing school called "The Royal Academy of Dancing". Oh, my lovelies, the little girls were just too adorable! Practising their plies and arabesques, their faces beaming with pure joy - it was a true inspiration! They just remind me why I keep chasing my passion for ballet, why I adore its elegance and why I travel through time on my trusty Magic Meg.
However, it's not just the grand ballet spectacles that capture my heart. Every trip teaches me something new about the world. This time, it was the discovery of an ingenious young inventor called Charles Babbage, who had devised a revolutionary concept for a "mechanical calculator", the very beginning of what we now call the computer! I mean, to think, the man built a machine to carry out complex mathematical operations... talk about groundbreaking! And all this back in 1822! The man is truly a genius, and it just makes me wonder, what other inventions were budding around that time that we never knew about?
And on that note, I am so excited for my next trip. Where will it be, I hear you ask? Stay tuned, my darlings, because you know Emma never misses a chance to delve deeper into ballet history! But for now, let's remember this month's message: never stop exploring, embracing new knowledge, and keeping your dreams alive just like those ballerinas from 1822, their artistry still inspires me to this very day.
Now, you lovelies, remember to subscribe to my blog, follow me on my social media accounts (linked below), and most importantly, keep that pink tutu ready for all your dancing adventures! Until next time, remember: life is a dance, and every day is a performance! 💖✨
Your Pink-tutu Time Traveller, Emmawww.pink-tutu.com
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* P.S. Do you have a favourite pink tutu? I'd love to see a photo in the comments below! 💕✨*
