Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we embark on fabulous time-travel adventures, all in the name of ballet. August 8th, 1823, is calling, and my dear Magic Meg (she's a pink-sparkling shire with golden hooves and a flowing white mane - utterly divine!) is ready for our next exciting jaunt!
Iâm currently perched on my favourite chaise longue in my Derbyshire home, feeling inspired after a particularly stunning performance of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House in London. I must say, even after all these centuries, ballet remains as enchanting and inspiring as ever.
Now, let's step back in time!
August 8th, 1823, found me in the heart of Paris, a city known for its breathtaking architecture and, of course, its blossoming ballet scene! The ThĂ©Ăątre de lâOpĂ©ra was all the rage back then, the centre of a ballet revolution that was starting to truly blossom across Europe. As I watched the curtain rise on a performance of âLa Somnambule,â I was struck by the grace and power of the dancers. Their costumes, though not quite the flamboyant tutus we know and love today, were nonetheless elegant and inspiring. It made me feel, ever so slightly, as though we were heading towards a glorious ballet fashion future, wouldn't you agree?
The ballet in Paris was truly exhilarating! The Parisian dancers were innovative and passionate. From the moment I first clapped eyes on their carefully choreographed leaps and turns, I could sense the vibrant spirit of change taking root in the world of ballet. It felt, well, revolutionary, almost like a secret ballet society spreading joy and beauty around the world.
My rucksack, full of fascinating facts about this exciting time period in ballet history, tells me that back in 1823, Marie Taglioni, one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her time, was already a rising star! Now, a tutu lover knows that Marie Taglioni revolutionized the world of ballet fashion! Imagine - a white, lacy, flowing tulle creation, the iconic vision of the tutu. It changed everything. Talk about a fashion statement, my dears!
As for my Parisian adventures, I found myself lost in the world of ballet and its fascinating history. The city buzzed with the energy of art, culture, and of course, all things fashion! I simply had to pick up some elegant, pale pink silk to create a tutu in the style of Taglioni! That was simply a must for my collection.
I think that my most treasured souvenir of this trip, however, will forever be the elegant and gracious dancer I encountered during my trip. She, as it happened, had heard stories of my travels throughout time and, after we shared tea and some delightful confections, spoke passionately of the emerging ballet world!
I, however, was struck by the dancerâs fierce loyalty and devotion to her craft. She confided in me that the journey to becoming a ballerina was no easy path. You have to give your heart, your mind, and your entire being to ballet, she declared. âEvery step must be perfect, every turn must tell a story, every move must be the reflection of your soul,â she said. âItâs about telling stories with your body, making hearts soar through the magic of your dance.â
And she was right, of course. She even helped me pick out the perfect ballet shoes from a beautiful, hidden Parisian shop. Now I can wear those delicate shoes alongside my beautifully crafted tutu as I perform for any fortunate audience in the time I visit. It really is important to be reminded that behind the brilliance of ballet performances lie years of dedication and perseverance. Such inspiring strength, dedication, and sheer artistic talent, right?
Later on, as I bid farewell to Paris, a wave of inspiration and gratitude washed over me.
Our trip took us on a glorious journey to Vienna. Vienna, in 1823, was abuzz with the romantic spirit of the waltz and all things operatic! In the magnificent ballroom at the Schönbrunn Palace, I imagined waltz sequences, intricate choreography and exquisite music, and I felt an insatiable craving for more ballet, even though, alas, there was little of the contemporary variety, only the waltz of the day!
But let me not despair - that little gem, my leather rucksack, reminded me that by this date in history, an astounding dancer, a future ballet star named Fanny Elssler, was born! Talk about the stars aligning! And I could see why she had an immediate effect on audiences with her powerful performances! In her own way, she paved the way for future ballerinas!
While dancing under the moonlight on the steps of Schönbrunn Palace, I found myself reflecting on my own path. Why, oh why, is pink the colour that simply dominates my world? Well, let me be frank - because pink is the colour of beauty, hope, joy, and, well, absolutely EVERYTHING wonderful. What a wonderful feeling, don't you think?
As for my dreams? Well, to be honest, itâs the small things. Like finding a pristine copy of the opera libretto of "La Somnambule," the very play we witnessed in Paris, or picking out the most magnificent pink dress to wear with a breathtaking pink feather boa - simply a must-have - that brings me sheer, absolute joy.
If this sounds utterly frivolous, it does rather appeal to my soul!
But ultimately, my heart and soul belong to ballet. And you can rest assured that as long as I have a ballet shoe, a beautiful pink tutu, and my trusty steed, Magic Meg, by my side, I will continue my ballet time travels to spread the beauty and the joy of this art form to everyone I meet. So until our next ballet time-travel escapade, keep twirling, my darlings!
Until next month,
Emma
xx
* www.pink-tutu.com*
