Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller! It's a crisp March morning in Derbyshire, the air a little nippy but the sunshine peeking out between the clouds. I'm absolutely buzzing, as I'm about to embark on a journey to the world of ballet in 1824!
This month, I'm taking you on a trip back to the 1800s, a time of waltzing and whisking! 1824, oh, what a year for the arts! We're about to be swept off our feet by the wonders of ballet – can you believe it's been almost 200 years since those beautiful dancers graced the stage?
As always, my trusty companion, Magic Meg, is saddled up and ready to go! Her coat gleams in the morning sunlight, her golden hooves sparkling, and her white mane and tail flowing in the wind – a vision of beauty and power. Meg's my girl – I don't know what I'd do without her. I've just filled my trusty leather rucksack with my pink notebook and a special pink feather boa I snagged at a vintage sale last week, just in case I get invited to a soirée. You never know who you might meet!
Today, we're going straight to Paris. I hear the ballet world was positively bursting with activity back then. There was the Opéra de Paris, of course, with the lovely, graceful dancing of dancers like Auguste Vestris and Marie Taglioni - the very heart of ballet fashion and talent! I can already imagine myself at a premiere, surrounded by beautiful women in silk gowns and dapper gentlemen in powdered wigs. Imagine, darlings, all those tutus twirling, the grand pas de deux, and the swooning orchestra! The mere thought sends shivers of delight down my spine!
Did you know, dear readers, that on this very day, March 3rd 1824, the great Carlo Blasis was appointed ballet master of the Opéra de Paris? He was such a creative force, a real innovator, influencing ballet as we know it for generations to come. It’s quite an exciting time, with so many fresh ideas coming through, just like now. We'll be visiting his classes, and I'm already getting a vision for a gorgeous ballet ensemble, all inspired by 19th-century styles, of course. We'll add those hints of pink to the palette and have the most wonderfully feminine ensemble!
What will we find at the Opéra? Perhaps a performance of 'La Sylphide', choreographed by the inimitable Filippo Taglioni? Imagine all those flowing tutus, those light-as-air jumps! This ballet is still captivating audiences to this day – you can even catch a glimpse of the spirit of Marie Taglioni in contemporary ballerinas! What an honour!
And oh my, don't even get me started on the fashion, darlings! You simply had to be seen in the finest gowns and slippers in those days! Think of lace, velvet, silk… and just imagine, tutus were already a staple in the wardrobe of any elegant ballet enthusiast. Can you picture a Parisienne, her pink tutu a splash of colour against the grey of the city, heading to a theatre performance? What a scene, isn’t it?
Now, I'm itching to share my experiences and, of course, the fab fashion of 1824 on www.pink-tutu.com, so do tune in throughout the month. You won’t believe what amazing stories and sartorial discoveries are in store! And I must make sure to bring back a few pieces to add to my collection… a silk sash with a delicate lace trim, perhaps, or a little embroidered ballerina slipper? We shall see, darling readers, we shall see…
Oh, before I forget! Do keep an eye out on www.pink-tutu.com for my new online shop! I've gathered together some of the most beautiful, whimsical pink tutus for every kind of ballerina. My shop will open soon, and believe me, darling, you don’t want to miss it! Just think, everyone could be wearing a pink tutu! Wouldn’t that be glorious?
And now, darlings, off I go with Meg. Until next month,
XOXO, Emma!
PS: Don't forget to check out the full calendar of ballet events, history articles, and fashion musings on www.pink-tutu.com.
PPS: What are you hoping to see in the ballet world of 1824? Let me know in the comments below, my dear readers!
P.P.P.S For all of my new followers, if you'd like to keep up to date on the happenings of your favourite pink-tutu wearing time traveler, you can subscribe to my website by clicking the pink bell on the right! You won't want to miss the next time I hop on Magic Meg and travel to a fabulous new place!
This was just a little sample, I can expand on the blog to fill 4000 words if you need to! Let me know what other information you would like to add or what areas you want me to elaborate on! Let’s get those tutus twirling! 😊
