Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your Pink Tutu time travelling friend, back from another adventure, this time all the way back to 1826, on the 3rd of March, to be exact! Buckle up your tutus and grab a glass of pink lemonade – we're going for a spin through time, just like Magic Meg and I do!
As you know, my love for ballet goes beyond the stage, I'm completely immersed in its history. And this month, we're heading to a time of immense innovation and development for the art form – the early 19th century!
But before we start, a quick update from the present! My latest ballet performance was a dream, the applause was thunderous, and I've got a new collection of tutus inspired by the Victorian era coming out soon! (It's all pink, of course. 😉). And with those earnings, Magic Meg and I are ready for another whirl through history.
So, grab your imaginary time machine (a feather boa is highly recommended!), and let’s head back to 1826!
It’s chilly but oh, so lovely in Derbyshire, where my journey starts! I hop onto the back of my beloved Magic Meg – she’s a Shire horse with a glistening white mane and tail, gold hooves and a personality as vibrant as my pink tutu! She practically gallops with excitement, her hooves making a musical clip-clop rhythm as we speed through the past.
My trusty leather rucksack is strapped to my back, ready for a treasure trove of ballet secrets! You see, when I’m not twirling on stage, or travelling through time, I’m reading everything I can about the history of ballet. Each period is so different, with such a vibrant character and I just can’t help but collect everything from costume designs to theatre programmes. I believe these precious details are vital to truly understanding this magnificent art form!
March 3rd, 1826, found me in Vienna! And Vienna was just buzzing with the joy of ballet. It was here that I saw my very first performance of the Italian ballerina, Fanny Cerrito, she was absolutely dazzling. Now, she was considered a superstar, and even I could feel the electricity in the theatre. The entire audience was entranced. It's one thing to read about ballet, but seeing it brought to life, with those intricate costumes, elegant leaps and breathtaking artistry... Well, that’s something else entirely.
Fanny Cerrito's style of dance was a bit different from what we know today – it was all about lighter, airy movements, with graceful extensions and captivating speed. I must confess, it wasn't your usual "pointe" work, but it had such an amazing sense of joy! She truly represented the change in dance styles from the grand "classic" to something much more expressive and fluid.
After witnessing this unforgettable performance, I slipped away with Magic Meg and travelled across Europe. I made it all the way to the ballet heart of Paris, where I managed to sneak into a dress rehearsal at the Palais Garnier. There I saw Carlotta Grisi - oh, such an elegant lady, but such power in her steps! And the costumes – all silk and lace, so refined! I even found an amazing, intricate ballet shoe design, which I've tucked away in my bag to inspire a new collection.
I travelled back to England through France and found that the world of dance there was still embracing the grandeur of the Romanticism era. I found the work of Auguste Vestris and the innovative ballet "La Sylphide", and even met a few famous English ballet masters. The focus was still very much on virtuosity and expression. The whole time, I filled my rucksack with sketches and photos of beautiful tutus and fantastical sets!
What a time this was for ballet – full of artistry, excitement, and even a little drama. And as for fashion, let’s just say tutus were not just a part of the dance, but a full-blown fashion statement! Think delicate lace, intricate embroideries and oh so much sparkle! If only you could see my own wardrobe from this time – it's full of lavish fabrics, intricate beading, and the softest pink shades you can imagine.
Of course, my journey in the past wasn't all about big cities and grand performances!
There were those special moments, tucked away in a quiet village or small town. It was in one of these peaceful villages in France that I saw a little girl with a tattered red ribbon tied around her hair practicing at the end of her garden. Her tiny shoes and faded fabric couldn’t conceal her love for the art. It was that unyielding passion for the dance, seen in such raw form, that really touched my heart.
These journeys teach me so much. They are not just about collecting fancy things for my own collection; it’s about understanding the true essence of dance – the raw passion, the elegance, the pure joy. It’s about how the story of ballet unfolds, piece by piece, across centuries, through all its transformations.
You see, darlings, my ultimate aim is to make every single one of you dance. If a simple pink tutu is what brings a touch of joy and light to your steps, well then I am absolutely thrilled to inspire you! Let’s embrace the magical world of dance, one twirl, one pirouette, and one fabulous pink tutu at a time!
And remember, don't just dance. Dance in your pink tutus and wear them with pride! I’ll see you all in a month for the next chapter in our journey through ballet history!
Until next time, may your leaps be high and your smiles be bright. And please don’t hesitate to visit me on www.pink-tutu.com. I love to hear from my readers!
