Hello my darling dears, it's Emma from www.pink-tutu.com and welcome back to my monthly Time Travels blog! October, oh, October - it's the month of my favourite colour - the luscious, luxurious, heavenly, pink. But before I get lost in pink dreams, I have to share a very special Time Travel experience with you - one that happened just the other day!
It all started on that wonderfully crisp 10th of October, with the wind whispering through my beloved Derbyshire and the first hints of autumn painting the trees. I knew it was time to hop onto Magic Meg - my fabulous pink sparkling shire horse, whose mane and tail flow like spun white gold - and take her for a little ballet time travelling journey!
Meg knows exactly what I mean when I pull out her pink satin saddle and bridle, a tiny crown of delicate pink pearls nestling on her forelock. With a gentle nod, we were off, my trusty leather rucksack strapped firmly on my back, ready to gather the stories and treasures from this magical day in history.
After all, we Time Travelers have to keep our knowledge up, right? Knowing a little ballet history never hurts, and this journey is definitely going to be a beauty! You wouldn't believe the exquisite ballets they're staging in Europe right now - in Italy, in Paris, in Moscow! Imagine the grandeur of seeing a premiere! My heart fluttered with anticipation as I imagined twirling through the gilded theatres of this fabulous age.
You know me, dears, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to delve into the fashionable world of 1828. Can you believe how revolutionary dance shoes were in this period? They had flat heels! The dancers moved in more dynamic ways, bringing the stories to life with the strength and grace of their feet. What an era!
But this trip was going to be a little different. I felt a pull towards something more… personal. The spirit of ballet whispers secrets to me through my favourite pink tutu, so I decided to follow her guidance and let Meg choose the place we would land in history. And where do you think we ended up?
Can you believe it? We landed at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris! This beautiful theatre was alive with music and excitement as I wandered into the grand lobby. Just picture it - grand staircases, velvet seating, glittering chandeliers...it was simply exquisite!
In my head, I could hear the notes of Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s ballet music swelling within those hallowed walls. I pictured the audience, clad in their finest attire, their gazes held captivated by the elegant choreography unfolding before them.
Then, my eye caught sight of a young dancer, practising with such delicate precision, a wistful smile gracing her lips as she executed a perfectly executed fouetté. I realised this was my ballet time travel magic at work - an encounter destined to be filled with shared passion and understanding.
And I tell you what, dears, this was more than a fleeting meeting. I found myself transported back to her time - experiencing life as a ballerina during the reign of Charles X. Can you even imagine? The elegance, the glamour, the discipline... it felt like a fairytale!
I learned so much from her about the lives of ballerinas in that era. Their dedication to their art, their endless hours of practice, and the thrill they experienced as they performed under the soft glow of the theatre lamps. We talked about her hopes and dreams - her desire to inspire others through the beauty of ballet.
And oh, darling, the fashion! Can we just talk about the exquisite fabrics, the delicate lace, and the glorious gowns that the ballerinas wore? There were gowns in such soft colours, swirling skirts, delicate sleeves and little bodices. I even snuck a look at a tiny dance shoe she was lovingly dusting - just imagine dancing in them!
And it was this encounter that cemented something in my heart. The desire for my Tutu Times Travels to embrace the stories of dancers throughout time - the beauty and the sacrifices, the challenges and the victories. I wanted to weave these stories into my own little pink ballet world and inspire others to follow their own dreams, just like the brave ballerinas of centuries past.
And yes, I did a little bit of ballet fashion shopping! I found a darling collection of the most stunning fabrics, and I brought back some delicate pink and ivory lace trim to incorporate into my very own pink tutu creations. My hands are already itching to sew!
And for you, dear reader, I bring back this small fragment of 1828: the ethereal beauty of dance and a reminder to embrace our own journeys of self-expression.
Until next month, my lovelies!
P.S: Remember, every month I travel to a different date, following the rhythm of the past - from Shakespeare's England to the birth of the Royal Ballet, every time is a dance!
And if you'd like to see me perform, do come along to my next performance - it'll be a celebration of all things pink! You can check my website for dates and venues. And don't forget to tag me on social media @pink_tutu so I can see your gorgeous pink tutus.
With all my pinkest wishes,
Emma.
