Hello darling ballet bunnies! It’s Emma here, your resident time-traveling ballerina, and today's adventure has got my twirling heart doing triple pirouettes! It's 10th October 1831, and trust me, things are decidedly different to our comfy 21st-century lives, even in the world of ballet! Buckle up, grab your favourite shade of pink, and get ready to journey with me!
Today, we're in London, the very heart of ballet, and the air is electric with the excitement of the upcoming season at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The iconic theatre, famous for its extravagant sets and dazzling performances, is abuzz with anticipation, and I'm practically buzzing with excitement just being here! I have to admit, even with my trusty leather rucksack brimming with ballet relics from the era (more on those treasures later), I feel like I'm out of step. These charming people are dressed in all sorts of beautiful costumes and fashionable hats – definitely a lot less "comfort-first" than we are used to, that’s for sure. But they carry themselves with a certain grace and poise - which I like to think comes from a subconscious appreciation for the power of dance!
Right, back to the ballet business. Today, on 10th October 1831, at Drury Lane Theatre, they're presenting "La Bayadère," and it's a real game-changer! You see, this production wasn’t the traditional grand ballets you’d see later on in the century, but rather a spectacle showcasing some of the most amazing costumes and innovative choreography. Just picture brightly coloured, sparkling costumes, dramatic sets with glittering scenery, and dramatic storytelling through the dance. This was truly an era where dance told a story!
And the star? The lovely Mademoiselle Marie Taglioni! Imagine a beautiful young woman with long flowing hair, an ethereal presence, and the most graceful steps. She's been described as the "queen of ballerinas", and even though I’m not going to steal her spotlight, she's definitely an inspiration for all of us who dream of twirling on stage.
Now, don't think for a second that the world of ballet was only focused on the big city theatres. Far from it! Ballet troupes, many comprised of incredible dancers, travelled throughout the country, performing for audiences large and small. And trust me, they never lacked for drama. This was a time of daring adventures, competitive spirit, and the rise of new and bold techniques. These talented performers were pushing the boundaries, redefining the way dance could be enjoyed and, above all, inspiring everyone around them. I simply cannot wait to have a whirl with these graceful ladies at one of their exciting provincial tours – it will be such a treat for my next ballet time-travel blog post!
As a huge fan of ballet history and, of course, everything pink, I simply adore collecting authentic bits and bobs from these eras. This week, I was lucky to snag a small embroidered shoe ornament from the shop opposite the theatre – such a delicate piece! It reminds me so much of the ballet world of 1831, with its meticulous detail and a hint of the Victorian romanticism that permeated every aspect of art and culture. This ornament, with its little satin shoe, will proudly take a place amongst my ballet treasures in my special pink velvet-lined box at home! It reminds me, as you well know my lovelies, that everything from tutus to jewellery to everyday accessories play a significant role in ballet's story, adding layers of elegance and intricacy to the overall performance experience.
My journey is not just about historical relics and star performers though. It's about finding inspiration from these trailblazers and embracing the love for ballet in all its forms! Seeing a magnificent dance performance from centuries ago allows us to reconnect with the true spirit of ballet – passion, artistry, and a story told through movement.
Of course, this whole trip wouldn’t be possible without my loyal steed, Magic Meg. She's a stunning shire horse – her coat is like pink champagne sparkling in the light, her hooves are golden, and her mane and tail flow like spun silk! Imagine the spectacle when we set off on our next time travel adventure together! It’s important to note, and don't think it goes unnoticed by me, my darlings, that she’s the only time-travelling horse in the whole of England, and probably the whole world! But don't you worry, as a fully paid up member of the International Federation of Time-Travelling Equines, she follows all of the regulations meticulously – otherwise my pink-tutu blog might have a problem!
The most important thing about this journey? Remember, you don't need a magic horse or a time machine to be part of ballet's journey!
*Here's your mission, ballet bunnies: *
- Go see a ballet performance, whether at your local theatre, on YouTube, or at an exciting open-air event.
- Experiment with colours! Be inspired by the Victorian era! Try on that fabulous hat you've been eyeing, and pair it with a beautiful shade of pink (my absolute favourite, of course!).
- And of course, let me know what you think about 1831! Tweet me your favourite ballerina, tell me all about your pink-tutu-related activities – or simply send me your best twirling moves.
Now, off to see more ballet from this glamorous era! See you next month! Until then, remember:
*"Never let go of the passion that keeps you on your toes!" *
Love,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com for updates, photos, and more pink ballet goodness! And for you budding ballet dancers out there, I'm so happy to announce I’ve partnered with a ballet school, so you can join my very own dance class. It's called 'Twirl and Thrive', and all the proceeds go towards funding my travels. And hey, if you've ever thought about being a ballerina blogger, just send me your best dance video - you might be my next travelling companion!
Don’t forget, if you’d like to fund a part of my next time-travel adventure, all donations are welcome on my pink-tutu.com website. Your generosity helps make our next pink-tutu journey even more spectacular! And the more amazing costumes and sparkly accessories we find, the better our dance moves will be!
