#BalletHistory during 1832 07 July

Hello darlings! Emma here, your trusty time-traveling tutu-phile, and it’s time for another exciting foray into ballet history! This month, we're waltzing back to 7th July, 1832. Grab your favourite pink tutu, darling, and join me on this enchanting adventure!

As ever, my dear Meg (she’s a magnificent pink-sparkling shire, did I mention? With golden hooves and a mane like spun sugar – such a dream to ride!) arrived with her usual impeccable timing… albeit slightly after I’d set my time travel gadget, resulting in a few flustered moments. But it’s a wonder she navigates these time-jumps at all, and with such grace – truly, a horse of immense character!

And, you'll never guess where we landed? The most extraordinary sight - the Teatro alla Scala in Milan! A jewel of Italian architecture and a home to the most magnificent opera and ballet productions. I've dreamt of seeing this place for years, and, I can't tell you how thrilled I was to be back, tutu-ready in 1832.

After settling in with a cup of tea (and a slice of cake, naturellement!), I decided to head to a local museum for a bit of cultural immersion. I have to say, the historical fashions on display were rather magnificent!

A certain silk gown with a full skirt (almost a little too wide, to be honest) and intricate lace embroidery certainly captured my imagination. It reminded me a little of Marie Taglioni’s ethereal tutus – oh how I long to dance in one!

What was happening in the world of ballet? I can tell you that the Teatro alla Scala was a hotbed of ballet activity back in 1832. You see, ballet at this time was transitioning from the courtly ballets to more dramatic and emotionally expressive performances, and you wouldn’t believe it but – even in that era – some dancers wore what they called a "tutu" … albeit a far cry from the delightful twirling wonders of today!

My dear reader, can you imagine being amongst such artistic energy and passion? Just knowing I could watch one of their shows, see these passionate ballets take shape before my very eyes - It would make my ballet heart sing, and probably set my tutu spinning, you wouldn't believe the joy it would bring!

Now for the real reason for the journey. Of course, there is always more than just enjoying the ballet shows to it for me! As you all know, I am on a mission to document the history of the tutu, and perhaps even… just perhaps… make a pink one go viral. And in 1832, there were such fascinating pieces to collect for my collection.

I ambled about the old shops and quaint alleys of Milan and guess what I stumbled across! The most amazing little scrapbook – stuffed with handwritten notes and drawings of famous dancers and even, you wouldn't believe it – the most charming watercolour sketch of a young ballerina wearing a white tutu, and you can even see the sheer elegance of her stance in the drawing - it took my breath away! This is precisely what makes time travel such a joy! Finding these treasures for the history of my beloved pink tutus and keeping the legacy of ballet alive - I adore the responsibility!

Shopping! What a surprise! You see, my rucksack wasn't complete without a new pair of dancing shoes for my ballet collection! You wouldn’t believe the beautiful slippers I managed to acquire in an antique shop - crafted from leather and hand-stitched in an exquisite ivory satin! Even Meg seemed enthralled by this vintage gem (no doubt as tempted as I am to slip them on and twirl! … maybe tomorrow!), she nuzzled the little shoe bag and gave me that adorable blink that says she has been thinking of some oat biscuits – and I couldn’t possibly deny her.

Of course, the experience wasn't just about the dance, I love to enjoy the local delights as well! The Milanese cuisine, the bustling markets - a complete whirlwind of delightful sights, scents, and flavours - but the absolute highlight was, of course, finding a fabulous little pink-tutu adorned tea-room to relax and write up my notes for the ballet blog - oh darling, what would I do without these charming, whimsical little spots around the world? The staff thought it quite quaint seeing a young lady (in full Victorian garb, as ever, though of course mine is always pink! And even with a delicate little pink feather on my hat and little silk flowers to adorn my hair - darling, they have to be perfect!) writing by candlelight!

You have to agree that history is so very captivating, with so many exciting stories about fashion and the performing arts… even with all my pink tulle I couldn’t have possibly imagined all of the incredible ballet adventures we will have together… and to think of it all – just like this - the next little step, and next big time-leaping jump.

See you next month for the next blog post darlings – Until then, may your pink tutus swirl!

*Remember, you can follow my adventures on my website: www.pink-tutu.com *

And always, always – be inspired by your heart's delight.

As we waltz back into the present, keep this incredible piece of ballet history in mind – we’re so lucky to have these beautiful ballet traditions alive and thriving today, all because of the creativity and vision of those who came before us! Now go find a pink tutu (or make one!), and remember – everyone can dance!