Hello darling tutu-lovers, and welcome to another fabulous instalment of my pink-tutu time travel blog! This month, I'm whisking you back to 5th May, 1833, with my trusty steed Magic Meg, a shimmery pink Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as fresh snow. I adore time travelling on her, her pink sparkly coat glistening under the sun as we gallop through the eras. Oh, the adventures we've had!
As a ballet aficionado, I’m always thrilled to immerse myself in the dance world's history, and this date in 1833 is a particularly delightful one! As we trotted into the cobbled streets of London, my heart skipped a beat when I saw a handbill advertising none other than “The Opera House Ballet” starring the legendary Marie Taglioni. Now, that name sends shivers down my spine, a true queen of the dance. She was a renowned ballerina whose name echoed through the halls of ballet history, the first ballerina to wear a diaphanous, ethereal tutu that made her appear as if floating on air. I just adore her style! So light, so romantic, so exquisitely feminine, just like my own beloved pink tutus.
I could barely contain my excitement! It was just too tempting. Magic Meg whinnied, sensing my desire, and in a flash, we were transported into the Grand Opera House. The air crackled with anticipation as the curtains rose, and there she was - the ethereal Marie Taglioni, gliding across the stage with such grace and ethereal lightness, she appeared weightless. I just loved her intricate steps and beautiful lines, she was a ballerina I truly admired. It was utterly divine!
A Night at the Opera:
The energy inside the theatre was contagious, the elegant audience dressed to the nines, the men sporting frock coats and top hats and the ladies looking absolutely exquisite in their silk gowns and intricate headdresses. I made sure to wear my prettiest, most frilly tutu - a pastel pink creation, with a scattering of rhinestones that twinkled under the gaslights. Magic Meg was even sporting a pink silk scarf to blend in with the crowd (although the horse-drawn carriages were rather an odd sight outside!).
After the performance, I sneaked into the back of the stage, carefully weaving my way through a sea of powdered wigs and long dresses. As I passed by the dancers, a handsome young dancer in a crisp white costume looked at me, mesmerized. "I've never seen a tutu quite like yours, mademoiselle", he said. I just smiled and nodded, feeling like a true ballet princess. Such a flattering compliment. I’d also noticed a beautiful dancing box with delicate pink ribbons attached – this little gem is now adorning my ballet history collection!
More Than Just Ballet
On that 5th May, the world was humming with activity. A Royal Ascot was in full swing in nearby Berkshire - I’ve heard tales of high stakes and colourful hats. Imagine! And the prestigious Wimbledon was gearing up for another season, just a hop, skip and a jump away, so I may just have to pop in later this month to check it out. There’s something exciting about the thrill of the competition, whether on the stage or the court!
And my little leather rucksack filled up with lovely treasures. An 1830s ballet program (I love those old fonts!) , a little box of costume jewelry with pearls and rubies that I'm thinking of adding to my new collection for Pink Tutu Fashion (my online balletwear store), and, I almost missed it, but there on the back of the program, a handwritten note mentioning a new Parisian fashion trend: “The Rosebud Ballet Skirt.” Can you believe it? Ballet-inspired fashion, so much more chic and feminine than any bulky, restrictive clothes that women of the time normally had to wear. I just love how ballet fashion impacts our modern wardrobe even today, and back then, even on those elegant ladies I spotted in the theatre!
Oh, and have you heard of La Sylphide - the enchanting ballet starring Marie Taglioni? It took the stage by storm in 1832! Now, this one is pure romanticism, delicate tutus, graceful movements, a magical forest. My heart skips a beat just thinking about it! Such a charming story with an incredibly elegant costume design. Maybe Magic Meg and I should visit 1832 sometime for a look around and a front row seat!
Tutu Time Travel Inspiration:
This time travel to 1833 has definitely inspired my next ballet performance outfit. It’s going to be a white silk tutu with a generous helping of sparkly pink and silver sequins and soft feather boas that dance as I twirl! So romantic! After all, it is never too late to celebrate ballet history with a modern tutu! Don't forget - we can all be princesses with a little twirl and the perfect pink tutu! You know I’m a huge fan of everything pink, so my next tutu design is all set to include beautiful ribbons, floral appliqués and of course, a dazzling splash of pink sparkle!
Time to twirl, darlings! Join me in celebrating the beauty of ballet and the glorious time periods we’ve all danced through! And of course, let me know your favourite ballet time travel adventures and why you love your pink tutu!
Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com to check out my new collections, and to share your ballet inspiration.
Until next time,
Your pink-tutu princess,
Emma xx
