Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to take you on another whirlwind journey through the magical world of ballet! This month, we're hopping aboard my trusty steed, Magic Meg, and galloping back to the 8th of August, 1836. Buckle up your ballet shoes, darlings, because this one's going to be a real pirouette!
My latest trip took me to a little known corner of the world, quite far from my usual haunt in London. It turns out there's a thriving ballet scene in Saint Petersburg, Russia! Fancy that, right? You'd think all the ballerinas in the world would just stick to Paris or London, but the Russians have been secretly stealing the spotlight with their own brand of grace and artistry for years now.
And guess what I discovered? On this very day in 1836, the beautiful Italian ballerina Carlotta Grisi was preparing for a performance of "Giselle", which was a hit all over Europe back then.
Oh my word, you should see the costumes! Carlotta herself looked like a vision in a white tulle tutu with a lovely satin bodice – the most gorgeous combination of elegant and ethereal, just like a ballerina should be! This production also featured the famous 'wilis', or spirit-women, dancing around in their ghostly white costumes, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene that really moved my soul.
Talking of soul, it just wouldn't be a trip to 1836 without stopping at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg! These young dancers are so dedicated! I swear, they practice even more than I do! The beautiful architecture of the school made it all the more majestic – every single detail, from the columns to the arches, just whispered “ballerina heaven.” I just adore the whole “classic ballet” vibe, don't you?
As always, I was itching to bring a little bit of my signature pink to this timeless affair! As I strolled through the school, a delightful pink ballet bag caught my eye! A quick chat with the shopkeeper and this exquisite treasure is now snuggled safely in my backpack, awaiting its new life in my home collection. My, oh my, don't you love the feeling of vintage ballet treasures? The craftsmanship in those days was simply sublime.
Oh! And did I mention, the pink ballet bag reminded me to ask about the shoes. They still used shoes with pointe-work – the beginnings of the pointe shoe we know and love today! Just imagine those young ballerinas learning to dance en pointe, all those years ago, back when the style was still finding its way in the world! It makes you think, doesn't it? That our ballet history isn't just a linear story, but a thrilling journey with twists, turns and all the elegance and drama you could possibly desire!
And how could I forget about the fashions? Ah, those 1830s ladies and their elegant gowns! Imagine – they even had ballet-inspired fashions! The swirling patterns and graceful silhouettes were so reminiscent of the elegance of ballet. Even then, the world of fashion had already recognized the magic of a ballerina's beauty!
You know what? I even found the perfect little antique pink shawl, perfectly fitting for a 19th-century ballerina. It's soft and delicate, and the pale shade of pink perfectly complements any ballerina's costume. I've already put it aside in my collection and I'm imagining all the glamorous evenings it will see with me.
As I ventured back through time, the feeling of Saint Petersburg's spirit lingered in my heart. I just love finding the hidden stories of the past, those little gems that remind us that ballet, in its essence, is a timeless art form, filled with magic and wonder. So here's to Carlotta Grisi, to the Imperial Ballet School of St. Petersburg and to the magnificent world of ballet, a world we can all share and be a part of, even through a little time travel, of course! Don't forget to keep sharing your own pink tutu adventures on my website, www.pink-tutu.com!
And remember, everyone can dance in a pink tutu, because there's a little ballerina inside all of us! Until next month, my lovelies!
Xoxo, Emma
