Hello, darling ballet enthusiasts! Welcome to Pink Tutu, your monthly dose of ballet history and fashion fun! It's your girl, Emma, back again with another whirl through time on the back of Magic Meg, my darling pink-sparkling Shire horse.
This month, we're waltzing our way to January 1st, 1838, just imagine it: crisp winter air, the thrill of a New Year, and all those delightful dance performances just waiting to be explored! Today, I'm particularly excited about this particular time period, as it's the very year that The Sleeping Beauty, our beloved classic by Tchaikovsky, premiered in Saint Petersburg!
My pink tutu twirls with anticipation. The world of ballet was alive and bursting with energy back then! We have so much to uncover on this adventure, darling readers. Now, saddle up! Magic Meg is chomping at the bit!
My Pink-Tinted Journey: London, 1838
After a magical journey across time and space on Magic Meg’s back, we found ourselves in London! As I hopped down from Meg’s shimmering saddle, a gasp escaped my lips. It’s amazing to be transported to another era and marvel at the historical wonders surrounding me. I swear I even heard the clattering of carriage wheels in the distance. Just wonderful!
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane: Our first stop? Of course! I practically squealed with delight. This legendary theatre was a hub for ballet lovers back then. As we explored the theatre's history, I was utterly charmed. Just imagine – it had been destroyed by fire twice and rebuilt from scratch! That’s some dedication to dance.
My rucksack was quickly filling up! I snagged some beautiful engravings and an antique theatre programme for my collection, you know me – always keeping those memories! The costumes, the artistry, the grandeur, just thinking about it makes my heart skip a beat!
The Ballet World: Back in 1838
Remember those romantic tutu skirts I've been talking about in my previous posts? Well, darling, they were all the rage in 1838! Think of swirling layers of tulle and delicate floral motifs - utterly divine! I have to admit, even I am tempted to start crafting one. I have already started gathering some vintage lace trim, and, just the other day, found a pair of lovely pearl buttons in a local vintage shop - perfect for an 1838 inspired tutu, you can see the vision forming in my mind already!
Imagine, ballerinas dancing to the romantic compositions of Chopin, Strauss, and Mendelssohn. It must have been magical! And don't forget the celebrated Italian ballet mistress, Carlotta Grisi, who wowed audiences with her ethereal and graceful performance. I'm a little bit obsessed with all things Grisi, don't tell anyone. But seriously, darling, I might just wear a pink tutu and channel her spirit next time I go to see Giselle.
Where Will My Tutu Take Me Next?
Oh my darling readers! As the pink sun dips below the horizon, it’s time to wind up my travel journal, and prepare for our next time travel escapade. If you have any ballet related dates you’d love to explore, please drop them in the comments below! My Tutu and I would love to travel with you. Remember, darling, embrace your inner ballerina and twirl with joy!
Until next month, my lovely ballet lovers. Don’t forget to check out the www.pink-tutu.com website!
Sending love, hugs and endless pirouettes!
Emma xx
P.S - Do follow me on social media for all the pink tutu goodness. My favourite hashtags: #pinktututravel, #balletlovers, #balletfashion
A Peek into my Rucksack: Ballet treasures of the past
- The Royal Opera House has some delightful history to share with us. A programme from the 1838 Royal Opera House performance of "The Ballet of La Sylphide".
- A handwritten journal entry of a young, aspiring ballerina during her early training at the Parisian Opera.
- An elegant, Victorian ballet book - The History of the Dance (which we found, tucked away, on our time travels!).
Don't miss out on next month's exciting blog! I have big plans to explore some thrilling time-periods with my Tutu and Magic Meg! Remember to subscribe for exclusive Pink Tutu updates and maybe you’ll even spot a tutu-inspired fashion feature!
Until next time darling! xx
