Hello my dearest ballet bunnies!
It's Emma here, back from another magical adventure in the past! This month I'm whisking you all off to 12th December 1838. I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement, because, my dears, December is the month for festive ballet shows! And this year, it’s all about "La Fille Mal Gardée!" The first performance of this heartwarming ballet was given in the 18th century but 1838 is the year that everyone took notice.
Now, to get you in the festive spirit, I'm starting as always, with my latest fashion finds! Oh darling, the fashions here are just divine! Imagine my surprise when I wandered into a London milliner's and stumbled across a selection of hats so utterly extravagant, so breathtaking, that even I, with my penchant for all things fabulous, gasped!
Firstly, a charmingly mischievous little bonnet trimmed with cherry blossoms! Just imagine dancing in a whimsical pas de deux with those blushing flowers fluttering about! And then, my absolute favourite, a headpiece that looked straight out of a fairytale! It was a glorious coronet woven from satin ribbons, its feathers reaching for the heavens. A ballerina with a coronet on her head - is there anything more divine?!
A Spot of Ballet
Now, let’s get back to ballet! Oh my darling bunnies, I truly can't wait to show you "La Fille Mal Gardée!" It's absolutely delightful, a charming little tale of a wilful daughter, her disapproving mother, and a handsome, and quite frankly utterly delightful, young farmer! I tell you, it's a story that melts the heart!
On this date in 1838, the London Royal Opera House was all aglow, showcasing this utterly enchanting production for the second time this year! The audiences are just entranced, I tell you. There's nothing quite as delightful as witnessing a theatre, filled with hearts full of hope and eyes filled with wonder, captivated by the story unfolding on stage.
One thing that's particularly intriguing is the way the ballet has been adapted for a Victorian audience. Imagine, my dears, ballerinas dressed in soft pastel hues! Not a shockingly loud pink tutu in sight! Such an affront to my ballet sensibilities!
My beloved Magic Meg (remember, my darling horse who gallops through time and back!) even managed to get us a few tickets. My heart did skip a beat! But sadly, I just couldn’t resist getting lost in a fascinating bookshop filled with 19th-century ballet manuals. The ballet technique is quite different back then! But what struck me the most was a manual by a Mr. Carlo Blasis who stressed grace, lightness, and even a touch of flirtation. Now, doesn’t that sound utterly divine? I did, of course, purchase a few pages and tucked them neatly into my ever-growing ballet collection.
More Fashion & More Treats
No ballet trip is complete without some fashionable shopping, and in London, fashion simply radiates. Imagine my delight at discovering a delightful shop selling gloves! Gloves, my dear bunnies, are the epitome of refined fashion and for the lady who wishes to move with an elegance and poise that belies her graceful steps, a fine pair of gloves is absolutely a must.
Now, a girl can't possibly have a good ballet time without a delicious treat! I must tell you about this adorable bakery just off the Strand where they sell the most exquisite cakes. A pink frosted treat with raspberry buttercream and almond flakes - oh, it’s simply dreamy!
Pink Tutus, Pink Dreams
Don’t worry, my dears, I still managed to squeeze a few dance classes in, although these classes seem much more strict than those we're used to today! You wouldn't believe the elaborate dresses worn by these ballerinas! Long, swirling skirts and delicate sleeves! All lovely and elegant, but oh, wouldn’t it just be fabulous to see a dash of pink tutus amongst those dancers? I shall see what I can do, I shall see what I can do!
Now, don’t forget my lovelies, it’s my lifelong dream to see the world dancing in pink tutus. Maybe this 1838 trip has just ignited a new wave of pink ballet passion?
I believe in pink tutus, don't you?
Much love, Emma xoxo
This post is just a starting point, it could easily be extended further by adding more detail on the world of 19th century ballet. For example you could write about :
- Notable ballerinas of the period: Describe some of the influential ballet stars like Marie Taglioni, Fanny Cerrito or Lucile Grahn and how they changed ballet and pushed the boundaries of dance technique.
- The development of pointe shoes: Explore how point work evolved, the development of the pointe shoe and the impact it had on the way ballerinas danced and moved.
- Social dances of the period: Give some information about the waltzes, quadrilles, and mazurkas popular during that period and their relationship to ballet.
- More 19th-century ballet: There was much more happening in ballet beyond "La Fille Mal Gardée." Emma could give information on other works being staged in December 1838 or any major ballet developments happening around that time.
- Fashion inspiration for readers: Include specific clothing descriptions that people today might be inspired by. Maybe Emma discovers a charming vintage shop and picks up some elegant Victorian brooches and scarves! Or, how about a discussion of how 1838 beauty trends influenced dancers and how modern makeup techniques are still echoing trends of the time.
- Add some historical detail about the time period : Talk about other events happening in December 1838 beyond ballet, such as any major political, scientific, or social developments. Perhaps even discuss Christmas traditions.
Let Emma's ballet adventures through time continue, spread her love for pink tutus, and inspire your own love for ballet!
