Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another dazzling time-travelling adventure! Today, we’re dipping our toes into the swirling world of ballet back in 1840. Oh, the romance! Oh, the glamour!
Can you picture it? London, January 1st 1840. A crisp winter's day, the snow twinkling on the cobbles as we approach the grand Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. We’re on horseback, naturally – Magic Meg, my trusty pink steed with her shimmering mane and golden hooves, knows the way through time like the back of her (pink-shod) hoof!
Tonight, we’re off to see a show by the famed Théâtre de la Gaieté, who were touring England this month. They're bringing a burst of French elegance to our shores, bringing tales of daring adventure and sparkling beauty! I’m already envisioning those beautiful, flowing costumes, the rich sets and, of course, the most delightful music – I imagine my pink tutu wouldn’t look amiss amongst the shimmering dancers!
Speaking of the French, Auguste Vestris, the master of ballet d'action is currently wowing the audiences at the Théâtre Royal with his powerful performance and innovative leaps! The entire theatre was in raptures after his latest performance. This is what it means to truly embody a character, darlings!
Imagine being in a ballet show like this. To wear a shimmering costume with delicate jewels, to gracefully spin and twirl through breathtaking scenes, captivating the audience. You don’t even have to be a professional ballerina for it to happen – just don’t forget your pink tutu!
The world of ballet is a wonderful one, but fashion has always been a significant part of it. In the 1840s, they’re in the middle of an incredible era of Romantic Ballet, the tutus were a little less fluffy than our modern creations, a little more flowy and dramatic, perfect for twirling and floating across the stage. This is the era of Maria Taglioni - a beautiful, expressive dancer who created iconic roles, one of whom we shall visit later!
There's just a little sprinkle of magical energy in the air around here, isn’t there? I can sense it. It’s all thanks to this wondrous, swirling world of dance, and the stories and costumes I find along the way. Remember, my dear readers, life is too short to be ordinary! You’ve got the magic inside of you – don’t be afraid to let it out!
So what’s new in my rucksack, I hear you ask? A beautiful 1840’s sketch of Maria Taglioni, just imagine – such delicate movements and expression in that graceful pose, a beautiful set of hand-stitched dance slippers, and even a charming piece of costume fabric woven with threads of gold – oh, what stories these objects could tell, darlings!
Of course, our journey isn’t just about watching shows. Shopping, you see, is just as much a part of the experience! This week we shall be heading to La Belle Jardinière, the chicest boutique in Paris – think Parisian chic but with a hint of 1840s romance, a delightful mix of satin and lace, feathers and silk ribbons - oh, it’s just beautiful! And I shall be adding a beautiful new, powder-pink tutu to my wardrobe, oh, yes indeed, it shall be simply spectacular.
Right now, Magic Meg is getting a few carrots, ready for another day of travelling and exciting discoveries – perhaps a little opera after a delectable pastry shop treat, wouldn’t that be delightful? We’ll keep you posted, darling readers, I know this time-travel blog wouldn’t be the same without you. Keep dancing, keep shining and remember to live every day as if it’s your premiere!
Au revoir for now, and until our next ballet adventure…
Love, Emma
