Hello darlings! Welcome back to the world of Pink Tutu! This month I'm taking you on a trip back to 1840. Can you imagine what the world of ballet was like over 180 years ago? I bet it was filled with romance, wonder, and a whole lot of swirling tutus! Let me tell you, it's absolutely captivating!
My loyal readers know that I absolutely adore anything pink. And whatâs more pink than a ballerinaâs tutu? Well, the answer is, absolutely nothing! Itâs the symbol of all things beautiful, graceful, and magical! So, of course, I had to wear my prettiest, fluffiest, most gorgeous pink tutu as I rode on Magic Megâs back, my magnificent pink shimmering shire horse with her gleaming golden hooves and snow-white mane and tail. We galloped through the mystical time portals and landed in the heart of London. Can you even imagine London in 1840?!
I, for one, was smitten!
The air hummed with the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, bustling street markets, and the lively tunes of street musicians. Oh, the stories the cobblestones could tell! The shops displayed delicate fabrics, exquisite hats, and a fascinating range of trinkets that would make any vintage lover swoon. Speaking of swooning, the ladies in their beautiful long skirts and bonnets just stole the show! My heart nearly burst with the romance and elegance of the era!
But my main objective for this journey was, of course, to dive into the heart of the ballet world. And believe me, the year 1840 had its fair share of ballet brilliance!
A Glittering Performance at The Theatre Royal Covent Garden:
Right from the get-go, I was in awe! You know, as soon as we arrived at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, the very air seemed to buzz with anticipation. Imagine my joy when I realised that The Royal Ballet was performing "The Sylph", a masterpiece by the famed Charles-Louis Didelot!
âThe Sylphâ was a tale of a lovelorn young man, a mystical fairy-like Sylph, and a charming storyline woven with elegant movements and breathtaking leaps! It was nothing short of magical! Oh, I felt so inspired as I watched the dancers' graceful pirouettes and their dazzling leaps across the stage! Their tutus, though perhaps a little less frilly than our modern styles, were just as charming! The colours, the fabric, the way they twirled - just magnificent!
After the show, I took the opportunity to brush shoulders with some of the esteemed dancers of the day. Oh, they were just darling! It was so exciting to chat with them, soaking in the knowledge they had about the ballet world during this exciting era. You can find some of the little stories I collected from this journey, tucked neatly inside my vintage leather rucksack! You'll find my collection of photographs, dance notations, and the wonderful, charming stories of the ballet world back in 1840!
The World of Ballet: More than just dancingâŚ
My dear readers, you can't forget the importance of the social side of ballet back then. After every show, there was always a grand social gathering, where the ladies wore their fanciest attire and the gentlemen chatted about the latest theatrical news. It was a chance to see the social scene come alive and witness the elegant ballroom dances that accompanied the art of ballet. And that is how the love of ballet took root within the English aristocracy.
My Tutu Love Story Continues:
And what can I say, the magic never ends, right? You know, back then, dancers wore soft shoes to make the movement feel weightless. Can you believe they didnât even have pointe shoes? Just soft, comfortable shoes, adding an element of elegance and grounded beauty! But the fact that tutus existed - with their exquisite details and breathtaking charm - had me absolutely smitten. They had everything a girl could dream of! Frills, elegance, flow, and endless possibilities for creativity! And, yes, a whole lot of pink! I had the opportunity to look through the archives of fashion designers who made outfits for these talented ballerinas. Their inspiration and creativity were unmatched! Just seeing how the tutus of that era transformed with the changing times, made me even more inspired about my journey.
I'll tell you what, after seeing this beautiful world come to life, Iâm starting to think even more about encouraging everyone to wear a pink tutu! Think of the fun we could have - spreading a bit of pink magic everywhere we go! Just imagine how joyful the world would be with all of us wearing our very own pink tutus!
Remember, darling, if you haven't been there, there's no way to imagine the joy that surrounds you! Join me on my pink adventures through time! Follow me on the Pink-Tutu.com blog! Donât forget to tell your friends, neighbours, your pets! Letâs start a global movement.
A final thought: This world in 1840 showed me the endless power of imagination, the joy of self-expression, and the grace that a beautiful pink tutu can add to your life. Keep following along as we continue our grand ballet tour through the ages.
Until next time,
Keep twirling,
Emma.
