Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, dear fellow tutu-enthusiasts! This is your girl, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another spectacular adventure through the annals of ballet history! Today's journey is a special one, so saddle up, grab your most fabulous pink tutu (it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Travels blog post without a touch of pink, now, would it?), and get ready to gallop through time alongside me and Magic Meg, my trusty, pink-sparkling shire horse with hooves of gold!
We're taking a trip to the 10th of October 1840, just imagine! This date holds a particularly delightful place in the world of ballet, especially if you, like me, love a little history and a whole lot of spectacle. Buckle up, lovelies, because it's time to get our twinkle on!
A Whirlwind Tour of Ballet's Glory DaysThe year 1840 saw ballet booming across the world, like a graceful pirouette that spun everyone into a joyous frenzy! Let's take a quick look at what was captivating audiences across the globe on this very day, shall we?
London was bursting with ballet, a veritable kaleidoscope of twirling and leaping, with the Theatre Royal Drury Lane boasting a truly magnificent production of La Fille Mal Gardée. The heart-warming tale of a mischievous girl and a handsome farmhand brought laughs and romance to the stage, and the intricate choreography by Charles Didelot was breathtaking! I must confess, I felt a shiver down my spine as I watched the ballerinas pirouette across the stage, the delicate tulle of their skirts swirling around their feet like billows of cloud. Oh, to be a part of that audience, even just for a moment!
Paris was also a hub of ballet activity. The renowned Salle Le Peletier, a theatre renowned for its beautiful interior and its welcoming ambiance, was showcasing the dazzling work of renowned choreographer Jean-Pierre Aumer. You may recognise his name - he was a real titan of the early ballet world! La Jolie Fille de Gand was the show on the bill, a captivating spectacle of drama, humour and romance, which is always right up my street! I even managed to snag a rare copy of the score, oh my goodness, it's like holding a little piece of ballet history in my hands! I'm going to treasure this forever!
*In Russia, the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg was putting on an incredible show. * I must say, it's an impressive theatre, beautifully decorated and truly inspiring, it gave me shivers of joy just seeing it. They were performing the classic La Sylphide, a ballet filled with dreamy beauty and lyrical movement. It's a real triumph of romantic ballet, capturing the spirit of a beautiful nymph who enchants a young man, a story I just can't resist!
Imagine, all of these magical ballets being performed simultaneously! Now, wouldn't that make for the most delightful night of all time? You know, one of the most magical aspects of time travel, I have to say, is the chance to immerse myself in the heart of ballet history, to stand on the sidelines of a bustling London theatre, or even to peer into the shadows of a Parisian performance! It's such a privilege to be able to step back and absorb the wonder of these magnificent productions.
From Stage to Saddle - My Journey Through Time!You see, darling readers, the world of ballet isn't just about graceful leaps and pirouettes. It's also about costumes, it's about music, and it's about capturing the spirit of an era! This is why, every month, I set off on a time-traveling escapade to delve deeper into the past and discover those hidden treasures that make the history of ballet so fascinating.
My rucksack is laden with souvenirs from this past trip, which I’m eager to show off! Just look!
I managed to secure a beautifully preserved dance book, with illustrations so intricate they brought tears to my eyes, which I can only imagine must have been a favourite of a ballerina from the period! Just look at the detailed steps, the notes on technique, and the beautiful drawings! They're such a reminder of the incredible skill and dedication these dancers possessed.
A program from La Sylphide, a reminder of that beautiful ballet and of the sheer power of the dramatic story that played out on stage. This is definitely one to treasure.
A beautiful embroidered handkerchief - think a little pink touch on the embroidery! I can only imagine it was carried by one of the dancers or even someone watching in the audience. What stories it could tell! It was hidden amongst a selection of costume design sketches I found nestled inside a hidden pocket of an old costume case!
I truly believe every piece has a tale to tell, whispering stories of elegance and passion, of triumphs and heartaches - the lifeblood of ballet itself!
A Tutu for Every Era!Remember, dear lovelies, the magic of ballet isn't just confined to a theatre stage. It's all around us! From the fluttering petals of a cherry blossom in bloom to the playful hop of a sparrow in the sunshine, there's beauty in every movement. That's why, it's vital to infuse our everyday lives with the spirit of ballet! I love seeing tutu’s appearing everywhere! So, grab your pink tutus and join me, let’s wear those colours of the most joyful and glamorous form of movement in the world. I want everyone, even those without dance training, to feel the wonder of it all! I know how good those twirls and turns make me feel, and want to share that.
What better way to show our appreciation for ballet than to embrace its essence? So, twirl your way into a happy mood, feel the energy of a perfect arabesque in the sunshine, and let's all get a little bit ballet in our everyday lives, together!
Until next time, darling readers, stay fabulous and keep twirling!
Love always,
Emma xx
PS - Be sure to head over to www.pink-tutu.com and check out the rest of my amazing blog posts. I can't wait to share more with you! Let's keep the passion for ballet alive! I look forward to your feedback and thoughts on this blog, so make sure you tell me all your dreams! Maybe one day I'll see a tutu made of the finest feathers and diamonds! 💖
