Oh my darlings, it’s been ages! You won't believe what a fabulous time I had exploring 1843! Just imagine - swirling silks, a ballroom full of glittering chandeliers, and, of course, an extraordinary ballet performance! Oh, and the food was simply divine! I mean, have you ever tried caviar with blinis?! Heavenly!
As you know, dear readers, December is a time for festivities. Christmas is around the corner and we’re all buzzing with excitement for the holidays. Well, imagine being transported back in time, not to just any ordinary day, but to the court of Tsar Nicholas I in Saint Petersburg! This, my dears, was the 12th December 1843, the night I truly lived like a princess, waltzing with grand Dukes, and seeing some of the most phenomenal ballet the world had ever seen!
As always, Magic Meg - my exquisite pink shire with the glittering golden hooves and the snow-white mane - had deposited me on the very doorstep of the Imperial Palace. She’s such a marvel, and I can’t imagine this blog without her! It's like she reads my mind and knows exactly when and where I want to go, like she did today. We journeyed in secret, her magical hooves leaving not a trace of a hoof-print as we journeyed across Europe. She truly is the ultimate magical steed. And my oh my, did I mention that I got her a lovely new pink sparkly saddle and a matching pink leather riding hood? It goes perfectly with my ballet outfit, don't you think?
Back in the 1800s, things were oh so different from today, so when I appeared at the palace doors in my glorious pink tulle tutu (the one with the silver star detail on the skirt) - I'd say everyone was shocked. Imagine it, me! This 21st-century ballet dancer appearing right in the midst of 19th-century St. Petersburg! You’d think they’d faint! I love how I look like an otherworldly fairy landing in this magical, majestic palace. I’m like a living, breathing pink dream of tulle and feathers! I swear, this little pink tutu seems to have a life of its own, it swirls and twirls as I dance - it’s as if it's dancing a secret little waltz of its own!
But fret not! There were only admiring glances from the aristocracy! Luckily, my little leather backpack packed with extra ballet shoes, glitter, hair nets, and a special translator app saved the day!
I was welcomed by the Imperial family with open arms! What’s better than a royal invitation to an extraordinary royal ball? I must admit, I couldn't believe how lovely everyone looked. The Tsar, bless him, looked majestic in his military uniform, while the Tsarina - an absolute darling in a shimmering, opulent gown - smiled at me like we were old friends. Now, it wasn’t easy blending into a grand, courtly gathering, but a simple smile and a twinkle in the eye and I found myself swept away into the whirlwind of a grand ball.
Oh my, how glamorous the dance floor was! You couldn't have a more splendid space than the ballroom of the Imperial Palace in St. Petersburg. My eyes, bless them, practically popped out of their sockets! There were waltzing gentlemen in velvet suits, lovely ladies adorned with feathers and jewels, the music - a gorgeous orchestra playing enchanting classical tunes - just dreamy, and chandeliers, oh so many sparkling, glittering chandeliers. And the champagne, the most delicious French champagne I’d ever tasted! It had to be tasted to be believed. I'm just sad my beautiful leather rucksack couldn't have held more bottles of champagne for me to take back home. I might be an artist, but a bit of bubbles goes a long way.
Naturally, I didn’t leave without seeing the ballet. It was a truly unforgettable spectacle! Can you imagine being at the heart of the grandest ballet performance of the era? As I settled into my gilded seat, I practically squealed with delight! All the dancers in exquisite costumes, with perfectly symmetrical leg extensions - just spectacular! It was the most magical blend of grace and technical skill I’d ever witnessed! But most importantly, the dancers all seemed so very happy on stage! My absolute heart went to a delicate young ballerina. She moved like a butterfly, with a gentle elegance. Just so beautiful.
After the performance, my dearest little backpack (oh how I love the scent of worn leather!) got filled with the most fabulous souvenirs. I collected some of the theatre programmes from the royal opera - and trust me, these programs were the size of large textbooks, absolutely exquisite. Imagine, you see a ballerina, but instead of the beautiful faces you are used to seeing, there are intricate sketches of ballerina costumes and ballet figures - simply fascinating. I must find someone to translate those gorgeous little historical diagrams - a very busy task! But worth it, of course! There was also this divine book, ‘A History of the Russian Ballet’. It had photos of all the world's famous Russian ballerinas and excerpts from different famous choreographers - oh how I wished to go back and study ballet in the Imperial era!
It is a pity I couldn't steal some of those amazing ballerina costumes! But alas, the strict security personnel of the Palace of the Tsar were nowhere near as approachable as my darling Meg. It’s amazing the places Magic Meg can get us to without being spotted, just blink, we’re somewhere completely new! So, my little book now rests proudly in my library. Oh, don’t even get me started on my fabulous collection of ballet memorabilia! I think it's time for a special Instagram post.
If you’d told me earlier in the day, "Emma, you’ll be having champagne and watching ballet at the Imperial Palace in St Petersburg, wearing your pink tulle tutu,” I would have said, "Are you mad?" but what a dream it turned out to be. Honestly, I love time travel so much - it's simply breathtaking! It’s amazing what secrets the world holds in all those years gone by. The past really is the greatest source of inspiration.
Don’t you just want to grab your own pink tulle and go time travelling with me? This, darling readers, was just the tip of the iceberg. So, watch this space! I am thinking of writing my next ballet blog on 12th December 1940! Who knows what wonderful adventures the future has in store for me - just don't forget to keep wearing that fabulous pink tutu!
Remember to check my exclusive weekly fashion blog: www.pink-tutu.com
Until next time my darling ballet enthusiasts - and don’t forget to keep twirling!
Love, Emma
x xx
