Welcome, darlings, to post number 2206 of www.pink-tutu.com! As you know, I, your intrepid time-travelling ballerina, Emma, simply adore travelling back through history, sharing with you the wonderful world of ballet through the ages, all whilst decked out in my favourite pink tutu! This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, our sparkling pink Shire horse with hooves of gold, took us to October 10th, 1844. Oh, what a splendid day for ballet!
As I always do before any time travel, I prepped my leather rucksack. This month, it was bursting with notebooks, pencils, and even a little silver thimble (for those sneaky costume adjustments - you never know!) I just had to add a few pink satin ribbons for good measure - after all, you can never be too prepared, can you?
After our journey through time, Meg and I found ourselves in London, a whirlwind of bustling streets, elegant carriages, and even the faintest whiff of chimney smoke! We were so close to the Covent Garden Theatre, where the Royal Opera House still stands, although not exactly in the same grand form it is today.
We had arrived on a date which saw the celebrated prima ballerina, Marie Taglioni, performing her iconic creation, La Sylphide. Imagine, dear readers, a performance with ethereal grace and a magical story woven through the delicate choreography! We must make a stop in 1832 soon, to see it in its original form - just think, the tulle, the music! My inner ballerina just flutters with excitement.
Of course, after any ballet performance, it is absolutely essential for us to engage in some well-deserved shopping. I had to get my hands on some "Ballet Costumes" - a wonderful book showcasing the trends of the time. As expected, tulle played a starring role in the beautiful images! This century truly ushered in the glorious age of the romantic ballet, and with it, a whole new world of fashion!
One of the things I absolutely adore about my travels is discovering how ballet impacted those who came before me. While we sipped on steaming cups of Earl Grey at a delightful tea shop, we heard tales of a dancer called Lucille Grahn, who arrived in London that same year, leaving her audiences breathless with her artistry. Just think, darlings, even back in 1844, ballet captured hearts and stirred imaginations!
And oh, the fashion! The ladies, decked in their silk gowns and velvet cloaks, inspired my own tutu design. While the fashion today is all about vibrant colors and intricate designs, back then it was about simplicity and flowing lines. Still, one couldn't resist the lace trims and elegant hats worn by everyone!
By the end of the day, my rucksack was brimming with new stories, drawings, and a few charming old playbills (a complete steal!). Back in my own time, the excitement from my time travel fuelled my creative energies. I designed a new ballet number inspired by "La Sylphide", complete with airy movements and wispy costumes. You’ll see it on the www.pink-tutu.com page this month. Oh, how I long for all of you to twirl and soar with me in my pink tutu!
Until our next adventure, darling readers, remember: a pink tutu is always the answer!
*Stay twirling, *
Emma 💕
