Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are always pink, ballet is always magical, and time travel is a monthly adventure! Today, my lovelies, weāre whisking back to the glorious year of 1845, specifically November 11th, a date bursting with balletic brilliance!
As always, Iāve donned my most fabulous pink tutu, it shimmers just so in the autumn light, and Magic Meg, my oh-so-sparkling shire steed, is snorting impatiently. Her golden hooves are eager to carry me through the centuries! This monthās satchel is full of wonder as well. Itās brimming with hand-stitched ballet shoes, delicately sketched costumes, and snippets of stories about ballerinas whose lives we can only dream about today.
Now, gather round, lovelies, and let's step into this delightful slice of balletic history!
Ballet's Golden Hour: 1845
1845 was a glorious year for ballet! The world was enthralled by the delicate grace and dramatic artistry of the ballerina, a position held by some of the most talented women on the planet. Imagine, darlings, women defying gravity and captivating hearts with every leap and twirl!
Imagine my joy, then, when I arrived at the ThƩatre de l'OpƩra in Paris and stepped into the swirling vortex of anticipation! This grand theatre was buzzing with excitement. My dear friend, Madame Carlotta Grisi , was about to perform a leading role! Carlotta is a legendary figure in the ballet world, her talent a dazzling light. And trust me, darlings, she doesn't disappoint!
Tonight, Carlotta took to the stage as the mischievous Giselle in "Giselle". The air vibrated with emotions: joy, despair, love, heartbreak... Every gesture, every twirl was exquisite, a true feast for the eyes.
Did you know, lovelies, that this very ballet premiered in 1841 and became a true sensation? "Giselle" is considered one of the great romantic ballets, and Carlotta Grisi was the first to play the leading role.
A Quick Peek at Parisian Ballet Fashion
Fashion in 1845 Paris, and the ballet world in particular, is quite exquisite, you see. Picture this, my darlings, frilly tulle tutus in the most divine colours - pale pinks, buttery yellows, and, of course, a deep and luxurious red that would make a crimson rose blush. The romantic ballet was in its full bloom!
Carlottaās "Giselle" dress, however, is particularly striking! A swirling white skirt accented with soft pastel embroidery. It looks absolutely heavenly!
As for my time travel outfit, darlings, I had to wear my go-to, a stunning hot pink tutu adorned with silver sequins, and my favorite pearl necklace for a touch of elegance. My shoes? Oh, a must-have in every time travelerās wardrobe - stylish ballet flats! I love the soft comfort and ease of wearing a pair of flat ballet shoes. I paired it all with my favourite floral broach that My Nana used to wear when she was a ballet dancer at the Royal Opera House in London! She wore the exact same dress. How exciting!
London Calling: More Ballet Delights
Following my journey through Parisian enchantment, my dear Magic Meg took me, as she so often does, on a gallop to the charming streets of London!
Covent Garden Theatre, oh how it thrummed with a lively energy! This grand theatre hosted numerous plays and operas throughout the year, but tonight, lovelies, "The Demon" by Carl Maria von Weber was the main attraction.
Oh, to have seen this magnificent ballet performance! I can just imagine the stunning choreography and dramatic performances that swept Londoners off their feet.
Ballet Everywhere:
The wonderful world of ballet is blooming all over, darlings! 1845 is a testament to the international popularity of this art form. Imagine travelling from the Paris OpƩra to the grandeur of Covent Garden Theatre and seeing so much extraordinary beauty!
Itās not just about the performances, my loves, itās also about the journey. The joy of seeing ballet from different eras, observing the nuances of ballet costumes, and the different ways audiences enjoyed their performances.
From My Time Travel Backpack:
From this month's trip through history, I snagged the most beautiful hand-painted silk ribbon that once adorned a tutu in the āGiselleā ballet performance. My little backpack now has a real connection to the past and all the extraordinary ballet moments from years ago!
The Pink Tutu Appeal
I just canāt get over it, darlings! It truly makes me happy to share my little passion with you and introduce you to the joy of ballet, one step, one tutu, one time travel journey at a time.
This month's pink-tutu.com post is about wearing pink. Letās get everyone, everywhere, in pink tutus, shall we?! I want you all to spread the ballet love, wear your most glorious pink tutus and let the world know that pink is not just a color, it's an attitude! A fun, joyous, playful attitude! š©° š
And with that, I'm signing off, my dears. Itās time to pack up my ballet finds, hug my beloved Magic Meg, and travel back to my own time, a pink-tutu-clad whirlwind of ballet magic!
Until next time, dance with joy!
With sparkling sequins and an even sparklier spirit,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
