Hello my lovely pink-tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina blogger, back with another thrilling trip through history. This month, we're twirling back to 10th October 1846!
Now, let's hop on the back of Magic Meg, my beautiful pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as freshly-fallen snow. Hold onto your tutus, darlings, because this trip is a real doozy!
The air crackled with excitement as Magic Meg galloped across the centuries, my leather rucksack brimming with ballet treasures just waiting to be unearthed. As we arrived in the Victorian era, I couldn't help but be awed by the gas lamps flickering along the cobbled streets. The scent of coal smoke mingled with the perfume of lavender, a truly unique aroma.
My first stop was the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London, one of the most prestigious theatre venues of the time. They were staging "The Merry Wives of Windsor," a jolly, bawdy comedy by Shakespeare, which just tickled my funny bone. The play is famous for its wit and music, and you know I can never resist a good dance number! Imagine the elegance of the dancers in their powdered wigs and silks! Oh, I wish I could have had a twirl with them!
While the theatre was all the rage in London, the ballet world was ablaze with exciting developments! The Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg had a brand new ballet on its repertoire. It was the première of a thrilling, romantic ballet “Giselle”. This beautiful tale of a peasant girl tricked by a disguised nobleman, which was a hit right away. They say the story is quite heart-breaking and there are some sensational dancing moments. You can just imagine the atmosphere of the theatre as the curtain rises! And the costumes must have been fabulous! I just love how dancers dress in ballet! I really must get myself one of those lovely pointed-toed slippers they used to wear.
Now, let's talk fashion. Victorian England had such fabulous attire! For the ladies, think long, flowing dresses with cinched waists and full, billowing skirts, puff sleeves, and elaborate bonnets – absolutely perfect for a ballerina like me!
I'm rather hoping this will become a bit of a trend for ballet outfits, I have already taken my trusty sewing needle and thread to my collection of lovely Victorian fabrics to get myself a custom tutu, for my next time-travelling adventure to the Mariinsky! I imagine myself a vision in blush pink and lace, twirling across the stage... Oh, the dream of it all!
While in the past, I couldn’t help but check out some of the shops on Bond Street in London. Just a glimpse at some of the fashionable millinery there, gave me such great inspiration.
It is said the Queen, Her Royal Highness, Victoria is an enormous fan of ballet. She even attends some of the performances, so she must appreciate good style! I was told by an extremely kindly lady I bumped into in Covent Garden that a lot of London society people do actually take ballet very seriously. She did warn me to never go to the theatre in my ballet dress - you simply mustn't! Oh, these societal rules are such a bore.
But just imagine my shock, while having some afternoon tea (deliciously dainty scones, and clotted cream!), I overheard someone say there are now, brace yourselves, ballet classes in England for women!! I couldn't believe my ears! These ballet schools sound just lovely – imagine the pleasure of moving to beautiful music in a dedicated space! Just another great sign for women and for ballet as a profession, Isn't that lovely!
Finally, a big shout-out to the brave pioneers who started taking classes – women are breaking ground in all areas of life! They are taking ownership of their health and fitness, even in Victorian England!
While the time travel has come to an end for this month, I am ready to step back into my present time to write all my fascinating adventures in my pink-tutu-themed blog. I just hope that in time I can encourage the world to join me and wear my fabulous creation to the next performance.
I can’t wait for our next time travel adventure and will keep you updated as I research. Do visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, where I will be adding more pictures and memories. See you all soon, darling!
