Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller. It's the 8th of August, 1847, and oh my goodness, this day is positively bursting with ballet history! I've been hopping back and forth across time, collecting snippets of ballet stories, and trust me, this trip has been one for the ages!
I'm writing this from a charming little inn in Derbyshire. Yes, I'm back in my home county, though the roads have been rather bumpier than I'm used to! Thankfully, Magic Meg (my stunning, pink-sparkling Shire horse, just a touch flamboyant, wouldn't you agree?) managed to handle the terrain with a grace that would rival a seasoned ballerina!
You wouldn't believe what I've been up to! This week, I embarked on an incredible journey through the 1800s. Now, ballet in this era was undergoing some rather fascinating changes, which you can imagine, sent me straight to the library, researching and then swirling through my steps with Magic Meg to match the mood!
Remember how I was telling you about the early days of Romantic ballet? Well, August 8th, 1847, was actually a pivotal moment in that world. The Paris Opera was getting ready for a brand-new premiere: "La Fille du RĆ©giment." It was a bit of a bold choice! You see, this wasn't just a typical Romantic ballet. It was bursting with colour, vibrant energy, and lots and lots of dramatic flair! Now, while the ballet world often gets caught up in ethereal tutus and whispers, this was a total break from the norm.
You see, "La Fille du RĆ©giment" had it all: lively, joyful choreography, sparkling costumes (imagine an extravagant red coat!), and a story filled with romance and humour, all rolled into one. They even added operatic voices! I felt like I was transported right into the heart of 19th-century Paris, surrounded by the music and the buzzing energy of the performance. I might have even spotted a handsome prince in the audience, but that might have been a sugar plum fairy, donāt you think?
I actually felt quite inspired by the daring of the production. After all, if a ballet can be this exciting and surprising, anything is possible. Imagine, darling! We could be on the cusp of a ballet renaissance right here in our time! Think, big pink tutus paired with colourful capes and swirling melodies - we could redefine ballet, make it fun and joyful, and make sure that the world has never looked so wonderfully pink. Itās just such a lovely thought, isn't it?
Now, let me tell you about some of the gems I found in my adventures through the time machine. Firstly, my leather rucksack is positively bursting at the seams. I was lucky enough to see the performance myself - and what a treat! Iāve collected an old programme with hand-painted illustrations of the characters (so beautifully detailed!) and even a beautiful, hand-stitched shoe-ribbon from the production. Imagine how the ballerina's foot must have shone on that stage! I also picked up a lovely silk scarf printed with an advertisement for the performance ā you know Iāve got a weakness for vintage fabrics and ballet history.
And while weāre on the topic of ballet, did you know that a wonderful dancing competition, The Grand Prix International du Ballet de Lyon, took place this same day! This competition was like the ballet equivalent of the Olympic Games, where the best dancers in the world came together to showcase their skills and create a true celebration of dance. Imagine all the excitement and all the joy! If my horse Meg hadnāt had such an aversion to the grand crowds of the era I would have definitely attended the competition.
And if you want to see āLa Fille du RĆ©giment,ā in all its grand glory, itās still being performed! In fact, you can see this iconic ballet from the early 19th century at the English National Opera! What an amazing chance to experience a little bit of ballet history in a fantastic, modern setting, isn't it? Imagine all the tutus swirling in your mindā¦ Oh, I think I can see myself dancing on the stage again right now! I could just about squeal with delight, so lovely and pink.
Speaking of pink tutus, what have I been doing fashion-wise during my trip? The fashion of the 1800s was definitely captivating. Those extravagant dresses with their layers and frills were the height of fashion, reminding me of the graceful layers of a ballerina's costume!
You know I have a knack for turning up the volume of vintage pieces and with Magic Meg safely waiting, I popped into the most charming shop! Just the kind youād imagine, with beautiful velvet curtains and an alluring perfume of dried herbs.
The lovely shop assistant let me take a peek into the old fashion magazine in the corner of the store (how I wish I had my sketchbook today to make some sketches!) and showed me a selection of fabrics from the period. I had the opportunity to imagine the colours of the costumes! How Iād love to be a fly on the wall during the final dress rehearsal. Do you think the performers were as excited as I was for this incredible ballet?
This visit is a reminder of why I love to hop through time: each era offers such a unique glimpse into the evolution of dance, fashion, and culture! Just imagine a future where a pink tutu might just become a symbol of timeless elegance and joy. I'll continue exploring the world of ballet history and keeping you all updated with my latest adventures. Until then, remember, darling:
The only limit to your dance is the sky, so fly high, spread your wings, and maybe try a pink tutu on for size.
Iāll leave you to your swirling, spinning, pink thoughts for now. My tea cup is empty, and a walk around the lovely village of Ashbourne sounds simply divine, so I'll dash now. Remember to keep your eyes on www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next month, happy dancing!
Lots of love, Emma
