#BalletHistory during 1848 10 October

Hello my darlings! Welcome back to another adventure in time, brought to you by your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed ballerina - me! It's Emma here, and this month, we're taking a trip back to the year 1848!

Hold on tight to your pointe shoes because it's going to be a whirlwind of tutus, tea, and thrilling ballet stories! Just last week, Magic Meg and I were practicing a few fouettés in the Derbyshire countryside (my beautiful, misty Derbyshire, where all this amazing adventure began!), when I got a sudden flash of inspiration - a date, a place, a vision of 19th-century ballerinas flitting across the stage... And just like that, I knew exactly where we needed to go!

So, naturally, I saddled up Magic Meg, my magnificent, shimmering pink shire horse with hooves of gold, and we galloped into the time portal (a surprisingly convenient, rose-patterned, shimmering portal in the local market!). As always, I had my trusty, leather rucksack ready to collect all the beautiful ballet items and inspiring stories this historical trip would offer.

And oh, my darling readers, 1848 was bursting with dance excitement! It was a year brimming with dazzling productions, theatrical wonders, and a passion for ballet that ignited hearts everywhere. Think you can't get any more pink than your average pink-tutu ballerina? Just wait!

First and foremost, we arrived on the 10th October in the most fabulous way, right in the middle of the Paris Opera House! It was all so exciting! Imagine – grand velvet seats, sparkling chandeliers, and a buzz of anticipation before the performance even began. The stage, my dears, the stage was alive with such grace and power - ballerinas in stunning costumes were executing perfectly placed fouettés and elegant pirouettes. And the music, my darlings, the music! Oh, the beautiful melodies, swirling around us in the most perfect harmony.

Did you know that 1848 marked a pivotal year in ballet history? This is when the legendary Marius Petipa debuted a truly magical piece at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg - The Pharaoh’s Daughter. Oh, I so wish I'd been there to witness its grand spectacle – a story of passion and sacrifice set in Ancient Egypt!

Meanwhile, across the ocean in New York City, a young, talented ballerina named Maria Taglioni was electrifying the world with her beautiful, ethereal performances. The ballet world was entranced by her light steps and elegant, romantic style. I just knew that a little dash of pink would've made her look even more stunning - just picture a touch of pink in her ethereal white costume!

Now, who's up for some Parisian fashion fun? The streets of Paris were alive with incredible costumes and fascinating fashion trends, influencing everything from ballet wear to the latest ladies' garments. Can you believe there were actually tutus inspired by classical Greek drapery? How romantic! My little birdie whispers that a charming lady known as Mademoiselle Angélina made these dazzling pieces. Imagine how magnificent these delicate designs would be in the palest shade of pink! It would surely set hearts fluttering.

After a day of swirling and twirling, of experiencing ballet's vibrant heart and soul in Paris and across the world, it was time to explore my 19th-century finds for my ballet collection!

Tucked inside my leather rucksack, I have an absolute treasure! A hand-drawn, vintage ballerina print from Paris, which portrays a graceful ballerina with elegant costumes that would be the epitome of elegance even today. I think she needs just a little more pink to complete her exquisite look, so, I am thinking about painting her a little pink accessory for her delicate costume. After all, it wouldn't hurt to give her just a little dash of magic.

But wait, there's more! A precious antique ballet program, delicately curled and fading with age, gives me an insight into a magnificent show I could only have dreamed of experiencing - 'Giselle'. Oh, it's such a wonderful feeling to be immersed in a story, in an era, through something as simple and evocative as a beautifully preserved ballet program.

And of course, what is a pink-loving ballerina’s ballet collection without a collection of exquisite pink ribbon!

Fashion is more than just dressing up, darling - it's a reflection of who you are, a powerful tool to express yourself. That's why I am so devoted to bringing the world the wonder of pink tutus, one dance at a time. They symbolise hope, creativity, and pure, joyful expression. The tutus, the ballet, the stories - all of these pieces speak of the beauty and power within every single one of us, reminding us that even in the face of the unknown, we are capable of amazing things.

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, my darlings! Grab that tutu, step into your dream, and let your imagination run wild. Remember, even in the most turbulent of times, there is beauty to be found in movement, creativity, and, of course, pink tutus!

I've already been working on plans for my next trip – who knows what ballet secrets we'll discover in our next time-traveling adventure? Perhaps I'll finally get to see those gorgeous "Giselle" performances! And I might just find some amazing inspiration to bring you all a bit more pink and a whole lot of fun, so be sure to keep checking in every month for more fascinating trips back in time!

Until next time, keep twirling and keep shining, darling!

Love, Emma xx