Hello lovelies! 🎀 Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a journey back in time! As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time for a dose of December magic, and what could be more magical than a ballet time-trip?
This month, we’re hopping on Magic Meg’s back and setting our sights on December 12th, 1848! 🕰️ It’s been quite a whirlwind of a journey, as usual, and trust me, this date holds some absolute gems for our little ballet hearts.
1848: The Year of Change
1848 was a year of immense political and social upheaval across Europe. Revolution was brewing in France, Italy, Austria, and beyond, while Britain was still feeling the aftershocks of the industrial revolution. 🏭 Yet, through all the change and uncertainty, the love of dance persevered, and there were plenty of balletic wonders happening on that day, December 12th, in particular.
Paris: The Ballerina of the Opera
First, we found ourselves in the glorious Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris. 🏛️ Oh, what a majestic building! Think swirling staircases, ornate chandeliers, and enough velvet to cushion a whole kingdom. This place was all about spectacle, a feast for the senses, and a home to some truly exceptional ballerinas. On this December day, a young ballerina named Lucile Grahn was taking centre stage. A dancer of astonishing talent and captivating beauty, Grahn had been captivating audiences for years, and her performances were truly something special. She had already been acclaimed in London, had worked with legendary ballet master Jules Perrot, and now, she was electrifying the Parisians with her ethereal movements and graceful style. We took a sneak peek backstage, and she truly seemed to embody the Parisian ballet spirit - elegance, artistry, and just a hint of cheeky charm. 😜
Vienna: A waltz to remember
Next stop, Vienna, where waltzing was the heartbeat of society. 🎉 On the 12th, a celebrated performance by the renowned Vienna State Opera took place. Vienna in 1848 wasn’t a tranquil place, with revolution stirring and a political atmosphere thick with tension, but inside the hallowed halls of the opera house, music and dance provided an escape. It was a true celebration of artistry and culture. I felt the magic of the waltz in my toes! ✨ I even had a sneaky peek at a rehearsal room where dancers practised, mesmerized by the beauty and energy. It was clear to see how much ballet intertwined with Vienna's history and identity.
England: The Heart of Ballet
While we were jetting across Europe, the Covent Garden Opera House in London was buzzing. Now, we wouldn’t catch any ballets there in 1848. Oh no! The opera house had just undergone extensive renovations, a bit of a refurbishment in preparation for a truly stellar Grand Opening - just for us, a few months later. 😏 However, a few doors down, the Victoria Theatre was holding its own, presenting its own fascinating array of performances, something which made it such an iconic and loved London theatre in its day.
Tutu Twists and Turns
Speaking of the Victoria Theatre, have you ever noticed the shape of the traditional tutu? The conical shape, the tiered frills... they have a rich history! The tutu as we know it was invented during the Romantic era, roughly between the 1830s and 1840s. The shorter, bell-shaped version we often see was invented to give ballerinas more freedom of movement - and who can resist its airy grace! 💖
My own ballet adventure:
As I was venturing through London on December 12th, I decided to pay a visit to La Boutique de la Danse (or, “The Dance Shop”). It wasn't its current form as the opulent Liberty of London, no, in 1848, it was a very simple, bustling space where dancing girls could acquire their latest ribbons, satin shoes, and ballet essentials. Of course, being Emma of Pink Tutu, I made sure to pick up some sparkly ribbon for my Magic Meg’s mane - she just couldn’t resist the glimmer! You know what they say... even horses appreciate a little bit of fashion. 😉
My Latest Creation!
You wouldn’t believe what I picked up in Paris! An exquisite little, pink and silver sequined silk shawl from the Les Modes Parisian Fashion house. It was truly exquisite and gave off an intoxicating fragrance - I simply had to bring it home! So inspired, I had a bit of a dressmaking session at my Derbyshire cottage, and using the most exquisite tulle fabric (naturally in pink) I conjured a gorgeous ballet skirt - perfect for any aspiring ballerina who yearns to twirl in the fashion of those grand ballerinas of the 1840s! 😉 It’s on sale now, and just look how fabulous it looks with the sequined shawl! 💖
Remember, my lovelies! It's December, so the festive spirit is truly in the air! Let’s celebrate dance and time travel and spread the joy! 🎁 What better way than to rock a pink tutu and twirl into the new year? I am looking forward to our next exciting adventure next month, until then, let’s all stay tutu-licious! 😉💖
See you soon!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
