Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another wonderful trip through time, and let me tell you, this one was truly spectacular! This month, I saddled up my darling Magic Meg and we galloped all the way back to 1851, a date overflowing with artistic brilliance!
It was a blustery June day when we arrived in London. Imagine, dear readers, a bustling city teeming with carriages, horse-drawn omnibuses, and an air of anticipation, just like before a grand performance. My trusty leather rucksack, bursting with my ever-growing collection of ballet ephemera, felt rather heavy, but worth every ounce for the treasures it held.
As I strolled down the cobbled streets, I couldn't help but admire the stunning array of shops, showcasing the latest fashions, so exquisite they could rival even the most flamboyant stage costumes! You'd be surprised how many hints of tutus you could find if you know where to look – those big, full skirts on fashionable ladies, and even the frilly edges of lace gowns, it was all very suggestive, darling!
Our first stop was The Royal Opera House, my all-time favourite! It was such a thrill to witness the sheer grandeur of this historical venue. Even back in 1851, it was radiating that same elegance and excitement that makes my heart soar every time I set foot inside. Sadly, there was no performance that day, but the air was thick with rehearsals, a delicious taste of the artistic world I adore!
Next, we headed to Covent Garden, the beating heart of ballet. Imagine, darlings, my delight when I saw a charming little notice plastered onto the wall of a grand theatre – “Ballet and Spectacle: An Evening of Entertainment for the whole Family!” How thrilling to learn that ballet, even then, was considered family fun!
I managed to snag a ticket and settled into a plush velvet seat, a shiver of anticipation coursing through me. The show began with a mesmerizing display of colourful costumes, intricate steps, and a powerful, dynamic stage presence. Although the style is a bit different from our contemporary dance, the artistry, passion, and joy are as evident today as they were back in 1851. And how enchanting those ballerina costumes were, some even hinted at tutus – with their flowing skirts and layers of tulle, they were quite the inspiration for my own love of the pinkest pink tutu.
My trip was not just about ballet though, darling! My love for beautiful things simply demands exploration of the best boutiques and fashion houses. I absolutely fell in love with a shop called "Liberty's." This charming shop was just bursting with vibrant colours, silks, satins, and an array of elegant trimmings perfect for the next grandest ballet costumes. My mind is already swimming with ideas for new tutu designs, inspired by the fabulous 1851 fashion scene!
That night, while snuggled up in my travelling quarters – a delightful bed and breakfast right on Regent's Street – I couldn’t help but scribble notes about my experiences, fueled by a cup of fragrant tea and a plate of homemade scones. Oh, how I loved experiencing the charm and the essence of 19th century life, a world steeped in beauty, grace, and elegance. And let's not forget, the heart of it all, the glorious world of ballet!
Time to head home to Derbyshire now, where I will soon be preparing for a fundraising performance for my next time travel adventure. The best way to support my time travel dreams, my darlings, is to join me for a night of pure enchantment! Tickets for my ballet performance are available on www.pink-tutu.com.
And, as always, keep those pink tutus close! It's a style statement, an inspiration, a reminder of our love for ballet and its infinite power to move, enchant, and bring us all closer together.
Until next month, darlings, and remember, there's always something beautiful waiting to be discovered.
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
