Hello my lovely tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to my Pink Tutu Time Travel Blog! This month, Magic Meg and I have taken a magical gallop back to 10th October 1852 - oh, the adventures we had!
My bag is overflowing with all sorts of fabulous finds and stories from that very date, ready for you, my dearest readers, to enjoy. This month's post is particularly special because I’m not only visiting another stunning time period, but also delving into a wonderful ballet event, a show brimming with grace and artistry! Buckle up, you darlings, as we take a tutu-tastic ride back to 1852!
As usual, I'm sporting my dazzling pink tutu and riding side-saddle on my exquisite sparkling pink Shire horse, Magic Meg, her golden hooves twinkling in the sunshine. Just picturing it makes my heart flutter with delight! We’re off, my lovely pink pretties, off to a world of tutus and dreams!
A Ballerina’s Delight – A Russian Royal Performance!
Oh, my dears, I’ve seen the most dazzling ballet performance, you would have fainted with excitement! It was the Grand Ballet Impérial in Moscow, featuring The Tsar of Russia and his court. Talk about glitz and glamour! It seems a beloved dancer called Carlotta Grisi was starring in this magnificent spectacle. Can you imagine, being the star of such a show!
Carlotta’s costume? Exquisite! Just imagine this, she twirled in a sparkling silver gown, complete with a delicate diaphanous pink scarf that billowed around her, a tutu to rival my own! It’s true – not a single pink tutu to be seen on the dancers - quelle horreur! My mission: get that pink tutu trend sweeping across Russia, that's the plan! Perhaps one of the Imperial ballerinas will be bold enough to rock a pink tutu for their next show - who knows?
This specific performance in Moscow was of Paquita, a charming, exciting piece full of sparkling steps and grand displays. My word, the intricate footwork was breathtaking! The entire performance left me utterly charmed. I imagine all of the grand ladies in their glittering attire and the men in their finest uniforms watching in hushed admiration – such a majestic spectacle!
And the theatre itself - my dears, such opulence! The Imperial Theatre in Moscow is simply magnificent! From its exquisite chandeliers to its rich fabrics, it screams extravagance. You wouldn’t be able to tear my eyes away from the stunning decor. But of course, it’s the magic of the dance that truly steals the show, doesn’t it?
My Tutuful Travels Through History - Pink-ifying the World
Whilst we’re in Moscow, darling readers, let’s explore what else is happening in this extraordinary time. The city buzzed with creativity. The "Romantic Period" in ballet was in full swing, and the Russians, as always, were pioneers. This era saw ballets filled with emotion, imagination, and dramatic storylines, a far cry from the rigid, classical ballet styles of yesteryear. Oh, the wonderful stories brought to life through the movement and grace of the dancers!
What an exhilarating time to be a ballerina - just imagine, travelling across Russia, dancing on grand stages for Tsar and nobles, sharing your artistry with the world!
After taking a carriage ride around Moscow’s beautiful streets, my dear Magic Meg and I had the pleasure of joining an aristocratic family for afternoon tea. Now, I don't know about you dears, but I'm rather fond of a spot of afternoon tea. I do have a bit of a sweet tooth, you see! We shared dainty cucumber sandwiches and delectable petit fours with this grand family in their beautiful salon – such a lovely change from my usual travel rations of apples and nuts!
The women I met had the loveliest manners, all twirling their parasols with such grace. I've noticed that etiquette has certainly shifted from when we were at Versailles last year! Much more subtle and understated than that over-the-top, formal grandeur we saw at court! I do love me a little bit of pomp and circumstance but it's quite nice to observe a different pace of life in this particular time period, especially when paired with a steaming pot of tea!
Of course, the lady of the house had to know about my incredible pink tutu and Magic Meg, because pink is the very best, don’t you agree darling! We had such a delightful afternoon, sharing stories and giggling over anecdotes from my ballet journey, my heart fluttered all through the afternoon!
The fashion at that time – so delightfully elegant and whimsical, much like my dear pink tutu. I can't resist admiring those magnificent, voluminous dresses with their flouncy skirts and lovely details. A bit restrictive, of course, I imagine for the gentlemen at court! A good ballerina's outfit is practical – well, practical and pink, obviously!
We took a long gallop through Moscow, exploring its grand palaces and bustling streets. There’s something enchanting about witnessing this vibrant city, its architecture a magnificent blend of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque, a sight for the eyes!
But, my lovely readers, it’s time for our journey back to Derbyshire, to my little ballet studio where all my grand dreams for ballet begin. Until next month!
And remember, every day is a chance to add a touch of pink and joy to the world.
With a pirouette and a twirl,
Emma xxx
