Oh darling readers, welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! Today, I’m galloping through history on Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkling Shire, headed towards a particularly exciting date – November 11th, 1852. As always, I’m ready to document everything I find about the world of ballet in this time period, and you know I’ll be sharing my finds with you all.
Now, you all know how much I love pink, and you've probably noticed my fondness for a fabulous tutu, right? It just seems fitting for a ballerina, wouldn’t you agree? Today, as I journey back in time, I’ll be sporting my most magnificent creation – a shimmering pink tutu with a hint of glitter, a testament to the sheer joy and beauty of this art form.
Buckle up, darlings, because I have a feeling this journey is going to be packed with all the delights of the 19th-century ballet scene. I’m bringing along my trusty leather rucksack – I have a feeling it will be full of interesting ballet ephemera from the time!
London: The Centre of the Dance World
Arriving in London, the city is buzzing with a delightful symphony of excitement. From the cobbled streets to the grand opera houses, you can feel the pulsating heart of the world of dance beating throughout the city. And speaking of the theatre… oh, the wonder of it all! It's a vibrant tapestry of lights and applause.
My initial stop is at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the heart of theatrical productions. I gather that on this particular evening, a ballet is taking centre stage – the one and only "La Fille du Régiment", with Fanny Cerrito as Marie! A performance by a legend? I'm practically dancing in the streets, darling!
I hear tell of Fanny’s captivating grace, a woman who stole the hearts of the entire theatre world, becoming a legend herself. Her dazzling performances are captivating London's elite and enchanting every soul present. What a whirlwind of talent!
But London isn’t all about Cerrito, darling. The dance scene is rich and diverse, full of bright, burgeoning talent. I've already gathered a precious pamphlet detailing upcoming ballet performances at the Royal Opera House – and I'm thrilled to discover that one of my favourite ballerinas, Lucille Grahn, is scheduled to perform "Giselle" next month. Imagine!
I spend the rest of my day lost in the intoxicating scent of the theatres, mingling with those who hold dance close to their hearts. The fashion scene in London is buzzing! It's such a joy to see the Victorian ballet costume influences being explored in everyday fashion. Imagine, you could actually buy fabric inspired by your favourite tutu! Talk about making a statement!
Paris: Where Style and Technique Combine
After an exciting day in London, it's time for Magic Meg to whisk me across the Channel, right into the enchanting heart of Paris, France. Ah, Paris! What an absolute dream! It is so sophisticated, so stylish! The grand Palais Garnier is already iconic.
I've been itching to discover what Parisian dance enthusiasts are getting up to. Apparently, at the Grand Théâtre, there's a delightful little piece by a Monsieur Paul Taglioni, titled “Les Debutantes." It's the perfect opportunity to dive into the ballet world and be immersed in the captivating elegance of the time. I can already picture the elaborate costumes, the dramatic movements, and the intricate storytelling – what a captivating night this must have been!
St Petersburg: Ballet's Birthplace
Oh, how I adore St Petersburg! It's a city steeped in tradition, but buzzing with innovation. Imagine, I'm already seeing a beautiful ballet performance featuring the extraordinary Carlotta Grisi as Giselle, oh my, such artistry! What a brilliant performance it must have been. This grand ballet performance must have been a spectacular display of talent, with all its opulent costuming, dramatic storytelling, and captivating beauty. And don't forget, we are at the very birth of the Russian Ballet School! How lucky we are!
My rucksack is full! I’m so excited to unpack everything for you in my next post. This period has brought so much to our art, to our style, and to our sense of drama and showmanship, I can barely contain myself. I truly believe this journey has helped solidify why I love the ballet, why I love the tutu and how important it is for all of you, everywhere, to get into pink tutus.
Don’t forget, darlings, I’ll be posting again next month! I’m already planning my next adventure through time. In the meantime, keep spreading the love of ballet and, of course, make sure to get your pink tutu out, it’s an essential part of life, after all!
Until next time, darlings! Stay magical!
Love,
Emma
