Hello darling! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller. This month, we’re venturing back to 12th December, 1852, just imagine it, ladies! Bustles and bonnets! Corsets and crinolines! The world of ballet was certainly a different place back then, but that's what makes it so fascinating!
Today's trip with Magic Meg was a little bit different. The sky was painted a beautiful blue, with not a cloud in sight. I can't imagine wearing all those layers on a day like this. It was absolutely positively glorious as we galloped across Derbyshire's rolling countryside. I have to confess, this month, I felt like a true fairytale princess. A little bit like the Sugar Plum Fairy if you will!
As I was twirling on my way to meet you, the delightful blogosphere, a sweet breeze whispered through the air, carrying a little ballet gossip with it. Did you know, that on this very date in 1852, the beloved dancer, Marie Taglioni, returned to the Parisian stage after an absence of almost six years! I’d only heard stories about her and to see the stage lit up with the joy of her return - oh, it was absolutely spellbinding.
Just imagine! I stepped into the grand Parisian theatre and gasped in delight. There, amidst the swirls of beautiful dresses and shining jewels, I saw her, Marie Taglioni, gliding across the stage in the most divine white silk tutu. The whole place felt electric! It's no wonder that she is considered one of the most important dancers of all time.
Speaking of tutus, dearie, while she was on stage I could barely contain myself. You simply must see these magnificent creations, from the most delicate of fabrics to the intricate stitching. You’ve no idea what I was able to find in that fabulous vintage shop tucked away behind the theatre! Imagine my joy when I found a perfect miniature leotard from the 1850s with exquisite pearl embellishments - oh my!
Back in my own time, I feel inspired! I might just use the leotard to add a dash of 1850s ballet fashion to my own collection! And talking of collections, this little leotard wasn’t the only ballet treasure I brought home. Let me tell you, that little rucksack of mine is packed full of amazing finds, a proper collection of objets d'art and secrets that I will be sharing with you soon, dear readers. I just cannot tell you enough about the ballet-obsessed Victorian era!
I simply adore visiting different time periods to find inspiration, you know! My favourite bit, as always, was seeing those beautiful, swirling tutus in all their glory. The fabrics and the shapes of the tutus are what makes the ballet world truly magical. Did you know, though? Back in the 1850s, the tutus were not nearly as short as those you see now! They had very full, wide skirts - a true symphony of voile and tulle!
This trip, dearie, was all about ballet - that grand ballet artform which is so loved and appreciated today! I was totally inspired, it makes you think, doesn't it? That even with the fashions changing, even with the centuries coming and going, ballet stays the same - powerful, graceful, elegant. Just like your dearest pink tutu time traveller.
So now you're asking yourself: how does this little pink-tutu-clad time traveller actually afford these incredible trips? The secret to my time-travelling budget, is you guessed it: the ballet.
Every month, you'll find me on a stage, captivating hearts with the magic of movement. Sometimes, it's at the theatre. Sometimes, it’s a graceful street performance! Every time I pirouette, a little bit more magic spills out from my dancing shoes, and poof, enough magic dust lands in my rucksack to fund my next exciting time travel adventure. Isn't that magical?!
The next time you're feeling like your tutu is a bit tired or you're stuck in a rut with ballet inspiration - remember me. There's always a place to find a bit of that magical tutu spirit - in a museum, in the theatre, or even in your own neighbourhood! Remember, darlings, as I’m sure I've told you all before, it’s not about the dress, but the dancer who wears it. So go out and twirl your way to ballet glory. Let’s dance our way to 2023, darling! And don’t forget to share your dance-related experiences in the comments below! Until next month, remember – all you need is a pink tutu!
