Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to take you on a whimsical journey back to 3rd March 1853, the day my magical Meg and I discovered a delightful ballet gem.
As always, my loyal followers, you know I can't leave home without my trusty pink tutu, and today is no exception. It's a stunning shade of bubblegum pink with delicate silver sparkles. A real eye-catcher! Now, imagine my joy when my loyal steed, Magic Meg – she's a Shire horse with a coat the colour of rose quartz and golden hooves, oh my! – snorted with glee and transported us right into the heart of 1853!
Imagine a world of crinoline skirts and top hats, horse-drawn carriages, and bustling marketplaces! The energy here is electric!
First stop – The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden! This grand old dame is practically bursting with history, but in 1853, she was still a new addition to the London scene! I was excited to be back amongst such magnificence! Imagine - cobblestone streets and gaslit lampposts, just the scene to give a delightful vintage charm to my tutu.
And wouldn’t you know it, darling, there was a magnificent ballet performance! It was "La Fille Mal Gardée" – "The Unruly Daughter." I must confess I adore the storytelling aspect of ballets, and this one didn't disappoint. My heart fluttered for Lise and her forbidden romance! This charming story about a young woman, determined to marry her sweetheart even though he doesn't quite meet her family's standards, just fills me with warmth and nostalgia. I added a program and some ballet ephemera from the era to my rucksack for posterity!
Speaking of costumes, my lovelies, imagine the costumes from this ballet! Just glorious! There was so much volume and drama in those petticoats, so many layers of netting, silk, and satin! It must have taken days to get ready for these productions!
Back in 1853, the famous Italian ballerina, Fanny Cerrito, was making her mark with this very ballet! This talented dancer and teacher captivated the audience, and I bet she wowed them in a very chic, ornate tutu, just the way I love to! It was so inspiring to feel her energy through time!
While "La Fille Mal Gardée" is still popular today, you can see just how much things have changed! Today we have pointe shoes, and 19th century ballerinas still wore soft slippers - much like dance classes today! This really got me thinking, how can we keep ballet traditions alive while still experimenting with modern forms and styles? And how does one go from those full tutus to something lighter, less… voluminous?! I'll certainly need to study up on ballet fashion and make my own comparisons between eras. I will, of course, document my discoveries on www.pink-tutu.com!
Oh, and guess what, darlings! I got to meet a ballet choreographer – Charles Didelot! He’s famous for reviving the Russian ballet with his graceful, delicate movement. I had a wonderful conversation with him! I couldn't help but feel star-struck, talking about the future of ballet. His insight into the power of movement, the passion, and the drama was something I will carry with me. He is said to have incorporated ballet and dance with storytelling in a very unique way. He was incredibly excited about what the future would hold, just as I am, and as I’m sure you are too!
Talking of the future, what should we explore together next month? Send me your ideas! Which ballet gem are you hoping I'll find on my next trip through time?
Remember, my lovelies, I have a very special wish, and you know how much I adore you and your vibrant souls: My wish is for the world to embrace the magic of ballet! We must dance together! Imagine how magical life would be if everyone, from the tiniest tot to the oldest of us, wore a pink tutu! This would be such a joyous celebration! I shall spread my pink tutu magic around the world with all the kindness and warmth my pink tutu holds within its delicate embrace.
Don't forget to catch my performances on www.pink-tutu.com. I hope you are inspired to twirl and soar and fill the world with beauty!
Until next month, keep dancing, keep shining, keep twirling!
Your Pink Tutu Fairy,
Emma
P.S. You can check out more details on Fanny Cerrito and other talented dancers on the website www.pink-tutu.com. We need to preserve and celebrate those beautiful souls!
P.P.S. Don't forget to visit my ballet shop on www.pink-tutu.com where I've been busy curating a selection of delightful tutu styles! There is truly something for everyone, my lovelies! I promise to give each design my pinkest approval!
