Post #2318
Hello, my darling dance-loving dears! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It's time for another journey through the captivating history of ballet, and this month, we're pirouetting back to the 1850s, a period when ballet was in the midst of thrilling transformation!
As usual, Magic Meg and I are ready to prance through the time tunnel. She's looking fabulous in her pink shimmery coat, and my new sparkly tutu with the matching pink boots makes me feel ready to take on any grand theatre! This month, we're arriving in February 1854, just a whisper of a waltz away from Valentine's Day.
London Calling!
We've landed in the heart of London, and the city is alive with excitement! The world of ballet was abuzz with new developments and rising stars, with the Royal Opera House buzzing like a hive of ballerinas. Imagine, my darlings, my favourite tutu wouldn't be out of place at all in this era - the Romantics adored tutus, and they were all the rage! They just didn't have the magical shimmer of my beloved one!
A Glimpse of Glory!
Right here in February of 1854, at the very Royal Opera House itself, a spectacular performance of "Giselle" was happening. I'm adding this to my must-see list, darlings! Giselle is still so loved today, a romantic masterpiece that celebrates both ethereal grace and human passion, and it was already captivating audiences then. Imagine watching ballerinas flitting across the stage in their airy tutus! It's so much to imagine. It makes me want to rush off to class immediately!
Dancing the Days Away
There's more than just the main events to see though, dear readers! This month, the Parisian Ballet is visiting London, performing a series of ballets at the Covent Garden Opera House. It's going to be so much fun, just picturing the dazzling dancers on stage and their swirling tutus! Paris was a fashion capital even back then!
Fashion & Flourishes
Speaking of tutus, and fashions in general, imagine the exciting fashion on the streets! Ballet was making its mark on everyday fashion, adding graceful lines and playful flounces, a lovely contrast to the Victorian formality of the era.
And you know I love a good shop! This period saw the rise of "ballet slippers" - a cute name for a type of shoe - made with elastic and dainty decorations, making walking as graceful as dancing! Can you imagine having those to go with my tutu?!
Gathering Memories
And of course, my trusty leather rucksack is packed and ready to fill with little pieces of the past, to bring back into my present-day life. I imagine gathering delicate lace from old costumes, perhaps a dance card from a Parisian ball, and a few snippets of beautiful ballet music. Oh, how wonderful it would be! And I might even try to pick up some of the charming Victorian dance manuals - maybe I could start a class of our very own in the present!
Onwards and Upwards
And that's just the start of our ballet time travel adventures! My dear readers, I hope you enjoyed this peek into 1854 - it's just a glimpse into the rich world of ballet that has been evolving for centuries, a captivating story of artistry and innovation, a beautiful testament to the human spirit and the boundless power of dance.
And remember, my lovely friends, I want all of you to dance, and for you to dance in a pink tutu! So, join me for our next dance, and we'll pirouette into more fantastic times and amazing places! See you all soon, and happy twirling!
Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
