Hello my dearest tutu-twirling friends! It's Emma, your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, and welcome to another instalment of my monthly blog. This month, we're going back in time to 1st January 1856! Grab your fanciest tutus, polish your pointe shoes, and hop onto Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves (oh, he's the best!). We're embarking on a delightful journey to witness the world of ballet 167 years ago!
Now, you may be thinking, 1856? Was ballet even a thing back then? Why yes, dear readers! Ballet has been around for centuries, captivating audiences with its elegance and grace. 1856 was a particularly exciting time, a time when ballet was experiencing a global boom. And, of course, the tutu is always front and centre, just like it should be!
Our journey takes us first to London, the heart of ballet in 1856. Here, the Royal Opera House is brimming with excitement, a kaleidoscope of swirling skirts, leaps, and intricate footwork. You wouldn't believe the magnificent costumes! So many feathers, beads, and silks - a feast for the eyes. You can bet your bottom dollar, I'll be snapping a few photos for my www.pink-tutu.com fashion section, wouldn't you know it!
Imagine my delight when I discovered that on this very day, the illustrious ballerina Carlotta Grisi, who had captivated audiences worldwide, graced the Royal Opera House stage! Her graceful movements, a delicate balance of strength and artistry, inspired audiences then, and continue to inspire ballet lovers to this day.
But, London wasn't the only place bursting with ballet fever. We head across the Channel to Paris - the City of Lights, where ballet took on a distinctly romantic air. Here, the Opéra Garnier was undergoing its grand renovation, its lavish interiors setting the stage for the ballet extravaganzas to come.
My rucksack is already overflowing with sketches of costume designs from Paris – I'm in love with the sheer romanticism of them all, particularly those whimsical, flowy tutus with floral appliqués. A perfect reminder to keep our outfits both graceful and fashionable!
The journey then continues across the vast expanse of the world. In St Petersburg, home to the legendary Imperial Ballet, I witnessed the masterful choreography of Marius Petipa. You wouldn't believe the leaps and turns, such incredible technical precision and artistry! Their famous tutu designs were the epitome of ballet style. You could see their influence across the world – how inspiring!
Our next stop brings us to Italy. You may not associate Italy with ballet as much as France or Russia, but trust me, there were a flurry of ballet happenings in 1856. From the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the legendary La Scala, to the captivating performances at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, I soaked in the artistry, each theatre showcasing the vibrant artistry and innovative choreography that Italy was renowned for.
Just as I was marveling at the innovative choreography in Naples, my trusty steed Magic Meg announced that it was time to head back to Derbyshire. It's true, you see, a girl has to perform to fuel those time-travelling escapades.
After my trip, my mind was buzzing with new inspiration for my ballet routines! You know how much I love performing - my tutu swishing as I twirl through the air. It brings me such joy to share the wonder of ballet with others. Maybe someday I'll even have my own time-travelling performance on the same stages as Carlotta Grisi! Until then, I'll keep on spreading the pink tutu love and bringing you the stories and delights from the past!
Until next month, dear tutu-twirlers! Remember, the magic of ballet lies within us all. And don't forget to always keep your tutus shimmering and your spirits high!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
