#BalletHistory during 1858 06 June

Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, Emma, back with another delightful journey into the world of ballet! This month, we're galloping back to the 6th of June, 1858, and let me tell you, this date is a right royal hoot!

I've always been rather fond of a good history lesson, and my trusty pink-sparkling shire horse, Magic Meg, always agrees. We've trotted through many a grand epoch, from the flamboyant Baroque era to the revolutionary steps of the Romantic period. And believe me, there's always something new and fascinating to discover in the world of ballet!

Now, for this month's trip, we're popping into the heart of London, to see what's happening in the ballet world. The year is 1858, a year of dazzling talent, and this date is positively bursting with the most delightful ballet events!

First, a little tidbit: The Royal Opera House, or Covent Garden as it was known back then, was already a haven for dance enthusiasts. In fact, back in 1858, the Royal Italian Opera, the precursor to the Royal Opera House, was in full swing! So you can bet your bottom dollar that there'd be a ballet performance, or at least an excerpt, as part of the evening's grand affair. Can you imagine being in the audience? I would be glued to every single step!

My bag is already brimming with intriguing historical facts about this particular date. Let's get right to it!

On this very day, the 6th of June 1858, the stage at the Royal Italian Opera buzzed with excitement, for it was the date of a special performance – a benefit for the well-loved dancer, Carolina Rosati. Carolina, an Italian prima ballerina assoluta, was a true star, adored for her exquisite artistry. And to celebrate her, the esteemed ballet master, Jules Perrot, presented a most charming programme for the evening.

Now, I do love a good ballet programme – who doesn't? – and this one, my dears, was filled with absolute gems! The first act was a charming divertissement entitled Le Spectre de la Rose, a fantastical story with delicate, swirling choreography by the brilliant Arthur Saint-Léon. Just imagining the audience swooning at the grace of the dancers! And of course, I just had to see the costume sketches - the delicate fabrics, the swirling shapes - so glamorous! It made my little pink heart soar!

And the pièce de résistance – a brand-new pas de deux, a breathtaking piece with a title just as magical – La Danse des Nymphes! Imagine a graceful, ethereal duet set to a gorgeous score. I can just picture the stage bathed in light, the dancers gliding and floating, every move a story unfolding in front of your very eyes! I do love a little drama on the stage, don't you? I wonder how the public took to it – maybe some of the gentlemen were quite captivated.

Oh! The story in my head just exploded with excitement! The program notes say the piece was set to music by none other than Adolphe Adam, a musical giant of the day, who's been creating scores that inspire audiences and make dancers’ feet fly since before the time of my very first tutu. Oh to hear those notes in person! I wonder what the costumes were like? What an elegant mix of tradition and novelty the entire evening must have been. A must-see for any dance enthusiast!

And as for the costuming – let me tell you, it was an absolute treat for the eyes! This was the era of flowing, romantic costumes, and the ladies must have looked simply exquisite, a vision of feminine grace and ethereal beauty.

Oh, I just love how my trusty little leather rucksack fills up with tales of history like this one! Just as much as the story of a performance, it’s the little snippets from history which help paint a real picture for you! Here is something from the backstage: Imagine my delight when I discovered this detail – Carolina Rosati’s salary at the time was £20 a week. That was unheard of for a woman! Back then, it was considered a fair wage for a man. You can bet she used her position to promote dance and dancers - she’s a true pioneer in a period that, like all historical eras, still held prejudices for female professionals. And did you know she was married to the most famous dancer in Europe, a legend named Lucille Grahn?

The little snippets of history that fall into my hands make it so much easier to travel to this world of history. Now, for our journey this month, I think we should head down to Derbyshire and visit the local stage!

Right, enough history lessons for now. Now, I'm going to trade my time-travelling cloak for my dancing shoes and get back to Derbyshire! Magic Meg's going to love a gallop in the sunshine after a long, time-travel laden day! And guess what, darling, the Derbyshire Theatre is having an open call for dancers next week, for a production of ‘La Bayadère’! I absolutely must get there - its an enchanting production and perfect to start the month of June! And you know, the local community ballet company are putting on a little gala of ‘Giselle’ – how utterly charming! What a wonderful reminder that dance is for everyone! I may even whip out a bit of choreography to put in my own Pink Tutu routine, to the delight of all! And you know, it makes my heart swell when I think about a bit of inspiration like mine to see a world where everyone wears a pink tutu. It's so fun, so bright, so expressive. Just imagine how wonderful a world filled with tutus would be!

Catch me next month as I travel through the mists of time on another fabulous ballet adventure, you know where to find me - www.pink-tutu.com, darling!

Your loving time traveller, Emma x

Please note: This blog post is written with a playful and creative tone, intended for a fictional character and story. It blends historical information with imaginative elements for a light-hearted, entertaining read.