Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu wearing time traveller, back with another whirl through history. Today, we're venturing back to the 17th of July, 1858 - and let me tell you, this journey was bursting with excitement, ballet, and (naturally) fashion!
Before we take off on our adventure, I just want to say a big thank you for your continued support! You all know my passion for ballet runs deeper than a pointe shoe, and that's why I spend my days - and sometimes nights! - hopping back and forth through time, sharing the stories of ballet history with you. My lovely followers, you're truly the reason I saddle up Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire with her golden hooves and flowing white mane, every month.
This month's trip has been a little more sparkly than usual, darling! Just wait till you see the outfits! I've managed to score myself a whole collection of beautiful dance memorabilia - enough to make a ballet lover faint! My leather rucksack, which I always take on my travels to hold the treasures I collect, is practically bursting. You just wait till you see what I have inside.
Anyway, back to the year 1858. The world was buzzing with excitement about the latest ballet productions. Imagine, my darlings, ballet was still considered quite the exclusive affair, and only those with a discerning taste and a penchant for the grand and the graceful would dare step foot into the hallowed halls of the theatre!
My journey started in the vibrant city of London, where the Royal Opera House was practically humming with the anticipation of the premiere of “Le Lac des Cygnes”, also known as "Swan Lake" in English, you know the story right? The prince falls in love with a swan princess! I can just picture it! The grand, ornate costumes, the twinkling lights, and the heart-pounding drama! I, of course, donned my most magnificent pink tutu - I couldn't have arrived in a simpler number for such a glamorous event - and waltzed into the opera house as if I owned the place.
From the capital, I took a brisk carriage ride (courtesy of a very handsome, rosy-cheeked coachman) to a town called Richmond, a quiet little village nestled beside the River Thames, just a few miles outside London. I was drawn to the town for its quaint charm and the opportunity to catch a performance by a rising star - one Signor Luigi Lablache. He was famed for his booming voice and powerful acting, not a ballerina, but he stole the show. I couldn't help but wonder if, with my own enchanting grace, I could be the next rising star! His performance was sensational! He played the role of Don Pasquale, an aging widower who wants to marry off his young niece. You'll have to imagine the sheer drama and theatricality of it all, my darlings, I was transported right back to the heart of Italian Opera. It's just fascinating how far ballet has travelled. I feel incredibly lucky to have witnessed this period of ballet and opera history, with my own eyes.
Speaking of opera and dance history, what about that vintage dancewear? In 1858, fashion was undergoing quite the transformation! Think layers upon layers of silks and satins, boned corsets, and full, flowing skirts! Oh my, just thinking about it makes me want to dash into my closest, unearth my sewing machine and whip myself up something equally stylish.
Thankfully, I was able to indulge my shopping addiction by visiting a millinery store in London where, just by chance, I saw the most exquisite hat. It was a veritable masterpiece, covered in pink satin roses, perfect for a visit to the opera, a show at the theatre or a walk down the elegant, fashionable streets of London, a little peek at my history time travel purchase at the end of this blog! I couldn't leave without it - it's been my most coveted acquisition since that memorable day. I don't even think the shopkeeper dared ask a price.
One last thing, my lovely dancers - before I leave you, you all know, I can't resist mentioning the fashion, even if I have mentioned the beautiful pink hat I acquired this month! What was everyone wearing in 1858? Oh my! Imagine long gloves, delicate bonnets, flowing shawls, lace and tulle, and lots and lots of velvet. The gentlemen of the time - oh, so very dapper - donned dapper suits, formal trousers, top hats, pocket squares, and silk ties. If only we could still be this fashionable! The theatre-goers, the opera enthusiasts, and all those in high society truly knew how to dress for a show!
I can't help but wonder if any of these people ever had dreams of a world filled with pink tutus? Perhaps, like me, they danced under the stars in their most spectacular dance attire, letting their imaginations take flight to a future where tutus, in every shade, would grace the world stage. I must go! The world of ballet is calling me again, it's never dull and always so beautiful. My "pink-tutu.com" ballet blog is buzzing with visitors - so much inspiration to share!
Catch you next month darlings!
Until then, I bid you a most lovely and graceful "Au revoir!"
Lots of love,
Emma xox
P.S. Want to join me in celebrating all things pink and tutu-fabulous? Share your love for ballet in the comments!
P.P.S Just a little something from my time travel travels - you just had to see this hat! [Image of the pink hat adorned with satin roses, worn at an angle to showcase its full splendor].
