Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-traveller! It's time for another adventure in ballet history, and this month, I've been whisked back to September 1858! Now, you may be wondering, why 1858? Well, I'm sure you'll find the reason as charming as I do! Let's dive into the exciting world of ballet then, shall we?
It was a rather crisp morning, and the scent of dew and freshly-baked bread filled the air. Magic Meg, my oh-so-gorgeous, pink-sparkling Shire horse with her white mane and tail and golden hooves, whinnied softly. Her coat, oh darling, it shimmered like a thousand tiny pink diamonds, reflecting the dawn's first light. I donned my favourite pink tutu, a new one this month, it's hand-beaded with tiny pearls, and topped my auburn hair with a dainty feather fascinator, then fastened my leather rucksack to my back. It's bursting with ballet stories, treasures I collect from each trip, ready to share with you!
Meg nudged my hand gently with her nose, sensing my excitement. It was time.
"Let's go, Meg!" I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the Derbyshire fields. "Another incredible journey awaits!"
This month, my destination was none other than Paris, the capital of style, elegance, and of course, ballet! 1858 was an important year for ballet, and I simply had to be there to experience the buzz!
The theatre lights in Paris were as bright as the stars, each one gleaming like a precious gem. There was an undeniable magic to the air, one I felt every time I stepped into a theatre, an electric energy that crackled with the promise of a dazzling spectacle.
But before I dove head-first into the whirlwind of Parisian ballet, I had to find out what was in store for this delightful 9th of September. A trip to the Bibliotheque Nationale revealed an exciting discovery - a dance programme from the Opera Garnier! A ballet entitled "Faust!" was the highlight of the night! Now, this ballet holds a special place in my heart; its timeless story of love, temptation, and redemption. Can you imagine a pink tutu on the Parisian stage? I knew I had to witness this masterpiece myself!
As the stage curtain rose, the orchestra, a glorious blend of strings and woodwind, played the most enchanting music. My eyes, like those of everyone in the audience, were captivated. The ballerina was a whirlwind of grace and talent. Her movements flowed like silk, and every pirouette and grand jeté had an almost ethereal quality. She embodied the emotions of Faust, a young scholar wrestling with the desires of his heart and the influence of evil, in such a beautiful, poignant way.
In the intermission, the buzz was palpable! People whispered excitedly, enthralled by the performance. In my Parisian ensemble (think a floral pink dress with lace ruffles and a delicate pearl necklace, because even in the 19th century, pink was everything!), I blended in perfectly, observing the whispers and laughter. I imagined what it must have felt like for them, experiencing a spectacle like this. Ballet, for me, is not just dancing. It's a portal, a key that unlocks the mysteries of emotions, human stories, and creative expression.
Leaving the opera, the Parisian night air filled with music and laughter. The world was truly on a stage, and ballet was its leading role. I tucked another lovely playbill from the "Faust" performance into my rucksack, along with sketches from the performance I did in my notebook.
In 1858, the world was different from ours, yet the fascination and appreciation for the art of ballet remained the same. Even though the ballet I had just witnessed had an intensely romantic and dramatic feel, it had a certain universality to it that resonated deeply. I was truly touched, not just by the skill of the dancers, but by the emotional tapestry woven into each and every movement.
Now, my lovely readers, let me tell you a bit more about the world of ballet during my visit to September 1858!
The Romantic Era was reaching its peak, meaning there was an increased focus on female ballerinas, showcasing their ethereal beauty, graceful movements, and the story of a tragic, longing soul - just like in "Faust"!
The world of ballet fashion in 1858, you ask? Oh, my dear, the elegance! The ballerinas were draped in delicate fabrics like silk and tulle, and the tutus were light, airy, and with the help of wires, created those beautifully full shapes you see in romantic ballets. They added layers of tulle and elaborate lace trims for the perfect ethereal look. I made sure to snap a few pictures in the shops. These outfits had such a delightful fairytale quality that inspired me to get myself some more ruffles, of course!
While ballet schools were flourishing all over Europe, many focused on classical technique and traditional pieces. There was a strict, almost scholarly focus on ballet, much different from the experimental forms that have gained popularity in the modern world.
My adventures in 1858 weren't confined to the Parisian stage! A visit to a little bakery outside of Paris gave me a peek into the everyday life of this historical time period. A friendly woman who wore a bonnet with tiny, embroidered pink roses on it let me try a delicious puff pastry and we had a conversation about the latest dance performances! (You guessed it - the Parisian ballet scene was the talk of the town!)
So you see, my darlings, this journey to 1858 wasn't just about watching a performance or buying beautiful fabrics (which I did, naturally). It was about feeling the heart of a different era, about connecting to the timeless appeal of ballet that spans through centuries!
As always, my aim in life is to inspire everyone to wear a pink tutu, even if you're not time-travelling. Pink is a symbol of joy, kindness, and of course, beauty. So don your most fabulous tutu, spin, jump, and dance!
Next month, I’ll be exploring the ballet world on April 3rd, 1909! You'll be seeing this adventure on this blog and my YouTube channel in just a few weeks.
Until then, keep on dancing, and spread a little pink magic!
Your Time-Travelling Tutu Darling, Emma
P.S. - Don't forget to follow my time-travelling ballet journey at www.pink-tutu.com! Let me know what era YOU'D like to travel back to! Remember to leave a comment about this month's journey, especially about your favorite part! I’m always excited to hear what my lovely followers are thinking!
