Hello my lovely tutu-twirling readers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! Today, I’m taking you on a magical journey back in time, to the bustling year of 1859! Now, grab your cup of Earl Grey tea, put on your fanciest tutu (a touch of pink, of course!), and get ready to waltz back in time with me and my magnificent pink sparkly steed, Magic Meg!
Today, I’ve landed right in the heart of London, right outside the Royal Opera House. Can you imagine, it’s a whole hundred and sixty four years ago! Even in the bustling streets of 1859 London, a pink tutu would still be quite the sight, wouldn’t it? I could practically feel the heads turning, eyes widening, as Magic Meg and I strutted our stuff. Imagine being the centre of attention for simply choosing a fabulously pink piece of dancewear! That's what I love about travelling through time; everyone looks at you with so much fascination.
You see, this era, 1859, is a pretty significant year in ballet history. Not only are ballerinas pushing the boundaries of dance technique, but the world of ballet is truly expanding. Right this very moment, dancers across the world are twirling, leaping, and pirouetting in their own unique styles. It’s absolutely wonderful!
Imagine, the ballet world in 1859 is alive with beautiful choreographies, like The Sleeping Beauty by Marius Petipa in St Petersburg, for instance. Such a wonderful piece of history and artistry, a classic that everyone still enjoys! But that’s not all! In France, they're all about beautiful dancing - graceful ballerinas and intricate, emotional storytelling are in vogue. They call this period 'ballet romantique'. Fancy that!
As for fashion? Well, tutus are taking on an entirely different shape compared to what we see today! There are frills, layers, and loads of fabric! They're longer, and the colour is all about the dreamy soft pastels. It’s truly breathtaking.
However, it's not just the grand theatres that capture my imagination, even smaller ballet schools and village performance spaces have stories to tell. As I wandered the back streets of London, I peeked into a humble dance studio, where a group of young girls, all with their hopeful, bright eyes, were practicing the ‘en pointe’ technique. Seeing their determination filled my heart with inspiration. I collected the story of Eliza, who dreams of becoming a dancer like a ballerina named Fanny Elssler - so impressive, how passionate this young girl is!
Back in my trusty leather rucksack, nestled among my latest ballet discoveries, sits Eliza's story, a reminder that even a hundred and sixty four years ago, the passion for ballet burned bright. And that's the beauty of time travel – seeing the timeless elegance and enduring love for ballet, woven through centuries.
While I adore travelling back in time and experiencing these magnificent periods of ballet history, what I love most is sharing them with you all. Every month, I'm thrilled to bring a glimpse of the past to www.pink-tutu.com, spreading my love of dance and all things pink! And of course, all my travels are funded by my ballet performances! So you'll find me regularly pirouetting at the Derbyshire Village Hall, teaching classes to eager young ballerinas and captivating audiences with my dazzling pink tutu!
Oh, and speaking of dazzling pink, you can find my favourite pink tutus from past centuries tucked into my ‘Pink Tutu Time Machine Collection’ which is available right now on my blog. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of history to your own tutu collection!
That's all for today, darlings! But before you go, I urge you - get out there and dance! Whether it's on the stage or in your living room, let your heart express itself through the magical art of ballet. Until next time, may your tutus always be pink, your leaps graceful, and your pirouettes perfect.
See you in another time!
Emma, your Pink Tutu Traveller xx
