Post #2389
Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina and time traveller, ready to whisk you away to another magical ballet adventure! This month, I'm twirling back to January 1st, 1860, a date bursting with ballet history and fashion that had me practically pirouetting with excitement!
As always, Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire horse with her golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, was ready for our trip. We saddled up, my trusty leather rucksack packed with curiosity and a love of all things ballet, and off we went.
Now, imagine the hustle and bustle of Victorian London - carriages clinking down cobbled streets, lamp posts casting a soft yellow glow, and ladies and gentlemen swathed in their finest attire. It’s this atmosphere I felt when we landed in London, with a gentle "clop clop" of Meg's hooves and a sprinkle of that magical pink dust that carries me through time.
First on my agenda: Covent Garden! I simply had to see the Royal Opera House, that grand dame of performance, where some of ballet’s most iconic moments took place. I imagine dancers waltzing and leaping across that very stage, each graceful move telling a timeless story. Just imagining those shimmering costumes and the soft glow of the chandelier nearly took my breath away!
Next, we headed to the bustling Covent Garden Market, where I was charmed by the scent of freshly-picked fruit and the colours of a million fabrics. I spied the latest dance wear, which of course, wasn’t a pink tutu – tutus weren’t the big thing back then, darlings – but I managed to grab some elegant velvet slippers and a delightful pair of gloves perfect for my ballet ensemble. They would be fantastic to add to my collection at home – perfect for my "Victorian Ballerina" themed display!
You know how much I love shopping for vintage ballet pieces, and this trip was no exception. I stumbled upon a darling little bookshop packed full of fascinating tales of dance, featuring a charming copy of The Art of Dancing by Carlo Blasis. Such a historical gem! This book gives a glimpse into ballet techniques and practice from a bygone era, which made me realise how much things have changed – and how much stays the same – in the beautiful world of ballet.
Now, even with all my Victorian explorations, I was longing for a show. Sadly, on the 1st of January, there weren't any ballet performances in London. So, I took Meg for a charming ride around Kensington Gardens – what a haven for a city dweller! It’s so picturesque with its serene lake and flowering blooms. I could see dancers twirling through its beautiful scenery with an abundance of natural grace.
But even though we missed out on the ballet, January 1st, 1860, brought another special moment. This day marks the birth of a ballet legend: Marius Petipa. This renowned choreographer and director gave birth to some of ballet’s greatest masterpieces! He revolutionised the world of ballet through his meticulous attention to detail and artistic vision, shaping what we see in ballet today. It's incredible to think that this tiny baby was destined for such great things!
But the day wouldn’t be complete without mentioning what happened further afield in the world of ballet on this date. In St. Petersburg, Russia, the legendary Mariinsky Theatre – what a magnificent building! – was celebrating the new year with a dazzling programme that included, oh, joy, my all-time favourite, "Giselle!" I bet they were all twirling away in beautiful, flowing tutus just like the ones I love so much. The idea of being in the Mariinsky audience, basking in the magic of "Giselle", was enough to send me into a complete "tutu dream"!
By evening, I had seen the grand Victorian grandeur, shopped for my heart's delight, and basked in the thought of ballet legends coming to life. Feeling a bit tired but completely invigorated by my time-hopping, we started our journey back home to Derbyshire, the scent of warm, fragrant meadows filling my senses as Magic Meg cantered gracefully under the starry night.
So, what did we learn today? 1st January 1860 wasn't just a simple day – it was a ballet haven! A date bursting with potential, filled with the sounds of waltz, the beauty of graceful movement, and the spark of stories waiting to be told. Now, I'm going to dust off my ballerina dress, polish my dancing shoes, and prepare for another whirlwind adventure! Oh, the wonderful things that await me!
Don’t forget to follow me on www.pink-tutu.com for more time-travel adventures. I love hearing your thoughts on our journeys! Let me know what other ballet moments you’d love to see me explore!
Until next month, remember: Always wear a pink tutu, it's never too late to let your inner ballerina shine!
Yours in time-travel and twirling,
Emma 💖
PS: Do any of you gorgeous dancers have a favourite historical ballet piece? Do you know about “Giselle” – and maybe even fancy sharing some history about it in the comments below? I can't wait to hear your ballet stories!
