Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, back from another fabulous time travel adventure! As you all know, I live for exploring the magical history of ballet and sharing my discoveries with you, so buckle up and grab your favourite pink ribbon for this month's thrilling ride!
This month, we're galloping through time to the 3rd of March 1860, and wouldn't you know it, the air is abuzz with excitement for a momentous ballet premiere. Magic Meg (my oh-so-pink sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail) and I are ready to be swept up in the whirlwind of dance, fashion, and all things ballet!
You see, my darlings, I simply couldn't resist travelling back to a time when ballerinas were goddesses on the stage, adored for their grace, skill, and beauty. You know, there was a real sense of mystique back then – like ballet was something to truly marvel at, something magical and enchanting!
Speaking of enchanting, I have to tell you about my exquisite outfit for this trip. Naturally, a delicate pink tutu was the choice, cascading with silk petals and adorned with sparkling crystals. A silken pink blouse tucked beneath and adorned with delicate pearls matched perfectly with a tiny pink leather jacket (perfect for the occasional chilly 1860 evening breeze!), and I, of course, had a stunning pair of pointe shoes in pale pink satin. Imagine the flutter of tutus and the soft pitter-patter of shoes against the ancient cobblestone streets - absolutely divine!
Of course, no journey back in time would be complete without my trusty leather rucksack. It's stuffed full with everything I need to gather precious stories and memories of the era: a notepad for jotting down the names of legendary ballerinas, my own sketchpad to capture the exquisite choreography, a miniature pair of opera glasses for a closer look at those graceful leaps and breathtaking pirouettes, and even a special little vial to preserve the scent of those sweet 1860 perfume gardens (my favourite!)
As we trotted down a charming cobblestone path, we saw a lively buzz at the Grand Theatre in the heart of Paris. Now, Parisian ballet back in the day was a grand affair! Can you imagine the elaborate costumes and the vibrant makeup that they wore? I've got to admit, even I have to add some pink and sparkle to the face paint when I get back home. The ladies were adorned in ribbons, silk, feathers, and exquisite floral bouquets, with an elegance that was just begging for my pink tutu to join in the party!
I took a peek through the window of the theatre (and no, Magic Meg wouldn't have allowed me to take the risk of peering in while she was on the street!), and oh my, what a magnificent show awaited inside. The ballerinas in their tulle skirts were executing perfect leaps, breathtaking extensions, and intricate fouettés, a symphony of grace and artistry. There was such elegance and poise, a captivating passion for their craft, which left me awestruck.
This was the time of the Romantic era, you see! The most legendary ballerinas, like the famous Carlotta Grisi, had captivated the world with their ethereal dance style. Oh, if I only could have been in that audience with them!
I managed to glean a little ballet history through whispered conversation - some Parisian ladies had shared snippets of ballet news - and discovered that on this very day, a ballet by the famed ballet choreographer, Jules Perrot, was going to be presented. Can you imagine, a Perrot premiere! Talk about legendary! He was a revolutionary in his time, pushing boundaries with innovative choreography and daring dance styles. What an experience it would have been! Sadly, time had other plans - Magic Meg and I were off to continue our quest!
As we bid adieu to Paris and set our course toward England (my favourite spot in the world is always Derby, of course!), my rucksack bulged with newly discovered stories and sketches of the captivating Parisian dance scene. The ladies there wore pink tulle and sequins as brightly and exuberantly as any contemporary dancer you'd see in London's West End - a true testament to the power of a timeless colour.
Oh, my darlings! I simply can't wait for our next adventure! It's exciting, and the only thing that could possibly rival a ballet adventure is… you guessed it, a brand-new, gorgeous pink tutu! I've got a fabulous pink tutu maker in London who's been working on something special for me. Let's just say I’m positively brimming with pink-tutu excitement!
Now, please don't forget, my darlings! The next time you step into a ballet performance, take a moment to breathe in the artistry, the history, and the magical spirit of the dance. And why not? If you have even a smidgen of ballerina dreaming in your heart, go and don a pink tutu and twirl with abandon - I guarantee it’s the best medicine for any dreary day! Until next time,
Love,
Emma xoxo
(You may also find this entry in its entirety at: www.pink-tutu.com)
