Hello my darling darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink-Tutu.com, where we explore the beautiful history of ballet and, of course, embrace the glorious pink tutu! This month, we're time-travelling back to 1860, and wouldn't you know it, September 9th marks a rather special day for us ballet lovers.
Oh, before I forget, how do you do, my sweet readers? You must be just bursting with excitement about another fabulous adventure with your favourite time-travelling ballerina! My lovely Magic Meg, with her golden hooves and shimmering white mane, is pawing impatiently at the stable door, eager for another dance through the ages. Are you ready to don your pinkest tutu and join me?
This month, my dear dears, Iām absolutely thrilled to be going back to the 19th century, to Paris. Oh, Paris, you enchanting city, a haven for fashion, art, and of course, ballet! This is where it all began, you know, the romantic era, the Ballets Russesā¦the very beginning of ballet as we know it today!
Now, my diary, where was Iā¦? Oh, yes! September 9th, 1860. I can almost feel the crispness of the Parisian autumn air and smell the scent of freshly-baked croissants!
What's happening in the world of ballet on this delightful date, you ask? Why, on this very day in 1860, the celebrated ballerina Carlotta Grisi, who had so many fabulous roles in Giselle and La Fille du RĆ©giment, celebrated her 46th birthday! This, of course, prompted me to wear a fabulous, fluffiest pink tutu - it simply would have been unthinkable to wear anything else while celebrating this extraordinary ballerina! I imagined Carlotta swirling across the stage, a graceful vision in a dazzling white tutu, her dancing so beautiful and emotional. My heart swells with admiration for these women, these artists who took ballet to new heights with their daring talent and commitment.
What about other happenings in the world of dance back in 1860?
That very year, Theatro Real in Madrid welcomed audiences with a sensational production of āThe Talismanā, a two-act ballet by Adolph Adam set in India! Just imagine - opulent costumes, the rhythmic beat of Indian music and captivating dances in a gorgeous historical setting! And as you can guess, the highlight of my entire day was a spectacular performance of the tutu-clad ballet dancers.
Speaking of "The Talisman", one of my favorite stories from my ballet time-travel travels took place right here, right now, on this very date in 1860! You wouldn't believe the treasures I found in my rucksack: sketches, photographs and even the actual costume worn by one of the ballerinas in that production! This stunning white dress with sequined embroidery and a fabulous, sweeping tutu will forever have a place in my collection of magical ballet memories!
Now, did I tell you about my fabulous pink silk turban and veil? My love for 19th-century ballet fashion is well documented, but this year, I found myself falling head-over-heels for the intricate veils and dramatic hats worn by the leading ladies of the time! Just picture yourself stepping into a carriage for the theatre, your pink satin evening gown billowing out behind you, and atop your head, a glorious, silk-covered headpiece. Isn't it enchanting? And a perfect match for my pink tutu, naturally!
Before we depart back to our present time, I mustnāt forget about a rather exciting ballet discovery, I found in my favourite shop. In a small antique store nestled on a cobbled Parisian street, tucked away amongst vintage books and lace, I unearthed an extraordinary collection of vintage ballet posters, some from 1860! They were even adorned with intricate illustrations depicting a beautifully choreographed scene, a charming ballet dancer and a gorgeous pink tutu, of course! Wouldnāt that be lovely to wear on our next ballet outing? My oh my! Just thinking about how magical that would beā¦
But before we leave the 19th Century, itās always a good idea to grab some ballet shoes! If you donāt mind wearing vintage shoes, check out a local vintage market or a second-hand shop. A great place for finding fabulous deals! But if you like new ballet shoes, head to your nearest department store! A pair of bright, shiny ballet shoes is sure to bring a sparkle to any ballet fanās eye! Just try to find ones with a pink ribbon! Oh, darling! You know what you must do! You must join the Pink Tutu revolution!
Well, I mustn't forget to bid you all farewell, darling darlings! Itās been such a delightful trip to Paris. You know what this meansā¦ itās time for me to pack up my rucksack full of exciting treasures, brush up on my favourite French ballet history book, and say āĆ bientĆ“tā to Paris, 1860.
See you soon, and keep twirling!
Your fellow pink tutu devotee, Emma
(www.pink-tutu.com)
