Hello lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are always pink and time travel is always magical! This month, we're galloping through the history of ballet on October 10th, 1860! Grab your teacups, darlings, and let's set off on our adventure!
This time, we're in the company of our trusty steed, Magic Meg, a pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves, a white mane and tail that glitters in the moonlight, and an inexhaustible enthusiasm for adventure. She’s chomping at the bit to trot through time with me! We've been on a fabulous shopping spree in London this week, buying up vintage fabrics, ballet shoes, and, of course, the most delightful selection of pink tutus you've ever seen. It was an absolute dream!
And don't you worry, darlings, I have enough pink tulle to go around for everyone in Derbyshire. Once I've perfected the newest steps from 1860, I'm holding a grand tutu ball back home – I think my grandma might faint!
But enough about me! Let's see what the world of ballet was buzzing about on this glorious October day in 1860!
Firstly, we must talk about La Sylphide, a ballet which was premiering at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, starring the very beautiful and talented ballerina, Fanny Elssler. Fanny, oh darling, what a legend! I would love to have seen her dance in person – she is just breathtaking in photographs, with such graceful movements. They say her performance was electrifying, filled with effortless jumps and incredible flexibility! Now that’s how you make a debut!
Across the ocean, the Paris Opera Ballet was thrilling audiences with their staging of Giselle, a captivating story of love, loss, and, of course, lots and lots of graceful movements. What a treat to witness this legendary production – they really did capture the heart of this incredible tale. I'm sure the entire audience was utterly mesmerized!
Speaking of Paris, let's take a peek into the fashion world, shall we? Now, the fashion of 1860 is definitely not for the faint of heart – but if you're feeling daring, I encourage you to experiment with ruffles, elaborate layers of skirts, and a touch of very subtle embellishments. And darling, never forget the crinoline!
It seems like ballet dancers in 1860, especially in France, had their work cut out for them, being so tightly corseted, they could barely move their rib cages! Luckily for me, my corset doesn't really impede my movements – the design was refined so that dancers could enjoy their full range of motion. Now, that is what I call progress!
Oh, and imagine performing in those huge tulle tutus! I just wouldn't be able to jump in them!
Back in Britain, a young ballerinal called Amelia Vaughan, whom we actually met a few years back in the grand houses of the English countryside, was teaching ballet to young ladies of good families, hoping to teach them grace and discipline – sounds very much like me, don't you think?! Her school of dance was one of the most respected in London. I would imagine her lessons were as delightful and fashionable as a visit to a London millinery shop. Oh darling, that was such fun!
Speaking of fashion, pink was certainly starting to become the colour of choice – that just pleases me immensely! Think frothy ruffles, soft silks, and playful embellishments. The ladies in 1860 definitely knew how to embrace the feminine. It's just like wearing a pink tutu – an absolute explosion of delight!
Even in 1860, the love for pink ran strong. Oh darling, can't you just see it – elegant ballrooms, delicate bouquets, and an air of refined grace, with every lady shimmering in some shade of pink? Heavenly!
After our shopping trip, Magic Meg galloped me to Covent Garden for a night at the theatre. Seeing "The Pirates of Penzance", which is still a smashing good show today! And oh my goodness, they even had a real-life ship on the stage! It must have been quite the spectacle!
Oh darling, the more time I spend here in 1860, the more I realise it's all about embracing your creativity, embracing colour, and of course, wearing your heart on your sleeve… and quite possibly on your pink tutu!
We must explore more of this incredible year in ballet – there’s still so much more to discover, so many hidden stories waiting to be unearthed. Next month, I’ll be gallivanting around Russia in my pink tutu – so if you’d like to come along, pack your bags and leave your inhibitions at the door!
Till then, wear pink and remember that every ballerina has a bit of magic in her. You just have to find it!
With love and sparkly tutus,
Emma xo
