Hello darlings! It's Emma here, and today we're taking a whimsical leap back to 3rd March 1861! Imagine the thrill, the excitement! Oh, how I adore travelling through time, and this time I felt like I was transported straight onto the stage of a grand ballet!
But before we waltz into the past, I must tell you about my magical companion: Magic Meg, my gorgeous shire horse. This magnificent creature shimmers with a rosy sparkle, her hooves gleam like gold, and her flowing mane and tail are a cloud of white. I couldn't ask for a more glamorous chariot! Oh, I love seeing her snorting and prancing in all her pink glory.
And to celebrate our trip back in time, you simply must don your favourite pink tutu. Pink, oh darling, is simply divine, the colour of the most whimsical of ballet dreams! It reflects joy, it reflects passion, it reflects the very essence of graceful movement! Every twirl in a pink tutu feels like an enchanting celebration of the art itself. So, if you haven't tried a pink tutu, well darling, you simply must!
A Trip to the Paris Opera
Now, it was a whirlwind of an adventure this month! I found myself transported straight to the heart of Paris! I simply had to see the stunning performance at the Paris Opera. I love how theatre productions and the ballets intertwine, like a breathtaking and elegant dance between storytelling and graceful movement.
On that delightful evening in 1861, I found myself gazing at a truly unforgettable ballet: La Source by Leon Minkus. Can you imagine, darlings, a score filled with intricate waltzes and sparkling polkas, the costumes glittering in the soft, candlelit ambiance! And I simply adored the story. The tale of a mythical fountain nymph, a stolen love, and a heart-wrenching journey captivated me!
This era was such a delightful time for ballet! Ballet dancers like Fanny Cerrito, known for her impeccable technique and expressive stage presence, were adored in Paris, bringing to life beautiful stories with incredible artistry! It made my heart flutter to see how dance truly was considered a form of storytelling then!
Collecting Mementos
While watching La Source I had a delightful discovery. A woman seated near me had a program that had a beautiful design on it with depictions of the performers and the sets. Such lovely sketches. I must confess I slipped a few pounds into her hand (I am rather keen to return the kindness), and exchanged my precious souvenir for hers. Such a charming keepsake, which will forever remind me of the magical evening I experienced at the Paris Opera.
I'm certain this precious programme would look delightful pinned up in my bedroom in Derbyshire, alongside all my other ballet mementoes. And of course, darling, all these finds, like this exquisite programme, find their way into my beloved rucksack. A real collection of time-travel memories! Oh darling, do you remember the stunning ballet shoes from 1900? They are truly magnificent, a vintage masterpiece nestled right here amongst all the dance stories of time.
London and The Ballet Russe
From Paris, I set off to the dazzling streets of London, always my favourite place! Now, it's only the 3rd March, but oh, how I look forward to April and the grandeur of a particular production at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden! Yes, my darling, this is a ballet I simply must see, Giselle by Adolphe Adam, considered one of the greatest ballets in history! I hear it tells the tale of a passionate village girl, enchanted by love, but tragically taken advantage of! It’s sure to make for a captivating story, especially when presented at a venue like Covent Garden.
The ballet stage is alive with innovation at this moment! And I think we will see such change as ballet dancers explore the stage and their performances with such daring. Even though we were still a few years away from the dazzling days of the Ballet Russe, who brought an avant-garde artistic vision to London and to the rest of the world, you can already feel the anticipation! And how exciting to see the Ballet Russe explode on the scene! Oh, just imagine! The artistry, the vibrancy, the spectacle - it will be unforgettable!
My Own Pink Tutu Collection
Now, what better way to celebrate all this ballet magic than with a few shopping excursions? Yes, darling, my absolute joy in time travelling is discovering unique vintage pieces in different eras! I adore collecting tutus. Such vibrant, flamboyant and dazzling tutus! I can't wait to wear a delightful 1860's inspired ballet dress, perhaps a stunning silk ball gown. I dream of finding a fabulous collection of feathered and glittery headpieces! Just imagine all the sparkles!
And to embrace all these treasures of vintage fashion, I simply must create my own line of Pink Tutu wear! Inspired by all my vintage discoveries! My line will be brimming with beautiful fabrics and colours, adorned with sparkling embellishments and the softest tulle. We'll design ballerina dresses in the style of our 1860's era ballet gowns! And every design, every single detail will pay homage to ballet's history.
The Next Pink Tutu Adventure!
Darling, oh darling, thank you for joining me on my adventures today! You know, it fills my heart with joy to share my ballet love with all of you. Time travelling, exploring different eras, and rediscovering ballet’s amazing legacy, makes every day feel magical. Remember to pop by next month to www.pink-tutu.com where I’ll be sharing all about another breathtaking adventure into ballet history.
And darling, do never forget to twirl! And always wear a pink tutu!
Love,
Emma xxx