Darling readers!
It’s Emma here, and boy, oh boy, do I have a story for you this month! Today, we're jetting back to a rather sweltering 7th July, 1861! Imagine, it's a mere 162 years ago – just a blink in time for Magic Meg and I! My oh my, it’s going to be fabulous, and I just have to share!
Oh, how we do love the thrill of a time jump! I mean, the whoosh of air as we jump through the time portals and the giddy feeling that comes with a fresh start in a brand new century! You’d think after all this time, I’d be used to it. But each journey fills me with a joyous thrill, a giddy sense of pure excitement. It's all rather enchanting.
Oh, speaking of Magic Meg… she’s looking utterly fabulous today! Her gleaming pink coat, so incredibly sparkly under the midday sun! And did I mention her golden hooves? I practically swooned at the stables this morning when she came trotting towards me with all the pomp of a diva horse – the epitome of pure equine grace! It’s not everyday you find a pink Shire with a golden mane and tail – truly, a time traveller extraordinaire, she is!
Today’s Destination:
Today’s adventure lands us firmly in a whirl of theatrical brilliance in 1861. Can you imagine? The year Giselle premiered, Coppélia became a Parisian sensation, and the Faust Ballet by Marius Petipa graced the stage. What an era! But wait, darling readers… 1861 also saw something truly unique – the birth of the National Ballet of Spain! Ooh la la, how grand, how elegant, how thrilling! This new dance company would go on to become a powerful symbol of Spanish cultural identity! Imagine the stories it holds! So of course, Magic Meg and I will be at a performance tonight. (But not before some shopping of course! The 19th century had some of the most beautiful fashion ever.)
Ballet Fashion Then and Now:
Oh, how my eyes delight in a bygone era. There's a charm to 1861, with its fashion that oozed refinement, poise, and – well, just think lace and crinoline! But for our visit today, my pink tulle tutus are just as necessary. It’s hard to travel through time without a statement-making look, wouldn’t you say, darlings? And speaking of statements, the ladies of the Ballet of Spain wore outfits inspired by the regional dress of Andalusia and Valencia, featuring those elegant Spanish bodices, intricate flamenco dances, and yes… stunning shawls, much to my joy.
You’ve simply got to see it to believe it! Today’s trip feels a little like dancing into a beautiful Victorian dreamscape – full of exquisite detail and grace, each costume designed with a touch of grandeur!
A Whirlwind of Stories to Share:
Every time we go back, I pick up new bits and pieces, snippets of ballet history from all the amazing artists from 19th-century ballet – the legendary dancers like Carlotta Grisi, Marie Taglioni, and Fanny Elssler. These ballet pioneers, they have left an indelible mark on the dance world – their elegant style and daring artistry! It truly fills me with inspiration!
Speaking of inspiration… oh my word! Remember that time I got a sneak peek into one of Madame Grisi's secret notebooks, crammed full of ballet choreography? I practically jumped with excitement – that’s what you get for going back in time, right? I love those glimpses into past dance performances. It makes you appreciate just how ballet continues to evolve and evolve.
So let's Talk Pink Tutues:
Honestly, do you want to know what my favourite thing is about travelling through time? It’s all those lovely people who look at me with surprise and then start to twirl their own skirts, wanting to be as fabulous as I am! It's infectious, and it reminds me – pink tutus are for everyone! Don’t be afraid to stand out, to add a splash of whimsy to your world. Life's about embracing colour and making the most of each journey, both literal and figurative!
I'm off to grab a pastry from the local French patisserie – perfect to enjoy as I take in the local sights.
*Stay tuned for next month’s post… we'll be diving into another fascinating era! *
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*I do hope you're all feeling inspired to twirl! Love, Emma *
