Hello my darlings! Itās Emma here, back with another fabulous escapade from the archives of ballet history! As always, Magic Meg and I have been flitting about the timeline, discovering new treasures and sharing our adventures with you lovely lot. This time, weāve taken a jaunt back to February 2nd, 1862. Can you imagine being in a time of bonnets and bustles, gaslight and horse-drawn carriages? Itās simply enchanting!
Now, as many of you know, I have a rather deep affection for the colour pink (don't worry, I'm working on getting all of you to share my passion! ) so imagine my absolute delight at landing in 1862 - the year the grand ThĆ©Ć¢tre ImpĆ©rial de l'OpĆ©ra, or as you may know it, the Paris Opera, was absolutely awash with pink!
Just imagine this scene - Iām in my perfectly pink, gloriously full tulle tutu, Magic Meg is gleaming pink in the sunlight, we're trotting through the streets of Paris towards the Opera House. My heart beats in time with Megās hooves as we weave through cobblestone lanes and elegant ladies with parasols. You'd think the Parisian's wouldn't bat an eyelid at the sight of a girl in pink, trotting past on a magnificent pink horse. I swear I heard some ladies murmur something about "La FĆ©e Rose", and for a moment, I truly believed it.
Speaking of the opera, that year, on the 2nd of February, there was a truly beautiful ballet on stage - āLe Lac des Feesā by Jean-Baptiste Perrin. Now, you all know my weakness for whimsical fairies, and oh my, was this a magical creation! With shimmering, feathered wings, beautiful dancers in elaborate costumes, and a charming tale of enchantment and love, I can see why it became an instant hit with the audience. I could almost feel the glitter of fairy dust myself as I caught the last notes of the score in the twilight of the evening.
One thing I collected in my trusty leather rucksack for you dear readers is a tiny program for "Le Lac des Fees". Itās beautiful, almost fragile in its way. Even the design of the type looks a hundred years older. Isn't it exciting to imagine those dancers twirling onstage and the whole Parisian elite dressed in their finest fashions watching on? Now, let's talk about fashion, shall we?
1862 fashion is pure artistry. My favourite feature is the romanticism - billowing dresses and lace, feathers and flowers. In those days, ladies went all out, from their hats to their gloves, and it simply exuded femininity. And of course, ballet costumes were just as decadent - silks and satin, jewels and beadwork, all painstakingly handcrafted. The artistry behind these costumes would leave even the most skilled modern seamstress in awe. I was just in the shop āMaison de la Danse" buying ribbons and gorgeous velvet for a new pink tutu Iām making - oh you just wait to see it! Itās to die for!
But beyond the sparkle and elegance, the heart of the 1862 dance scene pulsed with talent. One particularly noteworthy figure Iāve stumbled upon was none other than Louise Leclercq - a young and prodigious dancer who held the hearts (and the gazes!) of Parisian audiences. She performed alongside legendary dancers like Emma Livry, and the stories whispered about her prowess on the stage are justā¦ magical!
And don't even get me started on the music! From Tchaikovskyās ethereal compositions to the intricate rhythms of ballet scores, the sound of dance was simply irresistible. There's nothing quite like listening to a vintage gramophone while imagining these elegant dancers twirling and leaping across the stage! Just don't tell Magic Meg; I haven't yet gotten her accustomed to the noisy old machine!
The wonderful thing about travelling through time with a love for ballet is the endless possibilities to find beauty and magic in every era. 1862 certainly didn't disappoint. You can truly feel the heartbeat of dance, fashion, and a love for beauty throughout that year. It was the perfect blend of history, charm and glamour ā all seasoned with that touch of magic that we adore! And you know what? If you ask me, that's just a wonderful reason to embrace a little bit of pink. You just need to be a little bit daring, and don't forget your twirl! See you next month with a new and even pinker adventure!
Until then, keep your pink tutus close!
Yours always,
Emma
Donāt forget to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com!
xx
