Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind journey through the enchanting world of ballet. This month, my sparkly pink shoes have taken me to a fascinating time - May 5th, 1862 - a time of grand theatre and swirling skirts, amidst the turbulence of the Crimean War.
My dear, loyal readers, you wouldn't believe the incredible things I've discovered on this trip! Magic Meg, my trusty pink Shire steed, has been as reliable as ever, gracefully whisking me through the streets of London, a whirlwind of dust and bustle. You wouldn't believe the sheer amount of "cabs" that jostle each other in these busy streets - carriages of all shapes and sizes. I just know my tutu would stand out like a beacon of joy amongst them!
I'm starting to see why my favourite colour, pink, was a bit of a favourite back then too! Think gorgeous silks and satins, soft pastels, delicate embroideries and floral patterns - absolute delights! You can just picture them on those lovely dancers at Covent Garden, floating about the stage.
Oh, and did I mention? It was so wonderfully coincidental that this trip fell during the Italian Opera Season at Covent Garden! Fancy that! So I, naturally, dashed to see what was being performed. This time, the star was the inimitable Giulia Grisi, a ballerina of great grace and talent - her movements were like whispers of elegance. I snuck backstage to peek at the gorgeous costumes (all lovely silks and ribbons, of course!), but I sadly didn't see the pink tulle my heart so desires...yet. Maybe I can get this added to the dressmaker's notes next time. One can hope!
The theatre was just overflowing with vibrant life! There were gentlemen sporting their finest frock coats, and ladies adorned in their elegant silks, furs, and beautiful hats, creating a colourful, swirling panorama. I could hardly resist taking my dancing shoes for a little twirl on the floor, but the orchestra was tuning, and I didn't want to cause any stir. Though I must admit, it did take every ounce of restraint!
I took some time to admire the grandeur of the Opera House, with its velvet-lined boxes, soaring chandeliers, and even a stage which extended into the orchestra pit. It seems the ballet is starting to move beyond mere theatre to incorporate a level of visual drama! Oh, Iām itching to dance in this incredible space!
But that's not all, darlings! While in London, I made my way to the Royal Academy of Arts to soak in the contemporary art scene. My dear readers, I wouldnāt know art if it hit me in the face but Iāve got to admit - the paintings at the Academy were positively enchanting. They just seem to whisper tales of emotions and stories of their time. A painting by John Millais called āThe Black Brunswicker,ā depicting the Battle of Waterloo, really stirred my heart.
My, what a contrast from the grand ballet at Covent Garden. This was raw emotion, raw passion, raw storytelling - through a paintbrush. All things I adore and cherish!
You know, while I was touring around this beautiful, vibrant time in history, I found something extraordinary: The Royal Ballet had their first home here in 1837 at The Royal Opera House! Oh, wouldnāt it be simply divine to transport myself back to those very early years, before ballet truly found its footing?
Of course, this wouldn't be a proper adventure without a visit to a grand ballet school, would it? The best thing about time travel? You can learn from the greats - but even then, those teachers who truly understood the artform, the pioneers, are just inspiring. I even saw a lovely ballet academy! Though the teaching methods, a bitā¦intense for my tastes - a bit less twirling, and a lot more strict! Perhaps, a pink tutu wouldāve helped them loosen up, just a thought, darlings!
There's more Iād like to tell you, about this bustling and eventful time, the stories Iāve heard, and all the beautiful sights Iāve encountered, but itās already getting late here in the time-travel carriage, and we all have our lives to get on with.
Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com every month to discover the next wondrous journey. Oh, and let me know, darling readers, do you think that my pink tutu can sway the trends of this era, or should I leave them to their white and beige for now?
Until next month, may your days be filled with grace and twirling delight!
Love, Emma
P.S. Have I ever told you, dear readers, that I find my greatest joy in teaching ballet? Every week I hold my class, āPink Tutu Ballet.ā We twirl and leap and spread joy! Come join us! My schedule is on my blog. And, in case you were wondering, my upcoming performance of āLa Sylphideā next week promises to be a visual treat! Youāll just have to wait and see what surprises are in store. Youāre all invited!
