Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling tale from my adventures through time! October 10th, 1863, my dears, was a date filled with the most enchanting ballet experiences! This month's time travel took me on a whirl through the grand Parisian theatres and beyond, showcasing the captivating world of ballet, a world as rich as the pink fabric adorning my tutu.
I’m starting to feel like I should get my own shop to sell the lovely tutu-style dresses I make now, the last one, inspired by Marie Taglioni, went down an absolute storm on a London stage and it even got a great review! So here we are back to more about my travels... this month, we're whisking ourselves away to the heart of the ballet world, where ballerinas twirled with elegance and grace, their steps a symphony of emotion and movement!
Oh, you simply must have seen Magic Meg today, she was sparkling with all the glitter I'd left on her in a whirlwind of pink glitter and sequins. She just knew it was going to be a good day for ballet - a magical steed in her own right. We set off on a journey across time, each galloping stride propelling me back to the world of 19th century ballet. And believe me, it's an experience unlike any other! The air hummed with excitement, whispers of a ballet that captured hearts and ignited imaginations.
My destination this time? The hallowed halls of the Palais Garnier! A stunning edifice, and the perfect setting for the dazzling Parisian ballet world. Oh, how I love those theatres and their grand chandeliers! The most fantastic chandelier was at the Teatro alla Scala, it is made of 144 bulbs. One day it must be mine.
In my bag I found the perfect ballerina costume from the period, in a delicate shade of pink tulle. On I put my shimmering tutu, complete with delicate hand-stitched embellishments, and twirled a few times as a welcome warm up in front of the glistening Parisian cafes. Oh my, but I wish everyone could see the elegance, style, grace and movement we express.
The night buzzed with anticipation. My pink rucksack on my back, full of vintage ballet programs, rare posters, and fascinating snippets of history - a precious haul of time travel treasure!
Tonight's ballet was a stunning spectacle! The stage was ablaze with dancers dressed in sumptuous costumes, a whirlwind of colours and textures! My heart raced to the thumping tempo of the orchestra. The ballerinas’ steps flowed with elegance and precision.
Their artistry painted a breathtaking portrait, full of joy, emotion, and a little bit of magic.
But the greatest discovery of the evening? A delightful Parisian café called the "Pink Tulle". I confess, I danced for quite some time, a solo in front of its pastel-coloured entrance, in my swirling pink tutu, the twinkling cafe lights like tiny stars.
What is better than the name Pink Tutu, I ask you?! Isn’t it the very definition of grace, charm and elegance? How could I possibly leave this wonderful discovery without experiencing the delectable desserts! It would be quite the fashion faux pas. I had a selection of delightful Parisian patisserie: delicately crafted éclairs, perfectly pink macarons, and a delicious pink, layered lemon tart.
But the adventures didn’t end there. Back in the safety of my time-travelling horse, Magic Meg , I travelled further to the most beautiful theatre, The Teatro alla Scala in Milan, for the evening’s ballet performance.
You simply had to be there to witness the glorious 18th and 19th century performances at this most amazing opera house! I could only glimpse snippets, and as we travelled on to our final destination, Vienna, I could hear the most magnificent melodies emanating from the famous concert halls, their beauty transcending space and time!
And of course, Vienna brought a dazzling finale, with some wonderful dancers performing some elegant pieces for a grateful public. Oh, to witness the passion and precision of a Viennese waltz!
As I galloped Magic Meg back to my Derbyshire home, I mused over the incredible tales from the world of ballet, 1863. What a fantastic journey, with beautiful dances, costumes and stories. I will share more next time, do remember to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com to keep up with my monthly adventures!
Until next time, dearest readers, keep twirling! Emma xx