#BalletHistory during 1864 07 July

Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, where dreams twirl and sequins shimmer! Today, I’m taking you on a particularly enchanting time travel journey, all the way back to July 7th, 1864. And, wouldn't you know it, Magic Meg and I are positively bursting with stories of waltz, whimsy, and, of course, beautiful ballet!

As usual, I’m all dolled up in my favourite pink tutu, and Magic Meg is shining her golden hooves in the dappled sunlight, her pink coat catching the sparkle of every single daisy we pass. This month's journey, however, is extra special. I'm so excited, I could do a triple pirouette right here on this Derbyshire meadow!

We started our day in London, bustling with the energy of the Victorian Era. I mean, who can resist the magic of Victorian fashion?! Think big hats with feathered plumes, elaborate corsets, and billowing dresses - the ultimate inspiration for a ballet costume! Speaking of costumes, I was simply smitten by the ballet scene here, with their graceful tutus and flowing lines.

Our first stop was the Royal Opera House, a grand building that seemed to echo with the thunderous applause of centuries past. You see, dear readers, on this very day, the world premiere of the opera, “Rienzi,” by Richard Wagner was being held here. This production promised to be a spectacle, with grand opera, passionate drama, and, yes, some absolutely exquisite choreography! I imagined the excitement, the elegant audience, and the hush falling as the dancers took centre stage. It would be a ballet fan's dream come true to be there, witnessing history in the making.

But our trip wasn't just about waltzing through opera houses, we had the chance to visit the Theatre Royal Drury Lane - the oldest and most renowned theatre in the world. I mean, how could I possibly resist? This gem held within its walls the legacy of generations of theatrical greats! I just knew I had to explore every nook and cranny and see if I could find some hidden ballet treasures. Luckily, with a touch of my pink tutu magic, I stumbled upon a delightful pamphlet from 1861 describing an operatic ballet, “Auber’s The Crown Diamonds." Talk about historical serendipity! I’ll add this to my ballet collection in my little rucksack back home. It seems it featured a beautiful ballet scene and included the celebrated ballerina, Mademoiselle Augusta, whom I was told was known for her remarkable grace. I can't wait to tell you more about her.

And oh my! My little ballerina heart skipped a beat when we stumbled upon the Imperial Ballet of Russia. Now, here's the thing, my dear readers, the Russians always know how to create an absolute spectacle. They had been invited to perform a season of ballet at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, and I was utterly charmed. Can you imagine? The magic of Russian artistry under the Victorian sky? This had me hopping with excitement for our trip! The Ballet company arrived in London a few days earlier, showcasing an elegant, elegant display of ballet. I'm thrilled, they are scheduled to premiere "Esmeralda," this very week at Her Majesty’s! What a dream!

And, of course, we just had to catch a glimpse of the world’s most famous ballerina of the day, Fanny Cerrito, also known as "La Sylphide". She truly embodies the spirit of ballet, and is known for her extraordinary grace, beauty, and lightness! Now, darling, La Sylphide wasn't in London during our visit. But, her fame was whispered through every crevice, every chandelier, every cobblestone.

We, myself, and Magic Meg, left London, full of wonder, ready to explore the world. The ballet, it seemed, was bursting with new life, innovation, and exquisite artistry.

You see, darling readers, I wasn't born into the pink tutu lifestyle – that journey took years! Before I started travelling through time with Magic Meg, I worked as a professional dancer in London. This was before my life completely transformed and I finally embraced my passion, my obsession with pink, and of course, ballet! My story, like a beautifully crafted ballet performance, is one of commitment, dreams, and unwavering dedication.

But our journey was far from over, and Magic Meg whisked us across the vast Atlantic, carrying us to the bustling metropolis of New York! We made it just in time for a special, very secret performance. Oh, and you'll never guess where it was held? Right inside St. James's Hall, on 31st Street. The sheer magnificence! They hosted an evening for an exclusive audience.

The evening commenced with a symphony, conducted by the renowned Theodore Thomas! As the melodies wafted through the air, we were immersed in the world of Victorian music and dance!

And that wasn’t all! Then, the performance that we had come to witness – a beautiful ballet, with breathtaking choreography! Imagine swirling tulle skirts, glittering lights, and a magical world created through graceful movements and captivating emotions. It was absolutely incredible!

I, of course, purchased a commemorative ballet program and slipped it into my precious pink leather rucksack. I’m not sure why this one was kept so hush-hush, but let’s just say, if there was a secret performance going on, I’m absolutely certain that Magic Meg and I will find out! We had a very fun and insightful visit.

Time travel truly is a dream! And I didn't want our little adventure to end just yet! So we trotted off to the charming streets of Paris, France! Oh, my dear readers, this city simply breathes romance. There's just something about the way the sunlight dances on the Seine, the scent of fresh bread, and the breathtaking architecture! And when it comes to ballet, Paris is absolutely sensational!

What a pleasure it was to see the ballet companies flourishing with talent! It really does put a smile on my face to know that dance is alive and thriving! They even hosted the 20th-century debut of “Le Carnaval des Animaux" composed by the one and only Camille Saint-Saëns! This musical marvel is perfect for capturing the world of dance, isn't it?

Even though Camille Saint-Saëns wrote it just two years before our journey, it felt as if I was walking through the history of dance itself! Oh, I can't express the absolute joy of simply witnessing this, of knowing I was living amongst history. Oh, to think that one day, perhaps centuries in the future, dancers would continue to twirl, pirouette and take the stage with “Le Carnaval des Animaux" . I'm simply enchanted by the way time connects and how the magic of ballet carries on, generation after generation.

The time-travel clock was ticking, though. As the sun began to set on the Parisian rooftops, I realised that it was time to say “au revoir!” to 1864. The thought of going back to the present always brings me a touch of bittersweet feelings, but then again, knowing I'm heading back to my life, to continue my passion, to teach and spread the magic of ballet - well, it's simply irresistible.

*From my little heart to yours, I hope you've enjoyed this trip through time, through the world of ballet! * Until next time, darling readers, let’s all embrace the magic of a pink tutu, and make every single day feel as enchanting as a ballerina’s waltz! Remember, the ballet is there for all of us, so get your pink tutus ready and join me on the dance floor!

Lots of love and happy twirls, Emma
(The Pink Tutu Time Traveller)

Don't forget to visit my website: www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest pink tutu news and happenings! You can also join the #PinkTutuArmy on all social media.

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