Hello, lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-traveller, Emma, back with another exciting adventure! This month, we're swirling back to the 1865 - oh, the bustle and the charm of the Victorian era! Imagine, the air buzzing with horse-drawn carriages, gentlemen in top hats, and ladies with their parasols and flowing skirts. But what was the world of ballet like back then? Grab your feather boas, dear readers, and let's jump aboard Magic Meg, my dazzling pink-sparkling Shire horse, with her golden hooves and snowy mane! We're off to 10th October, 1865!
The moment we arrive, the air hums with a different energy. It's the buzz of anticipation - a new opera house opening! My heart beats with excitement, knowing this is going to be a ballet-filled adventure. And indeed it is! This is the opening night of the Théâtre de l'Opéra-Comique in Paris. Now, this isn't your standard grand opera house - this one specialises in comedic and satirical opera, with ballet often used to enhance the narrative. It's an exciting era for ballet! While the classic ballets like 'Giselle' and 'La Sylphide' remain popular, there's a new wave of choreographers, pushing the boundaries of the art form. It's about innovation, dear readers, not just sticking to tradition!
Our leather rucksack, strapped to Magic Meg's back, is already filling with stories! I've learned that a ballet named "La Source" by Ludwig Minkus, premiered this very year, in 1865! Now, it wasn't a big sensation at first, but it eventually went on to have many, many performances - just shows you never know what will become a classic! I always love uncovering these gems of ballet history, discovering the dances and stories behind the glitter and the graceful movement!
You know, you simply cannot talk about ballet in 1865 without talking about fashion. Now, imagine the gorgeous ladies with their extravagant gowns and elaborate hats. And what about the ballet dancers? Picture delicate, pastel-coloured tutus, often with lots of layers of tulle, and the most delightful ribbons and flowers adorning them! There's something so captivating about the Victorian era fashion for ballet dancers. It's so feminine, elegant, and, of course, so pink-tutu perfect!
My love for ballet extends beyond the grand theatres, too. I simply adore finding ballet-inspired fashion in everyday life. Today, I'm feeling inspired! Perhaps a little embroidered floral design for my own pink tutu? Maybe a small rose adorning a shoulder strap? I can see myself skipping through the streets of Paris with such a detail on my tutu!
Oh, how I wish I could have joined in a ballet class back then! The styles were a little different, with more emphasis on technique and precision than the modern styles we're used to today, but I'd love to have learned some of the Victorian-era steps! It wouldn't surprise me if we see a revival of some of those movements soon – after all, trends have a way of returning!
So, my lovely readers, while we might not be able to step back into the Parisian streets of 1865 just yet, we can learn and discover. Remember, with every tutu you wear, every performance you watch, every dance class you join, you become a part of the ever-evolving story of ballet. It's a beautiful story, one of grace, artistry, and boundless creativity. And who knows, maybe we'll inspire a ballet craze, one pink tutu at a time!
See you next month, darling readers! Don't forget to join us on our exciting time travels on the www.pink-tutu.com website, and spread the love for all things ballet, one pink tutu at a time!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
