Hello my darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away to the wondrous world of ballet and fashion in my favourite shade of pink. This month, I've had the absolute pleasure of travelling back to the 12th of December, 1865, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind!
Buckle up, grab a cuppa, and prepare to be swept away on a time-travelling ballet adventure!
Magic Meg & The Time-Travelling Tutu
As always, my trusty steed, the dazzling Magic Meg, galloped us through time, her pink sparkly coat catching the sun's rays and dazzling the countryside with its magnificence. Her golden hooves pounded the ground, carrying me back to the Victorian era, a time of burgeoning ballet that would soon give birth to the majestic giants of the artform we know today.
A December Ballet Extravaganza
The first thing I noticed was the hustle and bustle of the season. Christmas was just around the corner and the London theatres were abuzz with excitement. My backpack was already brimming with ballet treasures from my last journey, but I just had to squeeze in a few more!
First, a trip to the Royal Opera House! Now, Covent Garden may not have been the glorious art deco palace it is today, but its history echoed within those walls.
The theatre itself was bustling. My eyes widened at the elaborate costumes, a blend of velvet, lace and silk in hues of burgundy, emerald and plum. It was the epitome of Victorian elegance. I especially loved the sweeping gowns of the ladies, reminding me of a ballet tutu in its shape and grandeur.
On Stage & The World Premiere of Giselle
There was such a buzz about the performance! I snagged a seat front and centre, heart thrumming with anticipation. And then, it began. A troupe of young dancers graced the stage in a performance of Giselle.
My word! This was Giselle like I'd never experienced it before. It felt raw, emotional and filled with heart. The choreography, while a little less polished than we see today, still possessed a grace that moved my very soul. I could almost feel the passion and drama oozing from every leap, every pirouette.
After the performance, I dashed back stage and chatted with a dancer who had been in the original production! This darling lady, Mary, told me stories about the creation of the ballet, her friendships with the legendary Carlotta Grisi, the prima ballerina who had premiered the role. Mary was full of such excitement, she almost knocked my tutu out of place!
The World Of Ballet Beyond London
But it wasn't just about the stage! December in 1865 was a vibrant tapestry of ballet activities all over the world.
A Paris Fashion Flurry
A short gallop with Magic Meg took me across the Channel to Paris. Here, the world of ballet fashion was truly flourishing. In bustling salons and elegant boutiques, the ladies were obsessed with the latest ballet inspired creations, wearing lace, frills and ribbons in their finest silks.
My favourite find was a delightful shop with beautiful tutu inspired skirts, so charmingly crafted from pastel satins. And I just had to purchase a gorgeous little tulle headdress! It sparkled and twinkled like a miniature version of a tutu.
I swear, every woman in Paris, even those not in ballet, was twirling like they were taking their final bow!
American Ballerina Dreams
But, it wasn't all frills and flourishes. I had to go see America's budding ballet scene, and so, with a whoosh and whirl we landed on the bustling streets of New York!
Here, the ballet companies were growing, reaching out to audiences across the land. There was a burgeoning love of ballet emerging - not yet quite the flourishing force it would become - but full of so much potential! I could feel the spark, the energy and the drive in the air.
Sharing the Joy of Pink
My backpack, brimming with new ballet treasures, stories, and inspiration, now bulged with the latest fashions and tales of ballet in America. Back home in Derbyshire, England, I'm already planning to share the experiences from this journey on my www.pink-tutu.com website.
I always try to weave these historical experiences into the lessons at the Derbyshire Ballet Academy where I teach, hoping to share my passion for dance with future generations.
And as always, dear readers, I want you to know that I have my sights firmly set on convincing everyone to wear a pink tutu. After all, a little bit of pink is all you need to spread a touch of ballet magic to the world!
See you next month! Until then, twirl on, darlings!
P.S If you're looking for your own pink tutu adventure, check out the ballet show times and schedules in your local theatre! You never know what magical discoveries you might find!
