Welcome back, dear readers, to Pink Tutu! It's your favourite ballerina blogger Emma here, and I'm absolutely brimming with excitement for our latest adventure! October is my favourite month for ballet – the autumn air whips through the theatre halls, the costumes shimmer under the soft glow of the stage lights, and the air crackles with anticipation. But this October holds a particularly special significance, for today, my darlings, we are whisking ourselves away to the 10th of October, 1866. Buckle up, because it's going to be a whirlwind!
My loyal steed, Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire horse with her golden hooves, was positively raring to go this morning. Her white mane and tail flowed like silk in the Derbyshire wind as we galloped towards the shimmering portal of time. (She is the best horse for time travel, by the way – and surprisingly calm in all the chaos.)
As I adjusted my pink tutu, a vision of delicate layers and tulle, I thought of all the amazing ballerinas I might meet. Would I spot the graceful, innovative Marius Petipa in Saint Petersburg, maybe even catch a glimpse of the formidable Enrico Cecchetti at a class in Milan? Oh, to be surrounded by such incredible talent!
Today, the date is buzzing with activity across the world of ballet. But let’s start where it all begins – Paris! This very date marked the first night of the Paris Opéra's new season. Now, dear readers, imagine my joy when Magic Meg transported me right to the grand, gilt-encrusted doors of the Palais Garnier! This magnificent theatre is pure Parisian grandeur, a stunning mix of marble, gold and velvet, and a must-see for any aspiring ballerina!
This season’s programme was a whirlwind of exciting performances, from a new ballet by Arthur Saint-Léon to a rousing performance of Giselle, still thrilling audiences decades later. I managed to sneak in backstage, a symphony of buzzing excitement, with bustling dancers and the glorious, fragrant scent of rosin. There was a real energy in the air, a thrill of anticipation, the air buzzing with creativity. I managed to chat with some dancers, all swirling in those dramatic 19th-century tutus! They seemed positively thrilled with their intricate choreography and dazzling costumes! This is why I love ballet - the feeling of collective energy!
Next stop, the imperial courts of Russia. Saint Petersburg was ablaze with a flurry of waltzes, ball gowns, and even the most regal of performances. Ballet in this era was more than an art form - it was a spectacle! This year, the Imperial Ballet Company is featuring a dazzling premiere - The Sleeping Beauty! The public was enchanted by the magic of Tchaikovsky’s music and Petipa’s breathtaking choreography.
Speaking of costumes - what I wouldn’t give for a 19th-century ballet outfit! Imagine the extravagant layers of lace, silk, and the delicate tulle draped in perfectly calculated layers to achieve an exquisite effect. Ballet costume during this era truly reached a new level of grandeur.
But let's not forget about the stars of the stage, those elegant and breathtaking performers, dedicated to ballet's intricate art. Their graceful leaps, their ethereal footwork, the passion etched onto their faces as they dance… this is the magic that pulls me back time and again! The dancers of this period were real stars - legends etched in the history of ballet!
From Saint Petersburg, I made a dash for London, a city pulsating with innovation and artistry. The London ballet scene was beginning to flourish in its own right. I peeked into the Theatre Royal Drury Lane – imagine my delight at spotting a performance of 'Acis and Galatea' - a dance drama complete with colourful costumes and beautiful melodies. This time period saw an explosion in creativity, a wave of talent shaping a new chapter in ballet history.
My rucksack is brimming with memories, notes, and even a few souvenirs, a shimmering programme from Saint Petersburg, a hand-stitched costume from the London theatre and, of course, a few beautiful sketches of ballerinas from my journey. This time period truly showcased ballet's versatility, its ability to enchant and inspire from the stately halls of imperial courts to the grandeur of Victorian London!
Do join me, darling readers, as I journey through time next month for another delightful adventure. Who knows where Magic Meg will take us next? And who knows – perhaps one day, you, too, will find yourself transported into the fascinating world of ballet history! Just make sure you’re wearing a pink tutu! Until then, happy dancing, my dears!
Stay beautiful and inspired, Emma
P.S If you're new to my time-traveling journey, then be sure to visit the Pink Tutu website at www.pink-tutu.com I have tons of incredible adventures documented from the time travel adventures over the years. It's a great way to discover ballet history in an inspiring way! Remember – there’s a pink tutu for everyone out there, dear readers, so let's spread the joy of ballet with the magic of pink!
*And remember – my lovelies, * I fund these ballet adventures through my performances. Check out the details on my site and see you at the next show!
Remember to spread the pink-tutu love on social media! I’m on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as PinkTutuEmma! #PinkTutuEmma #BalletTimeTravels #TimeTravelingTutu #PinkTutu
