Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and I'm absolutely thrilled to whisk you back to 5th May, 1867! My trusty steed, Magic Meg, is champing at the bit, her golden hooves gleaming like freshly polished shillings under the Derby sunshine, and we're ready for a waltz through history!
Before we set off, remember to check out my latest video blog on "How to Style Your Tutu for Any Occasion," on www.pink-tutu.com, and let me know your thoughts! It's got me feeling positively pink with joy! I think it's finally the year pink tutus will become the norm – can't you just picture it, darling? The whole world prancing in a symphony of blush!
Speaking of waltzes, our first stop takes us to Vienna, the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Vienna State Opera is abuzz with anticipation as The Ballet of the Royal Opera is performing Die schöne Galathee, a one-act ballet in which our very own Marie Taglioni, a true goddess of ballet, dances the title role. Taglioni is already a legend for her lightness and graceful movements. If you love ballet, and who doesn't? You must be feeling positively tickled pink like me. Imagine, I've heard it was practically impossible to get tickets for this performance – but not to worry, I always pack my secret stash of performance tickets for emergencies, and my shimmering pink dress, you know, just the thing to convince those charming doorkeepers!
We'll sneak a peek at the beautiful theatre before I sneakily whisk some ballet items from 1867, a precious bit of history for my treasured rucksack. Perhaps a glimpse of Taglioni's hand-stitched shoes or a beautifully-preserved dance pamphlet - those pieces really tickle my vintage heart. You never know what stories those objects hold, and that's what I love most about time-travel!
Remember, darlings, that feeling of delight when a beautiful piece of art makes you feel alive, it’s like magic!
But don't worry, the time travel doesn't end in Vienna! Next on the itinerary is London, a buzzing hive of theatre-loving excitement, where ballet is taking centre stage! The Royal Italian Opera at Covent Garden has a rather delightful production of La Fille Mal Gardée, by the enchanting Cecchetti – who knows, perhaps you'll see the first steps of this incredible dancer’s career. And what's the best thing? London's fashion is something you’ve just got to see! You simply have to be in London! I love the intricate hats, those puffed sleeves, and the magnificent fur wraps - Oh! Don’t get me started on the lace… darling! So many details, and let me tell you, those elegant ladies, they definitely know how to rock a gown and a pink tulle scarf. You know, we must take a picture by a London window with some locals - imagine the Instagram feed!
From Covent Garden, we gallop (and oh, Meg is going to enjoy that) through London's cobbled streets, stopping at a shop full of tutus and ballet shoes, a perfect haven for a pink-loving soul! Now, let me tell you, in this era the tulle and silk are to die for – a sight for sore eyes, truly! A quick stop to shop for some vintage tulle for my collection - I simply can’t resist a gorgeous scrap, I bet they don't have fabrics as luscious as these in our modern times, darling. Oh, the colours, the patterns, a beautiful tapestry of fashion history!
Our journey, darling, doesn’t end in London. Oh no, not at all. It's time for a peek across the Atlantic! Now, for those of you, my darlings, who adore history, did you know the first American ballet school opened just last year in New York! The New York Ballet School, can you believe it? And Marius Petipa, you may have heard of him? he's just arrived, ready to bring French style to the American scene! But, I can’t get over the tutus, such beautiful craftsmanship, I just want to hug every seamstress in a giant hug. Just imagine the artistry, darlings! So romantic! So artistic!
With a little wave, Meg takes a flying leap across the Atlantic and lands, gracefully I might add, outside The New York Academy of Ballet. And did you know, New York has its own dance festival? Oh, how exciting is that? And with so much going on, my heart is simply overflowing. The rhythm of these dance communities, the spirit of ballet, is so exciting. It makes you want to twirl, dance, and wear pink, doesn't it?
Don't forget, lovelies, to look out for more pink tutu adventures in my next post - and don't hesitate to share your own stories and ballet experiences. After all, together, we're spreading the love of ballet, a little bit of sparkle, and the perfect shade of pink, one tutu at a time!
Remember, stay lovely, and twirl your way to joy!
Love,
Emma
