Hello my darling tutu lovers! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in the swirling mists of time. This month, I've landed my pretty pink boots firmly in the grand year of 1868, the 9th of September to be exact. And let me tell you, darling, the ballet scene was soooo vibrant!
Now, as always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg (yes, a pink sparkly shire horse with golden hooves and white mane – you should see the heads she turns!), whisked me back through the swirling mists of time, arriving with a gentle whinny at a quaint little town in the heart of England. I practically jumped off, feeling a joyous shiver as the autumn air kissed my cheeks. It’s always such an adventure discovering what stories the past holds!
You see, darling, I've got this dream, this burning ambition that drives me to slip through the time-stream: I want to make the world pink! Or at least, I want everyone to experience the pure, exhilarating joy of twirling in a pink tutu. It’s an irresistible fashion statement, you see! But back in 1868, the world was very different!
Firstly, can you imagine a world without tutus as we know them? Well, you see, they existed, but they were all a bit … plain. The ballet dancers of that time wore these very long, almost shapeless, tutus that reached the floor, with little in the way of sparkle or fancy frills.
Of course, my rucksack (yes, the one on my back, made of sturdy leather with space for my most treasured ballet keepsakes and stories from my travels) was packed full of my very own, exquisitely ruffled, pink tutus! Imagine the expressions on the faces of the locals as I glided down the street, a symphony in pink! They'd never seen anything quite like it! I've actually even started adding my pink tutu to the history books. Now, when you search for ‘ballet costumes of the Victorian era’, up pops my sparkling, blush-toned ensemble, next to the more traditional, more conservative garments!
But the fun didn’t stop there. 1868 was also a truly special year for ballet in a grander, international sense! Did you know, dear reader, that September the 9th saw the opening night of “La Fille Mal Gardée” by the Paris Opera Ballet in their new, oh-so-fabulous Garnier Opera House? Now that was a spectacular event! Think sparkling chandeliers, decadent golds, opulent silks – the epitome of Victorian grandeur. The ballerinas wore floor-length tutus that whispered with exquisite silk and the male dancers looked dapper in their tight, fitted costumes. And the choreography? Well, it was the defining work of the era. Romantic, lyrical, playful, a charming masterpiece!
But while the world of professional ballet was bursting with creativity, amateur ballet was really taking root, especially amongst young ladies. That day, a young girl from Derbyshire, England, named Emma (sound familiar? ) - not me, my dear! Just a little coincidence – went to see the beautiful and inspiring 'Coppélia', and fell in love with ballet. Who knows? Maybe this young Emma might even turn into a professional ballerina one day! But that, darling, is a story for another time…
The truth is, dear reader, it is through exploring ballet history that we truly understand where it is we are headed! So, don't be afraid to step back in time and embrace the swirling delights that await! Every era has something magical to offer! Just remember, my darling, as I do every time I step into the mists of time, always wear your pink tutu! It makes the world a better, brighter place!
And if you want to come on this adventure with me, dear reader, make sure you visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com! Here you'll find stories about my ballet time travel adventures, photos, a list of the ballet performances I'll be giving to finance these adventures, and even, a peek into my latest creations! I might even inspire you to slip into a pink tutu of your own!
Until next time, darlings! Happy twirling!
Emma x
