#BalletHistory during 1868 11 November

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, and oh my goodness, what a month I've had! Time travel shenanigans are back in full force, and let me tell you, my darling readers, November 11th, 1868, was quite the journey. I swear, the world of ballet keeps throwing up these incredible surprises, and my trusty pink tutu is just itching to take on the latest challenge!

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the matter, shall we? Today, Magic Meg (my glorious, pink-sparkled shire horse, who, by the way, you just have to see - golden hooves and a white mane and tail that would put the clouds to shame) took me back to 1868. Talk about a vintage ballet vibe! We were galloping through the London streets, me and Magic Meg, our laughter echoing against the cobblestone roads as I felt the rush of a world yet to fully embrace the twirling wonder of ballet.

Imagine London! The air was full of horses and carriages, their elegant shapes gliding across the roads. I, however, was taking a more fantastical approach, twirling my way through it all in my signature pink tutu, making the Victorians stop and stare. But let me tell you, my lovelies, these were the good kind of stares – you know, the ones filled with pure wonder!

And this trip, you won't believe it, was filled with the most incredible vintage finds for my ballet collection! Just picture it – antique ballet shoes tucked away in dusty antique shops, shimmering fabrics ready for my needle to turn them into masterpieces, and even a little Victorian charm bracelet, perfect for keeping memories of my journey close to my heart.

My rucksack was bursting by the end of it all! The good thing is, Magic Meg seems to have grown a love for ballet too - all those extra trips back to the present carrying my loot probably do help. She knows what’s good, this majestic mare does!

As it happens, London’s ballet scene was bubbling over with exciting new pieces. At the Royal Opera House, they were performing La Esmeralda, which, you wouldn't believe it, premiered only two years prior, on the 28th of February 1866! A Parisian story set in the 14th Century and packed with emotion and drama - all of it woven into the spectacular grace of ballet. I just have to try it myself sometime - with a little extra pink flair, of course!

Speaking of Parisian glamour, the ballerina Carlotta Grisi, whom everyone called 'la divine' (can you even!) was on the verge of launching into a breathtaking new tour! And I swear, you have to hear her story – from a dazzling Parisian premiere at age 13, to winning over audiences all over the world! This woman's charisma, let alone her dancing, was legendary!

And did you know? Back then, dancers weren't actually known for their colorful tutus. More like modest white frocks and full-length skirts! But you know me – a touch of colour, a bit of sparkle, and BAM – we have ourselves a dazzling ballerina who wouldn’t be out of place in the most dramatic London ball! Honestly, it felt like a cosmic mission – I had to give 19th-century ballet the pink makeover it so desperately needed.

There was this beautiful pink satin ribbon I stumbled upon, you just wouldn't believe the detail, so I decided to weave it into a delicate pattern for a special "Emma Edition" version of the 1868 tutu. A few hours of needle and thread, some extra pink tulle, and voila – pure Parisian perfection! It might just be the inspiration behind the future of ballet! And who knows, it might inspire other dancers to unleash their inner pink too!

Oh, I must say, it felt magical seeing my pink tutu floating under the 1868 London moon as Magic Meg brought me home, leaving those Victorian hearts dancing in its shimmering wake. The stories, the performances, the pink tutus, and the memories! This trip has left my heart full, and my head buzzing with inspiration. I can already feel a new pink-tinted choreography brewing in my imagination…

Until next time, darling readers, keep twirling and never stop chasing your own unique dance through time!

*Don't forget to join me at www.pink-tutu.com every month for more incredible time travel tales! *

And remember: there is a ballerina waiting to shine inside of us all, just like that pink spark waiting inside a tutu waiting to be brought out into the world!

Much Love,

Emma