Hello my dearest Tutu Tribe!
Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, the blog where we twirl through time, explore the wonderful world of ballet, and - of course - discover why pink tutus are the most magical garment ever invented!
Today, my dear readers, we're time-travelling back to a very special date: 9th September 1870. Magic Meg is already pawing at the starting line, eager to whisk us back in time and see what delightful ballet adventures await!
You see, my passion for ballet is truly a love affair that transcends time. Whether it's the delicate grace of the Italian Renaissance, the grandeur of 19th century French ballets, or the modern masterpieces that electrify audiences today, there's an allure, a story, and an artistry to ballet that truly makes my heart skip a beat. And believe me, as you'll see today, it’s the same magical experience that would have enraptured audiences in 1870, too!
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate my amazing steed, Magic Meg. Oh, how she loves to travel through time, just as much as I do! I feel a little ashamed that she is always ready for the next adventure while I sometimes need an extra cup of Earl Grey to calm my nerves before we time travel.
This month, Meg and I have chosen to travel back to the year 1870. The reason is rather exciting – It’s the very year the ballet "The Pharaoh's Daughter" premiered!
"The Pharaoh’s Daughter", with its dazzling costumes and intriguing story, would have been quite a sensation at the Bolshoi Theatre. You can just imagine the audience gasping at the sight of the beautiful costumes and the exciting dance sequences – a true treat for the eyes and the soul!
Speaking of stunning costumes, remember my trusty leather rucksack? It’s packed to the brim with beautiful memories from my past travels. Inside I have a silky piece of fabric from a Parisian ballerina's tutu from 1880, a programme for a performance from The Bolshoi Theatre, and a rather captivating note from a Russian ballerina written in beautiful cursive, complaining about a troublesome prince she was partnered with during a performance of "Giselle".
Of course, my rucksack wouldn't be complete without my favourite find from 1870: a perfectly preserved, delicate pair of dance slippers! It’s almost impossible to imagine performing in these slippers, but imagine the grace and beauty of the ballerina as they floated across the stage, seemingly effortless!
It’s true that ballet back in 1870 wasn't always about lavish pink tutus – those would come in a few decades. But there was something truly special about the time. It was an era of exquisite refinement, a time when every performance was a grand celebration of elegance, artistry, and beauty.
After a lovely trip, I'm always sure to go for a quick stroll around London – well, London in 1870 – and pick up the local newspaper. It’s an amazing experience to see all the world news through a 19th-century perspective. This month's papers are brimming with talk of the ongoing Franco-Prussian war. However, thankfully, a little conflict doesn't stop the arts from thriving, and the world of ballet continues to inspire with its beautiful movements, elegant costumes, and captivating stories.
Before Meg whiskers us away to our next journey, I wanted to encourage you all, my dearest Tutu Tribe, to Embrace the pink tutu! Not just as an item of clothing but as a symbol of your own creativity, individuality, and boundless passion.
And for those of you eager to learn more about 1870, let’s gather our thoughts together on the comment section below. We can discuss the beauty of “The Pharaoh’s Daughter”, the fascinating history of ballet and maybe, just maybe, find a new ballet to go see on our local stage!
Until next month, twirl happily!
Yours in tutus and time-travelling magic,
Emma, xx
