Hello, darling readers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! As you all know, it's been another busy month for yours truly - after all, there are countless historical dances just waiting to be experienced. This time, I decided to hop on the back of my trusty steed, Magic Meg (who just sparkles so beautifully in the sunlight, doesn't she?) and set off to explore 9th September, 1871. Let's get our dancing shoes on, shall we?
I always start my journeys with a bit of preparation - researching the history, picking out my most magnificent pink tutu, and ensuring my trusty leather rucksack is prepped to hold all the wonderful ballet treasures I'll undoubtedly find. For this adventure, I went for my shimmering blush tulle tutu with delicate feather embellishments - it seemed quite fitting for a grand Victorian evening at the theatre.
We arrived in London, the very air buzzing with the excitement of a new season and, oh, the bustle! Now, London wasn't quite ready for a pink tutu, but my little shimmer was just the touch of fabulous that this town needed. People stared - at me, naturally! - but with such polite fascination. They seemed genuinely enthralled by a lady in a pink tutu waltzing down Pall Mall. You see, I do like to make a statement - why just dance when you can strut?
But why London, you might ask? Well, I had a most fabulous date planned! This particular September 9th, 1871, was the opening night of the grand new Italian Opera House (later to become the Royal Opera House), in Covent Garden. The Royal Italian Opera, under the artistic direction of the renowned maestro, Luigi Arditi, was putting on their first performance, an opera buffa by Gaetano Donizetti titled "L'elisir d'amore." The anticipation for this new theatre was so electric, and I, a true theatre buff myself, simply had to experience it.
Magic Meg carried me gracefully to the grand, majestic building. It wasn't quite as glittering as our modern theatre, but there was a certain charming charm about it. It felt quite like a glimpse into a bygone era - think grand staircases, ornate velvet seating, and, of course, chandeliers sparkling brighter than the moon itself.
Now, it was fascinating watching the opera itself, the performance - well, perhaps slightly different to modern tastes. It was operatic, naturally! Loud, theatrical, but very grand. The costumes, though, were magnificent - flowing silk, delicate lace, and an array of glittering embellishments. Imagine the opera singers gliding in all their splendor - pure ballet inspiration!
But the real thrill of the night was the audience - dressed to the nines! Men in suits, women in flowing gowns, a dazzling array of fashionable feathers, gloves, and parasols. Such flair! Such an embrace of theatre and dance! It truly made me miss the elegance and formality of days gone by. I wish modern audiences still dressed like this! Don't get me wrong, jeans are fabulous, but a bit of shimmer, perhaps a sprinkle of tulle? Maybe, just maybe, one day we'll all dance down the aisles of a theatre, en pointe and in pink tutus.
As for my own little collection - my leather rucksack now contained a meticulously pressed programme from the opera, a little snippet of the curtain's silk fabric (which, oh my, is just divine), and a detailed journal entry on the architecture of the Italian Opera House - simply divine!
But what about the world of ballet, I hear you asking? Well, in this year, ballet wasn't quite the darling of the arts. While the Royal Italian Opera focused on operatic grandness, the world of ballet was starting to find its place. One particular ballet company, the "Imperial Russian Ballet," had gained great popularity for their traditionalist approach, their strong performances, and their, well, large size - think the "Swan Lake" you know and love, but with more dancers and much grander formations.
Back in London, the London Academy of Dancing was steadily pushing the boundaries of ballet. It wasn't all glitz and glamor like the Royal Italian Opera, oh no, this was serious dancing, classical dance, technical perfection. They even taught French dancing and posture, ensuring graceful movements and exquisite execution. So, you see, my fellow dance enthusiasts, ballet was taking a distinct shape in 1871, a combination of graceful tradition and daring artistry.
Oh, I could continue about my explorations, darling readers. Imagine a charming carriage ride, the thrill of a tea room overflowing with floral perfumes, the delicate brush strokes of the Impressionist painters at the salon on the rue des Beaux-Arts, or the delightful stroll around the park with my trusty companion, Magic Meg!
But, alas, I must go, and, who knows where our next journey takes us. We could be back in the 18th century at the opulent court of Marie Antoinette, or we could find ourselves waltzing through the Roaring Twenties with flapper dresses and jazz. All I know is, darling readers, the world is filled with the magic of ballet, the delight of beautiful movements, and endless pink tutus just waiting to be discovered.
Until next month, my fellow pink-tutu enthusiasts!
Much love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
