#BalletHistory during 1873 09 September

Hello, dear readers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It's September 9th, 1873, and this month, my lovely Magic Meg (the most fabulous pink-sparkling shire horse with hooves like liquid gold and a white mane and tail like spun silk) has carried me back to a time filled with elegance, grace, and a certain je ne sais quoi… yes, you guessed it – it’s a ballet-filled journey to the Victorian Era!

As you all know, I’m on a mission to spread the joy of ballet across all time periods. My motto is “Pink Tutus For Everyone!” Each month I venture out with my trusty leather rucksack (which I fill with historical treasures, ballet-related or otherwise) and let my pink tutu whisk me away on adventures! And let me tell you, this month’s journey has been a total dream!

September 1873… oh, what a time to be a ballet lover! I hopped off Magic Meg in the heart of London, the air thick with gaslight and anticipation. Theatres pulsed with life, the excitement of the new season electrifying the city. I waltzed through a swirling cloud of pink silk skirts and velvet coats, every shop window displaying the latest fashion. Think decadent embroidery, flouncy hats, and feathers galore – truly a feast for the eyes!

Right from the moment I stepped into the bustling city, the allure of ballet was all around me. I discovered that September 9th, 1873, was a big day for ballet, folks! The iconic Royal Opera House was preparing for its opening season, boasting a stellar lineup. At that very moment, dancers were rehearsing the spectacular “La Esmeralda” (that beautiful choreography by Petipa!) and everyone was abuzz with anticipation. Imagine me, my dear readers, swooning at the elegance of the rehearsal!

I couldn’t resist popping into the Covent Garden Opera House for a sneak peek. I mean, wouldn't you be tempted? The opulence was breathtaking. I spotted ballerinas gracefully perfecting their pirouettes, the sunlight filtering through the large stained glass windows. Oh, the grace and precision – I was captivated!

Of course, my journey wasn't solely about rehearsals. I found myself at the theatre later that evening, the aroma of oranges and hot chocolate wafting through the air, as audiences of all walks of life settled into their seats for the ballet. The sheer passion and energy in the auditorium were contagious!

And then, of course, the costumes… Oh, the costumes! A delightful whirlwind of ruffles, tulle, and a symphony of colours. They weren't quite pink tutus yet (a shame, I know, but it’s my mission to rectify this!) but you could see the building blocks, a touch of delicate pink here, a puff of frill there... I did find the most exquisite pearl-encrusted tiara, which is now adorning my personal collection – pink, of course, and utterly divine!

One particularly interesting trend I discovered was the popularity of ballet shoes, even outside the stage. The elegant pointe shoes, albeit quite different from what we see today, were all the rage! Ladies were wearing them with dainty little frilled dresses and I’m thrilled to report a touch of pink was peeking out from beneath the ruffles – a promising sign indeed!

I know you are all eagerly waiting to hear about the performance, so let’s dive straight in. “La Esmeralda” is such a magnificent ballet, and I’m sure you can all picture me, eyes wide and face alight with awe, in the front row, completely enthralled! It’s impossible not to feel swept up in the drama and beauty of this classic work, from Esmeralda’s charming grace to the dark mystery of her fate.

I also had the good fortune of witnessing some phenomenal ballet stars grace the stage! From the virtuoso skills of the prima ballerina to the charismatic performance of the young, emerging dancers, the talent was remarkable. I’ve made some wonderful sketches of them in my little journal - which I might just post for your viewing pleasure on www.pink-tutu.com, if I’m feeling adventurous! Stay tuned, dear readers!

But a pink tutu adventure is more than just ballet performances and gorgeous costumes, it’s about the times! Imagine strolling through Hyde Park in the afternoon sun, or visiting a charming bookshop where ballet steps are discussed alongside Shakespearean sonnets. The vibrancy and dynamism of the time are palpable - just picture it, London alive with passion for art, music, and yes, even for dance.

But, as much as I enjoy my travels, nothing compares to sharing the stories of these grand moments with all of you. I adore sharing my passion for the past and hope I inspire you all to don a pink tutu and let the joy of dance inspire you as it inspires me!

And for this, dear readers, I bid you adieu until next month. Keep on dancing, and let’s all embrace the beauty of ballet together!

Until next time,

Emma

Pink Tutu Travels

www.pink-tutu.com