Hello my darling ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, and I'm thrilled to whisk you off on another fantastical journey through time, all in the name of ballet, naturally! Today we're taking a trip back to 1874, and wouldn't you know it, it was a blustery October day in London, the sort that calls for a pink tutu, wouldn't you say? 😉
As you know, I'm always on the hunt for ballet history's hidden treasures. My latest expedition started in my beloved Derbyshire, a beautiful county full of rolling hills, quaint villages and of course, plenty of ballet enthusiasts! Now, as I said, my beloved, pink sparkling steed Meg was chomping at the bit to get us on the road to London. She knows the drill by now, hooves a-fluttering with excitement at the promise of adventure, her golden hooves leaving a trail of sparkle as we journeyed through time. My backpack, packed with notebooks and the most darling ballet silk ribbon, was prepped for all the treasures of 1874.
Reaching 1874 London was a visual feast. The streets were a vibrant tapestry of bustling carts, horse-drawn carriages and ladies in beautiful dresses, all vying for space. You could feel the energy and the anticipation of a thriving metropolis. And then I spotted it! A poster for the Royal Opera House. It was a simple affair, hand-drawn and plastered upon a lamppost, but it captured my attention like a dazzling diamond in a dusty antique shop.
You see, the poster announced an evening performance of La Fille Mal Gardée, a classic ballet that always seems to draw me back into the folds of time. Now, you wouldn't be able to catch La Fille Mal Gardée on stage these days in exactly the same form, but in 1874, it was one of the darlings of the ballet world. The fact that I happened to be there just for the performance? Well, pure magic, darlings!
Inside the Royal Opera House, London's Iconic Ballet Heart
Stepping through the majestic doors of the Royal Opera House was an event. Imagine my delight at being welcomed by a chorus of gasp and murmurations. It seemed everyone was as captivated as I was by this splendid edifice, its towering ceilings adorned with elaborate chandeliers that spilled out cascades of golden light, bouncing upon the velvet seats. It was a ballet enthusiast’s paradise!
I was in awe of the costumes worn by the dancers - a world of tutus, pointed shoes and elaborate designs, a far cry from the simple silks and fabrics of ballet's early days. Each dancer moved like a whisper in the air, gracefully gliding across the stage as they danced through love, heartbreak, and redemption.
It wasn't just the performance itself that made me giddy; it was the audience. Men in formal wear, women in elegant ballgowns, their eyes filled with fascination, all transported to a different world by the magic of dance. This is exactly why I travel through time. The ballet is more than a performance; it’s an experience. It's about being a part of a shared moment, sharing a common emotion and a celebration of art. It's a world where pink tutus shine brighter than diamonds, a world of enchantment and eternal beauty.
Beyond the Spotlight: My Ballet Collection
But the evening wasn't over. You know me, my lovelies, I always make time for a little ballet browsing after every show. My first stop, of course, was a bookshop right next door to the opera house. Now, I’ll confess to you all, that the little gem that caught my eye in this shop was not just any book, no it was something very special. It was an 1874 edition of *"The Complete Guide to Ballet and Dancing", * beautifully bound in burgundy leather and smelling of history. You know I had to grab that one! It's going to make a magnificent addition to my collection of ballet books! Oh, and did I tell you about the dainty ballet slippers with pink satin ribbons? My backpack was already groaning with all my latest finds from the trip and now these new additions to my collection of ballet memorabilia. Can’t wait to show you all the treasured finds from the journey.
* My Ballet Inspirations*
You might ask why I dedicate so much time and effort to researching and travelling through ballet history? Because for me, it's about capturing the essence of the art through the decades. It’s about how the beauty of ballet has always inspired, touched and captivated people across cultures and through different times. Seeing the beauty and passion of 1874 reminds me that our love for ballet, our enthusiasm for tutus, the joy that ballet brings are all woven into the tapestry of time. I’m on a mission to help people everywhere feel the enchantment that the art of ballet brings. And guess what my lovelies? You are ALL invited to join me on my journey. The only rule is wear a pink tutu and have a smile on your face as you step into the wonderful world of dance!
Catch you next time, ballet lovers!
Yours always, Emma 💕
(www.pink-tutu.com)
