Hello lovelies, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time-traveller, and it's time for another delightful trip through the annals of ballet history. As always, my trusty steed, the magnificent Meg, is all prepped and ready to whisk me away, and my trusty leather rucksack is waiting for its next haul of ballet treasures!
Today's adventure takes us all the way back to 1st January, 1875 - a year of excitement and creativity for ballet lovers, with fascinating events popping up all across the globe. But before we journey back, let me introduce you to the star of the show: my pink sparkling Shire horse, Meg! Her golden hooves, dazzling white mane, and twinkling pink coat make her the envy of every pony and thoroughbred on the planet - she truly embodies the spirit of pink ballet! We always arrive in style, believe me! 😉
Now, on with the journey! Meg's hooves trot into a time of elegance and excitement in the world of ballet! In Russia, the renowned ballerina Olga Preobrajenskaya - who played a significant role in the development of the Russian Imperial Ballet - was busy dazzling audiences with her artistry! The beauty of the ballets she performed in, combined with the glamour of Russian Imperial Court fashion, must have made for some utterly fabulous events.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Enrico Cecchetti - a legendary teacher who later became one of the most celebrated teachers of ballet, creating a whole system of ballet teaching which is still practised today! - was just beginning his famous teaching career! He even opened his own academy and later taught some of the most renowned dancers of the era! Imagine getting the chance to learn from him. I wouldn't miss a chance for a private ballet lesson from a man like Cecchetti.
The year 1875 saw several world-famous ballerinas grace the stage with their talent and elegance! Emma Livry was one such dancer, wowing Parisian audiences with her talent and her exquisite, classical style, a stark contrast to some of the more revolutionary styles and ballet innovations in progress at that time. Over in Vienna, another exciting ballet personality - Auguste Vestris, was enjoying a flourishing career! This gifted choreographer, known for his incredible technique and his exciting choreography, is another ballet legend to be admired for his passion for this artistic form!
You know me, I simply can't travel through time without investigating the fashion scene! Think luxurious velvet, silk and satins! Corsets, and tutus with extravagant layers and beautiful, long tulle - the 1870s were truly a golden age for fashion, a feast for the eyes and perfect inspiration for a tutu designer like myself.
I simply must tell you about the theatres and performance spaces! London's Covent Garden Opera House was already a big draw in 1875! A true hub of ballet entertainment! One can only imagine how mesmerising the opulent, elaborate décor must have been. The air, perfumed by a mixture of elegant fragrances and the thrill of the dance! I dream of attending a show at Covent Garden with its grandeur, the roar of the audience, the anticipation for the dance! Every inch of the auditorium just pulsates with passion, elegance and sheer theatre magic! I dream of attending a show at Covent Garden - just one reason to travel back in time!
My favourite part of time travelling? It's the storytelling! Every place I visit has tales whispered into the breeze and preserved within its walls - from the laughter and chatter of ballet students in Italy to the whispers of applause after a brilliant performance at Covent Garden - I cherish them all. Each story feeds my passion and drives me to find the next time-travel opportunity to uncover more beautifully preserved stories, tucked away for my pink-tutu adorned self to find and share!
In the days to come, I’m going to share some stories from my time travelling bag and, if you're interested in delving further into 1875's world of dance, I'd be thrilled for you to share your discoveries with me.
Time to hop on Meg! I can't wait for you to join me next time, my ballet-loving lovelies! I have a feeling we’re about to discover some real hidden gems! Until next time! 😘💖🐴
Visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com and share your love for all things pink and ballet! 💖
