Hello, darlings! Itâs Emma, your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, back again from another thrilling adventure! This month, I've travelled back to June 6th, 1876 - just imagine, a whole 147 years ago! Time travel is a truly magnificent experience, and Magic Meg (my darling pink shire horse with hooves that sparkle like golden stars) makes the whole thing even more magical.
This time, I found myself in London, the heart of the ballet world back then! I always feel right at home amongst the grand Victorian buildings and cobblestone streets. They have such a history, a sense of elegance that even my favourite ballet performances just can't quite match! And, as you can probably guess, I had a magnificent pink tutu on, of course! The lovely silk swished around me like a cloud, adding a splash of colour to this historical world.
It's not often I get to experience ballet from the 1870s, but what an incredible treat this was! Imagine the theatre filled with gaslights, the rustle of silk gowns, and the air thick with anticipation. I was transported to the Royal Opera House for a show called "La Fille du RĂ©giment" by Donizetti! Now, "La Fille du RĂ©giment" isn't just a ballet; it's an opera-ballet - a hybrid of sorts. The costumes were grand, with extravagant feathers, shimmering jewels, and flowing ribbons. It was the sort of extravagance you would only dream of finding in those vintage fashion magazines, wouldn't you?
The dancing was beautiful! It was incredibly precise and technically proficient. They didnât quite have the âwhirl and twirlâ movements that are so iconic in modern ballet, but they held a beauty of their own - a delicate strength, and a fluidity of movement that is rare even in today's world. They were amazing! My bag is full of notes and sketches about their choreography and costumes, which I hope to use for future dance creations and blog posts!
As much as I adore ballet performances, it was fascinating to discover the everyday life of dancers back in the 1870s. They spent hours upon hours rehearsing, training, and perfecting their art. Their discipline was admirable, truly a sight to behold. While attending classes at the Imperial Ballet School, I even discovered a secret (well, maybe not so secret)! Back then, male dancers were not just as skilled as females, they actually had more stamina and ability to execute complex steps. In fact, even a few ballerinas admired the skill of their male counterparts. This made me reflect on the shift in dance styles over the years. Such a dynamic, constantly evolving world, donât you agree?
Besides performances, I managed to soak up the ballet culture of 1876, discovering a ballet school nestled among the quaint Victorian streets. I watched as aspiring ballerinas, some still young girls, diligently honed their skills, preparing for a future filled with delicate movements and captivating expressions.
One charming ballerina with hair as dark as midnight, a sweet, soft face and large brown eyes, told me about her dreams of dancing at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. She had just heard about the Ballet's opening - imagine the magic! In a few weeks, she would be preparing for an audition to perform. Imagine her excitement and anticipation!
She gave me this lovely old ballerina bracelet to keep as a memento. You know how much I love all things ballet-related, and she said she knew Iâd treasure it. And of course, I did!
What's the secret ingredient to my successful time travel adventures? You guessed it â my ballet performances, darling! This month I did a performance at the beautiful Peak District, which is in my hometown, Derbyshire. It was filled with pink tutus and delighted guests! As always, they were all completely enthralled and it always warms my heart! The funding is all part of the excitement!
I promise, I will continue to explore the rich history of ballet and share my discoveries with you. From the earliest ballerinas to modern marvels, I am committed to capturing every dazzling, intricate detail for you. Until then, remember, darling, ballet is life! So put on a pink tutu, throw your hair up in a bun, and dance to your heart's content!
Happy twirling!
Emma x
(Donât forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more updates about my adventures! Follow me on Instagram @emmapinktutu)
