#BalletHistory during 1878 06 June

Hello my darling dance-lovers,

Welcome to Pink-Tutu.com, your monthly dose of whimsical ballet history and, of course, all things pink tutu!

This month, we’re soaring through time to 6th June 1878. As a seasoned time traveller, I must say that this journey has been simply delightful. You see, my darling dears, 1878 was a year of incredible beauty and grace. The world of ballet was blossoming with vibrant performances, elegant costumes and, oh, the fashion! It’s practically made for pink tutus, don't you think?

Of course, my trusty companion, the glorious Magic Meg, our pink sparkling Shire with those divine golden hooves, was my steed for this incredible voyage. Meg, as usual, was a picture of pure elegance, her white mane and tail shimmering in the morning light, pulling my specially crafted time-travelling cart – I promise to show you a photo of her magnificent pink and gold carriage, when we’re back in Derbyshire. I am so grateful for her companionship on these incredible adventures.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the enchanting ballet world of 1878, shall we? Grab your favourite pink tea and a slice of Victoria sponge and let the journey commence…

First stop, London, where the glorious Covent Garden Theatre was alive with ballets that still enchant me today. In 1878, the Royal Ballet (now called the Royal Opera House) had the honour of hosting La Fille Mal Gardée, one of my favourite ballets from the romantic era, and so very fitting for this time period, and you simply cannot deny the beauty and humour of the storyline and the captivating performance. Oh! You should just have seen the stunning tutus, simply stunning with all the embellishments - I was positively mesmerized! It was like watching the graceful flight of a beautiful butterfly; a flurry of pink and frothy frills and flounces, so lovely it made me weak at the knees! I even secured a few vintage snippets from the performance to share with you soon – just wait and see what's coming to Pink-Tutu.com!

Then, let us cast our eyes to Russia, where the Russian Imperial Ballet reigned supreme! This glorious company captivated audiences with their virtuosic skill and emotional intensity. This time period saw the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova, who graced the stage with a mesmerizing artistry that remains unparalleled in ballet history. Can you believe she was already at the start of her career? Just think of all the phenomenal performances and moments she had ahead of her – and I simply must get the chance to travel to the year when she performs her "Dying Swan", a breathtaking dance full of sorrow and beauty, that captivates hearts even today. I can just imagine the magnificent tutus and graceful moves… sighs wistfully.

And oh, my dear readers, imagine this, while in Moscow, we visited the Bolshoi Theatre! Imagine being there in 1878! This breathtaking architectural jewel of Moscow was home to incredible ballet performances that were full of such magnificent dancing that made my heart swell with joy. And their costumes! Each one was like a fairytale – an explosion of exquisite silk, lace, feathers and exquisite gemstones. It was so impressive.

Next, a grand tour of Paris was just the ticket to fuel my love for ballet. We all know that the Paris Opera Ballet is one of the oldest ballet companies in the world, but to be there in 1878! The costumes, my lovelies, were just what a ballet-obsessed girl could dream of, each one a gorgeous masterpiece of luxurious silk and glittering gems. Oh my, the gowns were positively exquisite, a kaleidoscope of elegant silhouettes and intricate detail. Imagine me waltzing in this luxurious era with a fabulous, frilly pink tutu on, and twirling into a waltz with a dashing Frenchman in the Salle Le Peletier - oh la la, just divine!

You see my darling dance-lovers, every trip in time with Magic Meg, our lovely pink Shire horse with those glorious golden hooves, is not only for adventure but also to bring a bit of the enchanting world of ballet to your everyday life.

Today, I feel the power of ballet’s enchantment more than ever! My heart aches with the urge to share these stories and the history and magic of dance with the world, especially through the vibrant colour pink and with tutus galore! The ballet performances and the grand theatres we visited had an electrifying effect upon my very soul, inspiring me to dream of a world full of tutus, where people embraced beauty and art. A world where ballet is embraced not just as an art form, but as a celebration of life, grace, and beauty.

Here's my challenge for this month: Let's all embrace the joy of dance and celebrate our unique sense of style with a sprinkle of pink!

1. Step Out in Pink: If you can’t bear the thought of a pink tutu just yet, try a pink ribbon on your shoe or a pink bow on your bag. Every bit counts!

2. Ditch the Couch: Why not take a trip to your local theatre and be enthralled by a ballet performance? Or perhaps join a dance class!

3. Start a Dance-Along Party: Get those hips swinging! There's so much wonderful music out there - crank up the radio or your music player, find a great track and give it a whirl!

4. Create Your Own Tutu: Don't be shy, get out your fabric, ribbon, beads, feathers or sequins, and let your imagination fly! I promise, a little pink fabric and some sparkly ribbons go a long way!

5. Spread the Tutu Love: Encourage a friend or a family member to try a ballet class or to enjoy a ballet performance with you - share your love of dance, it will make a difference!

Remember my lovelies, the dance never ends. So step up, put on your tutu and spread the magic of pink to the world!

Till next time my dear darlings, I’ll be leaving you to whirl and twirl! I’ll see you all back here next month!

Love and twirls, Emma xx

P.S. Stay tuned for my upcoming collection of "Ballet Through the Ages" postcards - a treasure trove of stories and snippets about our dance heritage – all ready to share. Oh, and keep an eye out for those incredible ballet-inspired fashion designs, I'm working on something exquisite for you lovely dance fans, inspired by 1878. I'll be featuring some of my vintage findings soon - just you wait!