Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another magical journey through time! This month, I'm whisking you away to the elegant world of Victorian ballet - specifically, to May 5th, 1879, a date overflowing with theatrical delights!
As you know, I've always had a weakness for anything sparkly and romantic, so hopping on my faithful steed, the magnificent Magic Meg - a pink sparkling Shire with golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail - felt oh so fitting. We trotted back to Victorian England, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of modern Derbyshire, ready to immerse ourselves in the beautiful ballet world of that era.
As Magic Meg clip-clopped through cobblestone streets, I could feel the magic tingling in the air. I looked around at the carriages, the women in their sweeping dresses and the gentlemen in their dapper top hats. I immediately knew this was going to be a grand adventure!
On May 5th, 1879, ballet was alive and kicking in London. My first stop? The Royal Opera House. It was dazzling! Inside, the chandelier glimmered like a thousand stars, and the scent of powder and perfume was in the air. Tonight was a special performance of "La Esmeralda," the romantic ballet by Jules Perrot and Ludovic HalĂ©vy, featuring a mesmerizing dance sequence by the legendary Anna Pavlova. Anna danced with such incredible grace and flexibility, it almost felt like she was floating on air! Her dancing brought the drama of Victor Hugo's classic novel, âNotre-Dame de Parisâ, to life on stage!
Afterwards, we strolled to Covent Garden, where I couldn't resist a peek into the shop windows showcasing the latest ballet attire - beautifully embroidered satin slippers and breathtaking tutus with lavish layers of tulle.
Next, I went to explore the Victorian Era Ballet School, where I observed aspiring dancers practicing their steps in elegant long tutus with bows on their shoulders and dainty slippers adorned with ribbons. They practiced their "arabesque", their "fondues", their "jetés"... I just wanted to join in and pirouette alongside them!
And of course, it wouldn't be a ballet adventure without a spot of afternoon tea! Imagine my delight when I discovered a charming tearoom, where the dainty scones were piled high, accompanied by delicate floral teacups filled with fragrant Darjeeling tea. It felt like stepping out of a watercolour painting, so quaint and idyllic!
But back to ballet - that was only part of the story. Ballet back in the 1800s wasnât just confined to theatres; it was woven into society's fabric. People were captivated by this artistic expression! Even outside London, dance flourished. Ballet shows, smaller productions, and "ballets champĂȘtres" (rural dances) were hugely popular, bringing delight to the crowds with their elegant performances.
Speaking of delight, I picked up a small treasure in a second-hand bookshop in Covent Garden - an antique programme of "Giselle" that showcased Carlotta Grisiâs iconic performance. Oh, how I wished I could have witnessed it! This was truly a unique opportunity for a glimpse into the romanticism of that period.
By nightfall, I had fallen deeply under the spell of 1879. Ballet was more than just entertainment - it was a way of life, a captivating passion, and a form of artistic expression that touched the hearts of the people. It had an undeniable magnetism that even travelled through time, transporting me with its elegant moves and flowing romanticism!
Now, the final touch of this beautiful trip⊠Magic Meg took me for a ride in the countryside, and we came across the most charming fair. The air was alive with the melody of string instruments and the sweet scent of sugary delights. Children giggled in excitement, men sipped from tankards, and a little ballet performance unfolded in the middle, creating a moment of pure joyful artistry. I must admit, the fair made me long for the charm and simplicity of those simpler times.
As I travel back through time, with my leather rucksack full of fascinating stories, programmes, and vintage dance photos, I realise that, just like then, ballet continues to mesmerise the world.
Donât forget, my dearest ballet lovers! This post is number 2621, so I will be back in the magical realm of www.pink-tutu.com next month with a fresh dose of ballet time travel. Until then, don't forget to embrace your inner ballerina and practice those pirouettes - the world needs more pink tutus, darling!
