#BalletHistory during 1879 12 December

Dearest readers,

Happy December! Can you believe we're already halfway through this most magical month? This one is all about twirling and shining – Christmas is around the corner, and the air feels like a waltz in my Derbyshire home. And to celebrate the sparkle, we're off on another grand Pink Tutu adventure. Let's jump on the back of Magic Meg, my precious pink-sparkling shire with her golden hooves and snowy mane – and head back to December 12th, 1879!

We arrived at Covent Garden in the hush of a December evening. The scent of pine and fresh-baked mince pies floated from the surrounding streets, mingling with the scent of opium from the nearby East End markets. I always find that particular smell so evocative, a scent of both opulence and the seedy underworld, mirroring the complex beauty of ballet itself.

It was the evening of the grand Ballet Ball, held annually at the newly refurbished Covent Garden Opera House. My oh my, how my heart leaped with excitement!

As I glided through the entrance, a breathtakingly beautiful hall opened up. Ladies and gentlemen were swirled into a breathtaking dance of movement, grace, and dazzling colours. I immediately loved the 1870s' styles. Imagine full, flowing skirts in beautiful floral silks, coupled with lace and decadent embroidery. The gentlemen, all in their best tails, with perfectly-styled hair, just oozed Victorian grandeur. It was the most exquisite scene of the theatre world!

I could tell instantly that the ball was a prestigious event, full of society’s most admired. The stage buzzed with excitement as a young ballet star, Mathilde Kschessinska, prepared for a stunning performance of a new ballet – “La Fille du Pharaon,” a work of drama and captivating beauty by the illustrious Marius Petipa. It seems she stole the show! Her grace was so captivating – I nearly choked on my sparkling lemonade!

But enough of me talking, my dears! Time to peek into my special ballet satchel – the one on my back – it is packed with delightful stories, tidbits of news from this special 1879 ballet ball.

Did you know, my dear reader, that these grand events were quite a sensation back in the 1870s? Not just about watching the beautiful dancers on stage, but about mingling with the elites and expressing one’s fashion sense – it was all a huge part of the excitement! Think elaborate balls hosted at palatial halls where London’s leading figures rubbed shoulders. Everyone, from aristocracy to artists, sought to be present and share in the cultural spectacle!

You might be surprised, too, to learn about the fascinating connection between ballet and opera. This is why many ball events were held within opera houses. During that time, the two arts were strongly intertwined. The Ballet Ball at Covent Garden offered a unique glimpse into this fusion. The night brought together a colourful tapestry of music, costume, and social grandeur that mesmerised its audience. Even I found it irresistible!

Speaking of mesmerising, here's something particularly enchanting for my Pink Tutu followers - the dancers themselves! Now, I must say, the tutus back then – Oh my, a symphony of colours and design. Not the structured, simplistic versions of today, darling. Imagine layers upon layers of gauzy tulle, creating volumes so spectacular. We're talking about fashion that was almost a character of its own.

### A Timeless Tale of Fashion & Dreams

Now, I've learned a particularly intriguing fact. Did you know that 1879 marked a change in fashion, at least in the ballet world? While elaborate pannier-like forms were the style just before, that year saw the introduction of slimmer, more fitted tutus!

But even as I took in the artistry of the ballet costumes, and the elegance of the era's fashion, I felt something missing... You know, the energy, the spark, of Pink Tutu! I long to share my favourite colour and fashion statement, the enchanting elegance of the pink tutu, with these gracious ladies.

This brings me to our main mission for this particular time travel, darlings! I’m determined to inspire them! Yes, inspire them to step outside of the expected norms, to explore the playful energy, and, of course, to embrace a dash of Pink Tutu flair! I know it might seem unusual, but a touch of pink can do wonders for the spirit.

Just imagine – what if one of these magnificent Victorian ballerinas, with all her flair and charm, were to incorporate a pink tutu into her repertoire? It would surely cause a stir, wouldn’t it? Maybe create a new ballet sensation?

The vision is so bright, and already it sparks an idea for my next Pink Tutu ballet piece! And while I can’t divulge details yet, it will be absolutely breathtaking. I hope you are looking forward to it, my darling readers! It’s set to debut at a ballet performance soon, and the story, like most Pink Tutu journeys, will be one to remember.

Until next month, keep your spirits bright, keep your tutu-ing strong, and I hope you’ll join me on my next time-traveling adventure!

Yours in twirls and dreams, Emma