Hello, darlings! Itâs your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another incredible journey! This month, Iâve landed myself smack-dab in the middle of May 1880 â a time of great upheaval and change, even in the world of ballet.
Riding Backwards Through TimeâŠ
This time, my trusty steed, Magic Meg â a majestic pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, even more fabulous than my own tulle â galloped us back through the mists of time to the Victorian Era. The air buzzed with the sound of carriage wheels and gas lamps flickering in the twilight, but there was still something magical in the air, a kind of excitement for the future, tinged with the delicate scent of roses and lavender.
I was all a-flutter with excitement! I love this era; the big hoop skirts, the romanticism in the music, the sheer drama of the grand ballets! The moment I arrived, my leather rucksack (stuffed with ballet treasures, of course) felt surprisingly full and bursting with anticipation.
A Parisian Premiere: âLa Sourceâ
One of my first stops was Paris. It was the 2nd of May 1880 when LĂ©o Delibesâ "La Source" â an opera-ballet collaboration â premiered at the Paris Opera. This beautiful and grand spectacle featured the exquisite choreography of Marius Petipa, and its lavish scenery and elaborate costumes were the talk of the town.
The World of Ballet on May 5th, 1880
On the 5th of May, while I was still twirling in Paris, a grand gala was held at the ThĂ©Ăątre de l'OpĂ©ra de Paris in honor of the composer Charles Gounod. Now, Gounod is best known for his work in opera, like "Faust" â a stunning opera in four acts! But, did you know, darling, he was also an accomplished composer of ballets? He created, for example, the music for âLa Reine Topaze" in 1856.
Ballets in Britain⊠and a touch of American flairâŠ
Of course, I couldnât resist a quick hop across the Channel to Britain, too! In London, the Italian ballerina, Teresa Carreño was showcasing her dancing skills at Covent Garden. Back then, she was still in the prime of her career and performing ballet classics, such as "Giselle." The stage would have been alive with her grace and skill!
A funny story â in New York City, there was a ballet going on, too. The ballet, âThe White Fawnâ featuring dancers from a variety of styles and schools! The combination of talent from across different backgrounds would have made for an exciting and unpredictable ballet evening, I bet.
Discovering Vintage Dance Stories...
I managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the Imperial Theatre in St Petersburg. There, on the 5th of May 1880, "The Sleeping Beauty," that magnificent story that began my love of ballet when I was just a little girl, took the stage, the world of ballet mesmerized once again by the brilliant choreography of Marius Petipa. I can almost imagine the glittering chandeliers reflecting in the costumes of the dancers. The thrill was undeniable.
Now, imagine me, darling, spinning through this beautiful ballet wonderland, finding little details here and there. An old worn copy of a score for "La Source" at a Parisian antique shop. A tattered ballet slipper tucked into a drawer at Covent Garden. A faded programme from âThe White Fawnâ on a dusty shelf in a New York City library. I always keep my eyes peeled for stories that can make their way into my rucksack, stories Iâll share with you on pink-tutu.com
*Fashion Forward! *
As you know, my love of tutus is a serious passion â and this era was no exception! Imagine: corseted bodices, layers of tulle, frilly leg-o-mutton sleeves, a cloud of beautiful soft pastel hues. Think Degas! And the most amazing thing, darling â I actually got my hands on a silk fan adorned with delicate pink blooms, something you would find in every fashionable ladyâs purse in the late Victorian Era!
Pink Tutu Inspirations for YouâŠ
So, hereâs a bit of 1880s inspiration to fuel your own ballet love. How about wearing a silk top with lace detail or a floral print dress to your next ballet class? Maybe even consider pairing a blush-toned top with a tulle skirt for a charming evening look! It's amazing how fashions come back, you know!
Remember, you don't need to be a ballerina to enjoy a ballet-themed wardrobe â everyone can add a touch of the dance to their outfits! After all, my motto is: Pink Tutu for Everyone!
Until next time, darling, remember to dance, and wear your tutus with pride!
Love, Emma
PS Donât forget to visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com to share your own time-traveling stories! Letâs keep spreading the love of pink tutus and the world of ballet together!
