Hello my darling ballet bunnies! It’s your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back again with another fabulous time-travelling escapade! This month, we’re swirling back to December 12th, 1881, a time when the air was crisp and the festive spirit was blooming like a sugarplum in the heart of London. I must admit, I find Victorian-era Christmases quite charming! Imagine twinkling gaslights, carol singers in top hats, and homes filled with the delicious scent of roasted chestnuts!
Now, before we jump into the historical ballet happenings of this date, I need to introduce you to the star of the show, quite literally! I've just fallen head-over-heels for a new, pink tutu that makes my heart flutter like a butterfly in a summer meadow. Imagine layers upon layers of the most delicate pink tulle, hand-stitched with tiny silver beads, cascading around me like a swirling dream! It's simply exquisite. Oh, and did I mention the matching satin ribbons, adorned with sparkling crystals? Talk about festive elegance! This, my darlings, is the kind of pink tutu you don't just wear; you twirl, pirouette, and prance with abandon!
With my fabulous new tutu on and Magic Meg, my sparkly pink shire horse, patiently awaiting in the stables, we embarked on a grand Victorian journey! Magic Meg, as always, proved to be a dream, whisking me through the cobblestone streets with the grace of a seasoned ballet dancer. And oh, my darling dears! The hustle and bustle of London! A thousand carriages jostling for space, ladies in bonnets fluttering by with lace-trimmed parasols, and gentlemen in top hats rushing to catch their horse-drawn buses. It was all so wonderfully chaotic and romantic!
Naturally, our first stop was the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden! Yes, Covent Garden has always been the beating heart of ballet in London, hasn't it? As we waltzed through the grand theatre doors, I took in the intricate decorations and the expectant murmur of the audience. I couldn't wait to witness the magic of ballet unfold before my very eyes!
Now, on this very day, December 12th, 1881, the renowned Italian dancer, Virginia Zucchi, graced the stage with her mesmerising performance in the ballet "Giselle." Virginia Zucchi! Can you imagine the sheer awe and excitement? It's a name that echoes in the hallowed halls of ballet history! She was known for her breathtakingly graceful movements, her incredible stamina, and her unparalleled talent for embodying the raw emotion of each role.
Imagine, if you will, a delicate young ballerina dressed in white, her eyes shimmering with sorrow and her steps flowing like water, expressing the anguish of Giselle, the heart-broken village girl who succumbs to madness after betrayal. Can you even fathom such artistry and pathos?
During the intermission, I slipped into the elegant Royal Opera House restaurant to indulge in a delightful Victorian treat: a plate of macarons, the sweet buttery almond meringue sandwiches that make the most delicate crunch when you bite into them. Yum! It's moments like this, indulging in the sweet taste of history, that make me truly appreciate the journey of ballet across time.
Of course, no time travel escapade would be complete without a bit of souvenir shopping! My trusty leather rucksack (just big enough to fit a tutu!) quickly filled up with precious trinkets and ephemera from the time: a copy of "The Dancing Times" magazine with a beautiful engraving of Virginia Zucchi, a velvet ballet slipper embroidered with a tiny pearl, and a gilded programme from the performance with Virginia's name printed in exquisite calligraphy. What treasures!
Before departing back to my own time, I took one last look at the opulent stage at Covent Garden. As I stepped out into the chilly evening air, a feeling of awe and wonder washed over me. To have witnessed such a magnificent performance, to have been a part of this moment in time, filled my heart with joy and inspired me with even greater enthusiasm for my love of all things pink tutu and ballet!
And that, my darling ballerinas, is a little taste of the wonderful things we can uncover by taking a trip back through time. If you have any favourite historical dates that you'd love to see me explore with Magic Meg, do let me know!
I hope you’ll all join me on the 12th of January for a journey through time. I think we’ll have a really lovely time visiting some fabulous places to celebrate the very exciting new year!
Until then, keep those tutus twirling, and remember to sprinkle some pink glitter wherever you go!
Yours truly,
Emma [email protected] www.pink-tutu.com
