Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! Emma here, your resident ballet-obsessed time traveller, back with another thrilling tale from the dusty corners of history! This month, Magic Meg (my stunning pink-sparkling Shire horse with the golden hooves, remember her?) whisked me back to 7th July, 1882. What a day! The world of ballet was positively abuzz!
My first stop was London, darling! I’d heard whispers of the legendary Madame Katti Lanner’s school and just had to see it for myself. The building itself is a vision – a grand, sprawling house in Kensington. And the students? Oh, darling, they were a sight to behold! Such dedication to their craft. I slipped in through an open door (after charming the school receptionist with a twirl or two – my pink tutu always works wonders) and watched the ladies as they perfected their plies. Their style is quite different to our contemporary methods. It’s all about elegance, refined movements and, dare I say it, more focus on artistry than athleticism.
After my peek at the class, I felt compelled to add to my collection! You see, my leather rucksack isn't just for ballet stories and photographs – I gather treasured souvenirs from each era I visit! In this particular vintage, I found a beautiful, handwritten manuscript from one of Madame Lanner’s students detailing her techniques and routines. It's like holding a piece of ballet history in my hands!
But my adventures didn’t stop there, oh no! Magic Meg took me to Vienna – just the place for some Viennese waltzes! Now, we're talking true ballroom glamour. I watched the enchanting ballerina, Caroline Thérèse Rosalie Oest, take the stage, her grace and elegance drawing the crowds into her spell. Oh, to have a costume like hers – such a delightful spectacle! And can we talk about the dancing! So elegant and measured, every movement a pure expression of musicality and romance. You can't help but fall under its sway!
My next stop was across the pond to America. There was so much going on in the American ballet scene! From Boston’s theatre filled with dedicated audiences enjoying ballet premieres, to New York where the Grand Ballet company were wowing their audiences with new and innovative productions. It’s exciting to see ballet branching out across the world!
Of course, no time travel trip would be complete without a trip to the heart of Paris. My, what a day! I saw the incredible ‘La Danseuse’ by Edgar Degas. What a striking image of a ballerina in mid-flight! His artistic brilliance captures the spirit and essence of a dancer so perfectly. A moment of sheer beauty, frozen in time. I even spied Degas sketching in the grand halls of the Opera House - a real glimpse into his creative process! Imagine seeing him at work, capturing the very heart of dance with his brush strokes!
The energy in Paris was positively electrifying! It’s clear that ballet is deeply woven into the fabric of Parisian society – almost a national art form. I watched the talented ballerinas of the Paris Opera practice and rehearse. And just to put a little pink in the air, I performed a spontaneous impromptu sequence. It was so wonderful seeing them pause in their drills to watch! It truly is a universal language, isn't it?
After all this dancing, I knew a little retail therapy was in order. I am a strong believer in spreading the pink tutu love and the vintage fashions in Paris are divine. The shops were crammed with the most elaborate gowns and beautiful ballet costumes – layers of silk, velvet and exquisite lace. My mind is still spinning with ideas for my own wardrobe! And of course, I found myself a glorious pink, silk scarf with feathers – a true collector's item!
But all adventures must come to an end, and soon enough, it was time for Magic Meg to carry me home. Back in Derbyshire, I settle into my little studio, feeling truly inspired. It's time to bring this magical experience to life! And so, this month, my darlings, I want to invite you to share the excitement! This Saturday I am holding a “Vintage Parisian Ballet Workshop" right here in my little studio. We will learn the graceful moves of 1882, sip champagne, and try to channel the romantic era with beautiful ballet-inspired looks. And what’s more, the first person to wear a pink tutu gets a prize! I hope you will join me – this weekend we are going back in time, to a period of truly refined and beautiful dance. It's going to be a beautiful, graceful celebration of all things pink!
See you in my studio!
Love,
Emma x
P.S: Be sure to follow www.pink-tutu.com and keep an eye on my social media for all my upcoming events and dance workshops! I also need some suggestions! Tell me which time period YOU would love to travel to! I'll be sharing the stories from my most requested time trips on the website, so don’t forget to let me know!
