#BalletHistory during 1883 02 February

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirl through the annals of time! February is always a special month for me, brimming with Valentine's Day romance and, of course, the endless allure of ballet history! This month, we're twirling back to February 1883, where the world of ballet was shimmering with exciting developments.

Oh, and how could I forget to mention my loyal companion? My beautiful pink sparkle shire horse, Magic Meg, with her golden hooves and cascading mane and tail like a billowing cloud, always stands ready to whisk me away on these captivating journeys! Her shimmering pink harness and matching saddle just add a touch of magic to our travels, don't you think?

And my fabulous pink tutu, of course! I always travel in style, ensuring my time travel outfits reflect the elegance of ballet. It wouldn't do to show up in a time period in a boring old dress, now would it? My pink tutu adds a splash of colour and joy to every historical event I visit. You see, my dream is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu, and every adventure brings me closer to that magical vision!

I funded this trip with a fabulous fundraising gala back in Derbyshire! My 'Twirling for Time Travel' fundraiser, where we had a selection of dazzling performances, including excerpts from "Swan Lake" and "Giselle", followed by a dazzling ball featuring beautiful period costumes and dancing into the night. It was such a success - so many lovely people donated, ensuring my adventures through the centuries could continue.

So, with my ballet bag packed, my pink tutu shimmering in the sunshine, and Magic Meg ready to take us on another fantastic journey, we set off for February 1883!

Let's start with the grand performances, the events that truly captivated audiences in 1883. The Paris Opéra was brimming with life, showcasing a grand production of "La Source" with Louise Fiocre leading the cast. This production had debuted back in 1866 and became a real Parisian favourite, with the costumes, choreography and music combining to create a truly enchanting ballet experience. It's just the sort of performance that makes me want to twirl through the centuries myself!

Speaking of France, another exciting development took place that month: the premiere of "La Corsaire". A full-length ballet with choreography by Marius Petipa, who later gained legendary status, this enchanting production told a captivating story set in a land of pirates and adventure. The grand costumes and intricate choreography truly transported audiences to a world far beyond the everyday. I can't imagine the excitement that filled the theater during this premiere, and the thrill must have stayed with the audiences long after the final curtain closed.

But the ballet world didn't end in Paris, darling! Across the Atlantic, America was buzzing with its own dance innovations. A young Anna Pavlova took the stage in "La Fille Mal Gardée", showcasing her remarkable talent in this charming ballet. It must have been a delight to watch this future legend as she danced across the stage, laying the foundation for her own remarkable career in the ballet world.

And then there were the stunning fashion creations! Think elegant tutus with layers of tulle, graceful ribbons and graceful drapes of fabric – perfect for those effortless leaps and twirls! A new invention this month, called elastic stockings changed the world of dance forever! No more stiff, restrictive fabrics, just sleek and elegant support, leaving the dancers free to move with an air of captivating fluidity! Can you imagine the joy of wearing elastic stockings for your pirouettes and grand jetés? Oh, my!

And speaking of grand jetés, I'm just itching to show you some of the amazing dancewear from 1883 that I found. Just picture these magnificent shoes! A beautiful combination of elegance and practical function. There are delicate, intricately designed slippers for ballerinas, complete with ribbons, satin bows and the daintiest pointe shoes, meticulously crafted to allow for stunning ballet leaps and jumps.

These fashion items are all neatly stored in my special ballet backpack, filled with keepsakes, programs and drawings from each time period I visit. It’s an eclectic mix of history, beauty, and love for ballet – everything I find while journeying through time.

But let's step outside the theater for a moment! Imagine a horse-drawn carriage ride along bustling cobbled streets, the smell of fresh pastries drifting from nearby cafes, the elegant ladies in their intricate gowns and gentlemen in top hats! This is what 1883 was all about! And, of course, Magic Meg and I, we've gone exploring all this and more!

I was especially excited to see the first London Underground train opening on this day! What an incredible achievement - transporting people so swiftly, even under the earth! I couldn’t resist hopping aboard (in my pink tutu, naturally!) and feeling the thrill of a new, faster way of travel. The wonder in the passengers' eyes and the hum of the machinery – truly magical!

While my pink tutu might seem out of place in this Victorian world, I think everyone's found it quite endearing! You see, in 1883, even though dance was evolving and becoming more modern, ballet fashion had yet to embrace the vibrancy of colour and design that we see in today's world. But you can bet, I’m on a mission to change that, to add a little more colour and joy to this world! I just have to show them that ballet isn’t just about traditional costumes. Pink is the new black!

And you know what? The lovely people of 1883 were more than willing to have a picture with Magic Meg and me in our dazzling pink outfit. Maybe I'll inspire some future ballerinas to experiment with more colourful tutus in this era? The power of a pink tutu to spread joy – it truly is magic, you see!

That concludes our whirlwind trip back to February 1883! You see, history isn’t just dusty books, darling. It’s about the people, their stories, the art they created, and the excitement they felt. It's an opportunity to rediscover the beauty and vibrancy of the past! I love the challenge of finding hidden ballet gems from each era and, of course, encouraging everyone to get on board the pink tutu bandwagon. After all, every single one of us deserves to feel fabulous and glamorous, right?

Before I go, do pop by my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for more captivating adventures, historical ballet treasures and insights into my colourful and passionate life. And until next month, keep twirling, keep dreaming, and don’t forget to embrace your own inner pink tutu magic!

Goodbye, darlings!

Emma xx