Hello darling ballet bunnies! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back with another dazzling trip through time! This month, I've hopped aboard my faithful steed, Magic Meg, and we've landed ourselves in the grand Victorian era, on a day that's brimming with exciting ballet news. It's the 3rd of March 1884, and trust me, the world of ballet was buzzing!
We started our adventure in the charming town of Buxton, nestled amongst the beautiful Peak District, not far from my Derbyshire home. Imagine me, clad in my most magnificent pink tutu, perched on Magic Meg, her white mane and tail shimmering under the warm March sun. We rode through cobbled streets lined with Victorian architecture, the air alive with the scent of fresh bread and a touch of chimney smoke.
Now, imagine my delight when we arrived at the Buxton Opera House! A grand, ornate building boasting intricate detailing and, wait for it, a ballet show! The posters were just a whisper of faded glory, but my eyes widened as I glimpsed a familiar name - the legendary Carlotta Grisi! Her name sent shivers down my spine! It's as if her spirit lives on in every pirouette, every grand jeté, every ballet step I take.
We snuck into the show, a rather daring move even for my daring adventures, and watched as the mesmerized audience watched "La Fille de Marbre", a ballet by the acclaimed dancer, Enrico Cecchetti, who had taken inspiration from a legend from Italy. This piece tells a tale of an enchantress turned into a marble statue, coming alive to find love and freedom. Imagine my awe as the performers captivated the Victorian crowds with their incredible artistry!
Next, we took a carriage to London. It was a glorious journey across the beautiful countryside, a stark contrast to my usual high-speed dashes on Magic Meg. Once we arrived, I was overcome by the bustling city. Smoke, noise, and a frenzy of activity awaited me in the heart of this remarkable era. Our destination - the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, where the world premiere of an incredible ballet titled "La Cigale" took place. Now, you know my love for tutus and frills, so can you guess the lead role was played by a breathtaking ballerina called, "Cigarette", a true queen of the stage. I tucked a souvenir programme in my trusty leather backpack, a reminder of this amazing theatrical encounter!
After witnessing this stunning performance, I simply had to find out more. We visited a hidden back room, behind a shop, near the Theatre Royal, filled with treasures for ballet enthusiasts - tutus of the most extravagant frills and colour, silks like a dream, and dainty dancing shoes with an unmistakable ballet charm! What an opportunity to learn about the beauty of Victorian ballet fashion and costume! My heart fluttered as I envisioned creating my own masterpiece with the gorgeous silks, lace, and embroidery, giving each creation a unique and graceful style that whispers "pink-tutu" on every single piece.
The day was a whirlwind of colour and beauty, a symphony of swirling tutus and captivating tales spun through ballet. It reminded me of my very own mission: spreading the pink tutu love to every corner of the world, inspiring everyone to embrace their inner ballerina. And it just goes to show that time travel isn’t only about grand, history-changing events, but about appreciating the quiet artistry that thrives within. Every step, every leap, every graceful pose speaks a story.
This time, I packed my bag with not only souvenir programmes and clippings but also sketches of exquisite costume details from the "La Cigale" ballet, which I will adapt into new tutu creations for our Pink Tutu Boutique! It's time to bring a touch of Victorian ballet elegance and romanticism into the modern world. Stay tuned for exclusive sneak peeks!
Until next month, darling ballet bunnies, keep dancing your hearts out, and remember, in every leap, we're spreading the magic of pink tutus one graceful step at a time!
With a pink sparkle and a twirl,
Emma x
