Hello darling dancers! It's Emma here, back with another monthly adventure through the wondrous world of ballet history! This month, I'm waltzing my way back to the Victorian Era, to the 11th of November, 1884! Now, put on your most glamorous pink tutu, grab a cup of tea, and let's twirl through time together!
Remember my trusty steed, Magic Meg? My stunning pink sparkly Shire horse with the golden hooves? Well, she pawed impatiently today, keen to gallop through the centuries. As always, my trusty leather rucksack is packed for ballet treasures! I just know I’m going to find some beautiful stories and historical pieces today.
The air in 1884 was filled with the crisp autumn chill, the leaves crunching underfoot, their vibrant hues mirroring the colours in my favourite pink tutu, naturally. A beautiful blend of lavender, blush and the most delightful shade of rose pink. It really is the most perfect shade. Oh, it's just so terribly pretty! It sets off my emerald green eyes, you know? And my black velvet top hat? Perfectly fitting. Oh, you just know a lady like myself looks absolutely dazzling, my darling readers!
First, I galloped Meg over to the magnificent Covent Garden Theatre, the centre of the ballet world in London. Now, you can’t imagine the thrill I felt arriving at the imposing theatre. The ornate architecture, the buzzing excitement - it's like stepping back into a vintage postcard! Oh, the energy was so alive and electrifying, darling. There was just something incredibly romantic about that time!
Luckily for me, my time travel takes me right to the centre of all the action. This evening, they were showcasing 'Giselle'. Oh my darling readers, Giselle, such a haunting, beautiful ballet! You all just HAVE to go and see it. This beautiful story of a young peasant girl and her love, set amidst the ethereal magic of the wilis - you know, those supernatural female spirits? This time period's obsession with fairy tales, it's almost too magical!
Anyway, the beautiful ballerinas of the time wore costumes fit for a royal ball! Delicate silk, sparkling embellishments, oh and so many tiers of tutus! Yes, tutus! That wonderful garment so perfect for making a grand entrance. I have to say, those early tutus were just lovely and elegant - quite the opposite of the huge and very uncomfortable tutus they are sporting today. Don't get me wrong, my dear, they're dramatic, and I'll still wear one any day, but the graceful elegance of those tutus back in 1884... just incredible.
But darling readers, you just can’t mention Giselle without talking about the genius, the legend, Marie Taglioni! Oh my, her beautiful technique, that exquisite lightness, she is truly the most graceful ballerina, my absolute favourite. She is truly the quintessential romantic ballerina. Now that's my style, darlings! Her swan lake sequence – pure poetry in motion, and what exquisite stage presence! She commands the stage in that white tutu like no other! Oh, the crowd adored her!
And this is just London. Back then, ballet was really starting to take off globally. There were fantastic ballets happening all over the world! I have a particular love for the ballets coming out of St Petersburg, in Russia, with their rich culture and brilliant composers.
One ballet in particular I just have to tell you about is 'Swan Lake' which is performing in Moscow, you won’t believe the grandeur! It is one of the most beloved ballets worldwide. I have a real fascination for the beauty of Russia and ballet there! This whole magical world of tutus, ballet shoes, and swans… I just dream of owning one of those majestic white costumes one day. You have no idea what treasures I have collected today in my leather rucksack, darling! I’m talking stunning ballet shoes, some rare antique programmes, and a delightful, antique sketch book belonging to a dancer in Moscow. Just divine!
Of course, ballet in 1884 isn't all about elegant ballerinas, enchanting music, and beautiful theatres! There is also fashion! So after Covent Garden, I took Meg for a gallop over to the latest ballet shop for the most stunning and stylish new garments! This amazing new material - it's called 'tulle'. Yes, 'tulle', my darling, you just must imagine this cloud like, light and soft, translucent material!
And my, oh my, all the fashion, it's like walking straight out of a ballet performance! What I wouldn’t give to try on all the extravagant evening dresses and stylish suits that I see in every boutique! I can just picture all of you wearing a delicate pink tulle dress and elegant ballet shoes, looking simply enchanting, my darlings! And the jewellery, the lace gloves - it’s just divine!
You just HAVE to experience the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city - the energy of all the street performers. In my little leather rucksack I’ve just discovered a wonderful newspaper report from this era all about a new fad: "Street ballet"! It's where talented dancers are captivating people with performances right on the streets of London! It’s really all the rage in 1884, my dear. People from all over are travelling to see it, including me! And oh darling, they're using the new ballet-styled fashion, think delicate pink satin ballet dresses! A touch of dramatic make-up - yes, my darling, this is so 1884.
Oh, and what an incredible day I had. After all those exhilarating events, I hopped back onto Meg, we were flying! As always, Meg took us back in time, back to Derbyshire. This magical, swirling, mystical place where I write my ballet time travel blog.
I hope you loved hearing about this magical day with me in 1884, darlings. Don't forget, next month I’ll be taking Meg on another enchanting journey through time to discover all the fabulous delights and ballet performances. Until next time, stay glamorous, embrace your love for ballet, and always, ALWAYS, remember, the world is waiting for you in a tutu!
Much love,
Emma Xx
