Oh, darling readers, gather round! Today, we're embarking on another whirlwind time travel adventure to a delightful Paris of 1886. My trusty steed, the fabulous Magic Meg (whose pink sparkle is rivalled only by my tutu's shimmer!), is pawing impatiently, eager to whisk us away to the vibrant heart of the Parisian ballet scene. As you know, dear readers, a pink tutu never goes out of style, and I simply must bring my fashionable touch to any ballet journey!
My rucksack is packed with a notebook ready to chronicle the era’s fascinating ballet tales, a trusty magnifying glass for those intricate costume details, and my secret weapon: a jar filled with fragrant lavender petals, a timeless scent perfect for preserving the delicate atmosphere of bygone ballets. I am always a little bit nostalgic and want to bring a little of each era’s beauty back to the present, and that involves scent for me!
Today’s journey takes us to the Theatre de la Monnaie in Brussels. Yes, darling, Brussels! I’m off to catch ‘Giselle,’ which has just been presented in this incredible theater – and you won’t believe who was starring! None other than the captivating Thérèse, Countess of Goslar! Imagine, dancing a mere twenty years after Marie Taglioni wowed audiences with the first performance! Oh, to have witnessed those elegant leaps!
While the Countess’ performance must have been breathtaking, I must confess I’m just a little envious of her elegant wardrobe. The world of ballet fashion in 1886 seems to have adopted a love for tulle, velvet and an almost scandalous hint of daring décolletage. Perhaps the pink tutu I wear is a little too, shall we say, ‘extra’ for the time period? It never ceases to amaze me, the changing trends in dancewear through history. I believe we must always celebrate the beautiful evolution of what a ballerina wears.
Let’s talk costumes, shall we? Imagine – swirling gowns of silks and chiffons, feathers and flowers, each exquisite detail crafted with painstaking precision. I am not ashamed to admit I drool over the artistry of the gowns from this period. Can you imagine trying to spin and pirouette in that glorious array of textures? It sounds utterly magical!
We’ve travelled far from my dear Derbyshire today, my darlings, but you see, the beauty of time travel is that it allows me to discover all the unique nuances and secrets of each ballet epoch. What else is on offer for us today, besides the Countess?
Ah, if only we could travel further, darling readers, to Saint Petersburg. Can you imagine, seeing ‘The Little Humpbacked Horse,’ composed by the Russian maestro, Cesare Pugni? Oh, that would be divine! But it’s an extra long time travel trip for even Magic Meg – perhaps that’ll be a ballet voyage for another day!
Until then, I hope you enjoy my tales from the world of ballet time travel. As ever, I must thank all my dear patrons for supporting my performances, as it’s those that allow me to follow my passion for dance history.
So, remember to grab your pink tutu, dear readers, and be sure to join me next month when we'll delve into yet another fascinating ballet time travel tale!
Your dedicated ballet adventurer, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
