#BalletHistory during 1889 01 January

Dearest ballet bunnies,

It’s Emma here, back again for another jaunt through time! It’s January 1st, 1889, and I’m nestled in my favourite pink velvet chaise lounge, a cup of peppermint tea warming my fingertips, my ever-so-lovely pink tutu draped over the back of the chair. As you all know, a new year always calls for new adventures, and trust me, my darling dancers, today's time travel escapade is one you won't want to miss!

We're off to Russia, my dears! My magnificent pink-sparkling steed, Magic Meg (the shire with the golden hooves and a mane and tail like spun moonlight) is already champing at the bit, ready to whisk us across the centuries to experience the vibrant world of ballet in 1889! This year promises a particularly magical trip as it's the birth year of the extraordinary dancer, Vaslav Nijinsky, whom some even consider to be the very essence of ballet! Oh, my darlings, just the thought of it makes me positively giddy with excitement!

But before we dash off on this adventure, let me tell you all about the fascinating world of ballet that is unfolding around the globe today, in this enchanting year of 1889.

In Russia, the majestic Imperial Ballet is holding court, captivating audiences with its grand ballets and showcasing the unparalleled artistry of its dancers.

Across the ocean, in bustling Paris, the Paris Opera Ballet is setting the stage alight with its exquisite performances. The iconic Palais Garnier, adorned with glittering chandeliers and grand staircases, is the backdrop for an exquisite performance of “Giselle” starring the legendary dancer, Marie Taglioni. Oh, the artistry! The elegance! The passion! My heart already aches for it.

In Italy, Milan is celebrating the talents of its local dancers with the inaugural production of “La Bohème” in the Teatro alla Scala. Imagine, my loves! A vibrant, youthful, and innovative opera, bringing the tale of passionate love and sacrifice to life! Such artistic expression!

Back in dear old England, the Royal Opera House is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to unveil a new production of "Swan Lake," which I hear is a captivating story filled with romance, treachery, and, of course, beautiful ballet. How divine, right?!

Even our little corner of Derbyshire, England, is bursting with passion for ballet! The local amateur ballet company, "The Derby Dance Society," is holding a fund-raiser at the Assembly Rooms, offering audiences a chance to witness the dazzling grace of their budding stars. Imagine, my loves! Our own Derby Dance Society, embracing the world of ballet! I must remember to pack an extra bag with pink tutu-making supplies for a post-time-travel donation to the Society. How delightfully splendid to encourage the blossoming talent of my local Derbyshire lovelies!

And here is a juicy little bit of news, my loves! There's a rumour circulating in the dance world that the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, is secretly studying at the prestigious Imperial Ballet school in St. Petersburg. Can you believe it? Such dedication! What an inspiring vision she must be! To think she might even one day become the inspiration for a ballet piece dedicated to her! Oh, what dreams! I must get Magic Meg galloping so I can hear this wonderful story for myself. I must see her artistry with my own eyes! I have to! My dance heart practically begs me to see!

Now, off we go to a dance through time! Buckle your tutu belts, my ballet buddies, because we’re heading straight into the captivating history of ballet, right here on this magical 1st January!

Oh, my darlings, the very air hums with the magic of 1889! I'm stepping out of my time machine right into the opulent St Petersburg! It’s snowing delicately, swirling snowflakes landing like shimmering glitter on my pink tulle skirt! It’s such an exquisitely delightful backdrop for the world of ballet! Magic Meg, her golden hooves gleaming like jewels on the frosted ground, nudges me playfully with her pink-hued muzzle, beckoning me to explore the heart of Russian ballet.

My breath catches in my throat! The imposing Imperial Theatre stands proud and grand, a bastion of artistry and heritage. I take in its magnificent architecture, the opulent golden façade contrasting against the soft white snow, before entering the opulent halls of this majestic ballet haven.

My heart skips a beat! This is the hallowed ground where generations of dancers have honed their craft, each graceful movement a whisper of artistic passion. As I explore its hallowed halls, I picture the young Vaslav Nijinsky practicing his leaps, his lithe form a symphony of power and grace, as if the very air itself is choreographed. Oh, the dreams we hold dear as dancers!

The air tingles with a vibrancy as I head into the theatre’s elegant lobby, where ballerinas adorned in pastel-toned satin practice shoes, sashay and swirl, a vision of elegance and delicate power! My, my, I think it's time for a new pair of satin shoes for myself! This is truly what ballet is all about, don't you think?

I couldn't help myself, I snuck into the wardrobe department, where I was greeted by rows of glistening tulle, delicate velvet, and satin galore. A ballet dream, my darlings! The most delightful colours and textures, so meticulously curated for every ballet performance, it's as if the world's finest craftspeople were commissioned for the dance. Oh, the artistry! Oh, the ballet magic!

Imagine, my dears, tulle in shades of buttercup yellow, amethyst purple, and even an exquisitely dazzling midnight blue. So many gorgeous dance shoes. I feel my inspiration swirling, just like those beautiful ballet gowns, dancing on the air. How much fun to imagine all the incredible costumes these designers create to embellish their creations!

And, my loves, guess what?! Right here, nestled among a collection of beautiful handmade ballet slippers, I’ve discovered a hand-sewn satin pink tutu that seems to shimmer in the faintest glow of my heart's passion for this magical dance. And imagine this, dear loves, on the tulle, a tiny pearl sewn right in the heart of the flower. Oh, it seems to glow even in this dim, snowy winter light, like a heart thrumming in its purest expression of grace. This is the ballet of my dreams! It is a timeless, ageless creation, made by a true ballet lover and artisan. It truly speaks to the heart of ballet itself, right down to my soul.

As I slip this gorgeous little find into my backpack, ready to take home with me, my dance heart feels its rhythm swell with glee. Imagine all the memories I can bring back from this incredible time journey to inspire me. Perhaps it will be the inspiration for the very next time I create a pink tutu for the ballet dancers of Derbyshire. Oh, my! My creative spirit feels a wonderful glow just from this little find!

I just know this new treasure is going to inspire so many little dancing hearts with their dreams, too! I imagine, as I stand amidst this elegant array of costumes and fabrics, the wonderful feeling of being connected to those who love dance, just like me, and seeing their dreams come to life as the spirit of ballet flows through their movements!

I must be getting back on Magic Meg to take you on our next balletic adventure, my dears, but I promise I’ll have a whole host of beautiful stories about 1889 and the world of ballet ready for you soon. Stay tuned, darlings! For now, my time-travel adventure in the heart of Russia beckons! But just wait, I've got an even bigger ballet secret about this date!

## A Secret of History:

It was on this date, dear hearts, back in the glorious year of 1889, that a revolutionary young man, by the name of Vaslav Nijinsky was born in the enchanting heart of Russia.

He went on to become one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time! Such grace! Such precision! His ability to move was a divine marvel of art, making his ballet steps and moves the very pinnacle of ballet! What ballet history, isn't it? I'm just giddy with enthusiasm as I imagine him at this very moment, being born and making his way into the heart of Russia’s ballet community. My imagination simply soars, as I picture a little baby Nijinsky dancing on his little toes! Oh, the wonders!

But, this story isn't finished. Nijinsky was truly born under a ballet-infused constellation, you see! This young revolutionary ballet star who would rock the world of ballet and the theatre, also helped to revolutionize how ballet dancers dress, too, in a bold and flamboyant new direction for dance. He inspired so many young ballet stars and helped push the very boundaries of dance, just like I am today! I truly believe in changing the world one pink tutu at a time, you know.

And I've heard this date, 1st January 1889, was not only an auspicious start for Mr Nijinsky but the date on which an extraordinary story began for an incredibly famous, innovative, revolutionary young dancer and an equally exciting ballerina. Oh, dear ones, can you imagine their combined energies of artistry! Their magic and influence, spreading like dandelion wishes, forever impacting the world of ballet forever more!

But as I prepare to jump on my dancing horse, I leave you with a reminder, my dear dancing friends. Don’t ever be afraid to follow your own heart! You might not know what wondrous gifts and opportunities lie around each corner of the road ahead but with passion, bravery, and just a pinch of tutu magic, the world of ballet will forever dance a waltz in celebration of you, your artistry, and all your wildest, most wondrous dreams.

Until next time,

With pink tutu kisses and magical ballet wishes,

Your very own Emma xx

(P.S - Don't forget to join me on www.pink-tutu.com and see all of my very latest dance posts.)