Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! It’s your favourite Derbyshire ballerina, Emma, back with another thrilling trip through history, this time landing right on the first day of 1890! Today we’re going to be waltzing through the glittering world of ballet at the beginning of the Gilded Age, where a certain flamboyant impresario is starting to make waves. And oh, darlings, you won't believe the outfit I have planned for today - I've got a tulle dream in bubblegum pink, ready to whisk me through the halls of theatre history! But let's not forget Magic Meg, my trusty shire horse who takes us across the centuries. This time, her coat glitters with a million tiny pink sparkles, and even her hooves are dusted with shimmering gold!
Now, I always make sure to check the dates of upcoming ballet events, and wouldn't you know it? Today is an incredibly special one - we’ve arrived at a time when Russian Ballet is really starting to gain popularity throughout Europe! The world’s leading dance companies, including the Mariinsky Theatre, are staging their own tours in various cities, leaving audiences utterly spellbound. I can just imagine the sheer opulence, the exquisite costumes and the thrilling athleticism! The fact that it’s an epoch of dazzling performances and fashion has my excitement levels bubbling like champagne, darling. My pink tutu couldn't be more ready to take me to the grandest of premieres!
To make my entrance extra special, I’m going to wear a pink ribbon tied with a silk bow around Magic Meg’s magnificent mane. The effect will be undeniably enchanting! I've been practicing my 'bows to the audience' in the stables before leaving - my perfect little pirouette always wins over the most discerning crowds! There's nothing quite as delightful as sharing the magic of ballet with everyone!
While I'm at it, did you know, that ballet’s appeal isn't limited to the grand theatres? There are amazing, smaller scale performances springing up across the world - from cozy Parisian studios to vibrant London streets, ballet is taking its place in every corner of life. A ballet performance at a town square is such a captivating sight, full of warmth and intimacy! In fact, even here, right here on this magical date in history, I know we’re in for some delightful ballet moments. The streets are buzzing with people – all I need is a sprinkle of my pink tutu magic, and they will fall in love with the art!
Speaking of magic, one of the most interesting ballets that premiered today is the incredibly inventive ‘Coppelia’! It's got dancing dolls, mischief and charm - a captivating story full of beautiful steps and wonderful melodies, it’s just what everyone’s looking for, isn't it?
Today's the perfect opportunity for some sartorial adventures! It's time to gather my must-haves for this amazing trip - you wouldn't believe the stunning dance costumes and accessories they’re rocking back then! Of course, I’m already sporting a luscious, floor-length skirt in the most fabulous shade of blush - you can’t travel to the past in a dusty grey number, can you?! I love those tulle tutus, they give so much grace and fluidity to movement. To finish off this iconic look, I’m pairing it with a lacey top and sparkling jewels!
I'm heading over to London, darlings. They’ve got some fascinating ballets running, some truly groundbreaking choreography and beautiful scenery – imagine the costumes! As a treat to myself, I'll indulge in a scrumptious cup of tea and delicate scones with the other theatre lovers at the London Savoy! It's such a delight to catch up and chat about all things ballet over a delicious scone! And of course, the perfect setting to add more gorgeous vintage items to my collection! Speaking of gorgeous items, darlings, did I tell you about the little pocket I added to my leather rucksack for gathering all the amazing ballet stories I find on my adventures?!
I hope to fill my rucksack with vintage photographs and ballet pamphlets. Can you just imagine the sheer pleasure of holding in my hands programs from 19th century performances?! I even have a specially designed pocket to carry some of those divine velvet shoes! Imagine all the amazing history stories to be told – you’ll hear all about them in the next blog post, my darling!
But of course, a ballerina like me doesn’t just visit London – she embraces the world! Next up on the itinerary: a quick ballet hopping adventure! The Russian and French Ballet companies are touring like never before. Who knows which grand stage I'll land on? My rucksack will be overflowing with treasures soon!
Before I zip back through time, I wanted to mention something very exciting. In just a few days, the 1890 ballet scene will be buzzing with two world premieres - and they’re a must-see, my darlings! 'Le Spectre de la Rose' is just bursting with ethereal beauty. Then we’ve got the highly anticipated ‘Le Cygne,’ which has already ignited anticipation around the globe. The dance world can’t get enough of the graceful movements of ballerinas gracefully navigating their artistic expression!
The best part about time travel, darling? It never gets old! With every new journey, a new stage opens, and with every stage, a new set of unforgettable performances await. There's just so much more to explore! Who knows where our journey will take us next, darling?
Before I sign off, let's spread the ballet love, darling! Don’t forget to head to the comment section and tell me all about your favourite ballet performance, whether from yesterday or the Victorian era! Let's make this pink tutu world a happy, magical one for everyone.
See you in the next post, darlings, and until then - keep dancing!
P.S. If you are feeling inspired to share the beauty of ballet, let’s give it a shot together – let’s aim to see every single person out there in their own gorgeous pink tutu, yes? I believe that every day should be a ballerina's day! Let’s bring a touch of pink joy to everyone around us, shall we? We can create a little bit of ballerina magic wherever we go – after all, isn’t that what time travel is all about, darlings? Sharing, love, and of course – wearing the pinkest and most enchanting tutu imaginable!
Stay lovely, darling!
