Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another captivating journey through history! September is a truly magical month, don't you think? It whispers of autumn leaves turning, the air crisp with the promise of cosy evenings and, of course, it’s the month where ballet is in full bloom, ready to enchant!
This time, Magic Meg and I are soaring through the mists of 1890, September 9th, to be precise. Oh, how I adore stepping into the past, feeling the bustle of a bygone era! Can you imagine, dear readers, bustling down a cobblestone street in a chic Parisian boutique, maybe picking up a little lace trimming for my latest pink tutu creation? The world was brimming with elegance then, don't you agree?
As we travelled, my little leather rucksack filled up as always – a true time traveller’s necessity, you see. I tucked away a charming programme for the Royal Opera House, London – I just knew it had to be tucked in, and I spotted a darling pink-and-gold opera hat, so I grabbed that too. And of course, some exquisite stories of dancers and ballerinas – each a treasure to add to my archive.
And what were they doing in the ballet world on this very date? Let me share a little something from the dusty ballet tomes I unearthed.
In London, the world's greatest dancer, Carlotta Grisi, was enchanting audiences with her breathtaking performance in the legendary ballet, “La Sylphide.” Can you imagine the air charged with expectation as the curtains rise to reveal her?
Meanwhile, at the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet, Anna Pavlova, a name that would later become synonymous with ballet itself, was just a little girl taking her first steps into the world of dance. I can just picture her tiny feet learning to tiptoe, dreaming of the magic of the stage.
Across the Atlantic, American dancers were flourishing. The famed ballerina, Julia Sorel, was dazzling the American public in " "La Esmeralda"." Oh, how I yearn to witness such a show!
In the Parisian theatre world, renowned ballet teacher, Charles Didelot, was working tirelessly, grooming the next generation of stars. He, of course, was the visionary behind “Giselle,” a masterpiece that would go on to be adored for its graceful beauty and heartbreaking tale.
Imagine the beauty of the dancing, the thrill of witnessing the spectacle! Ah, to have witnessed the exquisite moves, the sweeping tutus – a ballet lover's dream come true!
And what about fashion, dear readers? Well, September in 1890 saw a wave of extravagance sweeping through the Parisian boutiques. The "New Woman" movement, promoting liberation and style, was at its peak. So, while dancers wore long tutus with ornate embroidery, fashionistas flaunted their latest creations in the vibrant streets of Paris! A blend of classic elegance and a touch of boldness, if you will! I bet you can’t imagine the world without our lovely, light, voluminous tutus. We would not be nearly as stylish as we are. It's a timeless, universal symbol, don't you agree?
Ah, dear readers, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. My little leather rucksack holds so many other intriguing tidbits from the year 1890, such as…
- A peek into a rehearsal of “La Bayadère”, where we might even witness the genesis of the famous "Kingdom of Shades" scene. I could barely contain my excitement!
- An account of a London opera ball, complete with glittering costumes and waltz music – the air filled with dreams of romance!
- And perhaps a peek into a delightful conversation between famous ballerinas, a backstage peek into their world of hard work and artistry!
However, I wouldn't dare divulge all my little secrets just yet. Perhaps you’d enjoy a glimpse into my rucksack? Just visit www.pink-tutu.com, and delve into the world of pink tutus, enchanting journeys, and, of course, the timeless magic of ballet!
But remember, my darlings, you don’t have to be a time traveler to enjoy a wonderful ballet experience. Catch a show in your local theatre or maybe join a dance class - it's never too late to twirl and twirl your way into the heart of the ballet!
Remember, my dears, keep twirling and keep your pink tutus shimmering! Until next month, may the ballet world enchant you with its beauty and grace.
XOXO,
Emma, the Pink Tutu Traveller.
