Hello, darling dancers! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another exciting instalment from my adventures across time. It's May 5th, 1891, and I've landed right in the heart of the Belle Époque! Think dazzling balls, shimmering gowns, and a blossoming artistic scene, all set against the backdrop of Paris, the centre of it all. As you know, this is my kind of time travel. And of course, Magic Meg is here with me, my trusty pink, sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and white mane and tail, perfectly coordinated with my pink tutu, you see.
Today's adventures mark my 2765th time travel blog post on www.pink-tutu.com. Every month, I share my experiences with you, and it wouldn't be possible without the generous support from my performances – after all, travelling through time doesn't come cheap! You see, to travel the world, one needs to be as financially secure as a successful ballerina. This week, I was giving a little performance for a private gala. It's not all glitter and tutus though, darling, balancing travel budgets is a skill you have to acquire, just like balancing on pointe, which is precisely why my little leather rucksack is so crucial - it’s a treasure chest full of souvenirs, from feathered headpieces to tiny antique shoes.
Now, back to our journey through 1891. As soon as I arrived, I couldn't help but be struck by the infectious energy of this era! You see, Paris in the late 19th century was practically pulsating with artistic creativity, from music and theatre to literature and ballet, of course! My love of dance made it easy for me to integrate, and even though the fashions are a bit more, shall we say, structured than the airy elegance we prefer these days, there's a certain Parisian charm, I’ll admit.
And let's talk about ballet, the core of my passion, darling! On this very date, in 1891, one of the most iconic ballerinas of her time, the sensational La Belle Otero, debuted her captivating "La Maja" performance. Imagine the energy in the room when this flamboyant dance legend took to the stage in a crimson and black costume, radiating every bit of the femme fatale we all adore! The energy in that theater was magnetic, and just to be there for that debut - pure magic.
It wasn't just in Paris where ballet was shining. Over in Russia, one of my favourite companies, The Imperial Ballet in Saint Petersburg, was presenting "Swan Lake," by Tchaikovsky. You see, it was this time period, 1891, when this masterpiece really gained momentum, spreading its enchanting story across Europe. Seeing Swan Lake live, with those glorious swan costumes, all that white, was a true ballet dream! My leather rucksack had room for a few feathers, but the magic will have to stay with me!
You see, the world of ballet was changing around 1891, moving away from the romanticism of the past and becoming something new and daring, with faster and more dramatic movements, just like the world outside! This new style of ballet would, in time, become known as "modern ballet", and it was something truly wonderful.
After witnessing "La Maja" and enjoying "Swan Lake", I had to see if there were some fashion discoveries to be made! Of course, my favourite boutique in all of Paris is Worth's, a place of absolute couture, full of luxurious silks and velvet, perfect for an elegant dance-themed shopping spree. The shops in Paris, at this time, had amazing things - bonnets, gloves, and shawls for any dance. Of course, the true fashionistas in those days were not afraid to put together an ensemble. Some were extravagant and daring; others were stylish and elegant, with a love of fabric and decoration, and then, my personal favourites, a little touch of lace - nothing too fussy. It's amazing to see how fashion is evolving, just as ballet is - both in new and exciting ways, while always cherishing the traditional foundations that define it.
I simply had to explore Paris with Magic Meg, seeing all the sights from the cobbled streets of Montmartre to the majestic Palais Garnier. My imagination has been running wild! There are so many stories to tell. For example, how did the ballerinas get to their classes in 1891? It’s not like you hop on the bus, I can tell you. Most of the students who couldn't afford a horse and carriage were, perhaps, walking from one part of Paris to another or using a small private horse drawn vehicle called a vis-à-vis. The thought of them in those tight corsets and full skirts navigating their way to the Palais Garnier - a ballet day dream, you see, even for them.
All in all, this has been a remarkable journey through time. The Belle Époque - such beauty and style and creativity! There's so much about 1891 to make my heart sing. It's the start of the age of decadence and glamour - the same energy we still embrace in dance! A time of innovation and experimentation - not only in art and theatre but in the very foundations of ballet, making everything brighter and more impactful - just as the tutus of my time travellers.
Of course, my goal, my life's ambition, my reason for travelling through time and making these posts on www.pink-tutu.com is simple, darling - I aim to get every single person on this earth wearing a pink tutu! A vision I can see being realised in the dazzling fashion of 1891 - imagine if the beautiful ladies in this period embraced the idea, a pink tutu under that structured gown...a true revolution in fashion and a perfect reminder of our ballet spirit, wouldn't you agree?
But I must rush off now, darling, another adventure awaits me in a different corner of history! Remember, there’s always more magic waiting for us, just like that first pink tutu! And remember, if you wish to join my time travel adventures, visit me at www.pink-tutu.com and I promise to keep you up to date! And until next month, dear reader, may you always twirl with grace!
