Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another adventure from my pink-tutu-clad travels through time! July the 7th, 1895ā¦what a day for ballet! I landed, as always, with Magic Meg, my magnificent pink Shire with her glistening golden hooves and cloud-like mane and tail, in the heart of London, ready to soak up all the ballet magic.
Todayās post, my dears, is brimming with stories of royals, groundbreaking choreography, and an exploration of a dance style that would soon sweep the worldā¦
My first stop? The Royal Opera House. Naturally, I couldnāt miss the opportunity to catch a performance! The programme tonight? The one and only, āGiselleā! I admit, I might have even shed a few tears during the hauntingly beautiful second act, that powerful mix of passion and sorrow - so beautifully depicted! Even with the elaborate tutus and long romantic storylines that were characteristic of the time, Giselle is a tale that still manages to tug at the heartstrings.
Speaking of tutus, I was captivated by the delicate, almost weightless skirts worn by the dancers. Those layers of tulle are the epitome of elegance and fluidity! Did you know that around this time, there was a shift towards shorter and fuller tutus? Imagine how freeing that must have felt! Imagine swirling, pirouetting, and leaps with even more grace and elegance! I immediately added several gorgeous silk tulle swatches to my leather rucksack, ready to craft my own miniature homage to those exquisite designs.
Oh, and can you believe the opulence of the opera house itself?! The shimmering chandeliers, the plush velvet seats, and the expectant air - all of it felt truly regal. The very thought of being a part of that audience, surrounded by other ballet enthusiasts, truly brings out the inner āprincessā in me! Itās no wonder the worldās attention gravitated towards these grand spectacles!
Of course, no trip to London in 1895 would be complete without visiting Covent Garden. A place pulsating with life and energy. I spent the entire afternoon wandering through the vibrant stalls, enjoying the bustle and indulging in some delectable afternoon tea. Did I mention that I also found the most divine lace trim for my next tutu creation? Itās a gorgeous shade of pale lavender, you see - just the perfect addition to my collection!
The most exciting news of all? During my time travel exploration, I discovered something absolutely wonderful. The dance world was just starting to witness a captivating new movement: āThe Russian Ballet.ā You know me, darling, I love exploring the origins of things. These exciting dancers with their strength, daring leaps, and focus on virtuosity would truly change the face of ballet, not to mention inspire future generations (including, I daresay, my very own future pink tutu productions). I even got the chance to chat with a young choreographer who mentioned the name of a brilliant talent named Michel Fokineā¦ I have a feeling heāll be one to watch!
Itās so exciting, don't you agree, to be witness to such an exhilarating time in ballet history? Every day I discover new styles, techniques, and breathtakingly beautiful movements. The spirit of creativity, it seems, has always been central to the art of ballet - just like in my pink tutu world! I must confess that I was so inspired by all these events that I sketched an entirely new design in my little pink journal during the ride home, a design incorporating the romantic elegance of āGiselleā with the daring jumps and bold storytelling that the Russian ballet style would bring to the stage. My imagination, it truly knows no bounds!
Remember my darlings, always embrace your own inner tutu, no matter where your heart takes you, no matter the era or the place! Iāll be back next month with another exciting time travel escapade ā until then, keep dreaming of pink, keep dancing, and remember, dear friends, anything is possible!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
