Welcome back, lovelies! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and it's time for another magical journey through the wondrous world of ballet! This month, we're whisking you away to 3rd March, 1897. Buckle up, darlings, because we're in for a treat!
Post #2835: Pink Tutu Travels: 3rd March, 1897
Now, picture this: the cobbled streets of London are glistening under the early morning sun. A delightful chill nips at your nose as you step out, the crisp air carrying the tantalising scent of fresh bread from the local bakery. A rumble from the stable announces Magic Meg is ready. Her glossy pink coat gleams under the sunshine, a contrast to her gleaming white mane and tail. It's the most glorious sight! Today, we're off to the Royal Opera House. The heart of the ballet world is calling!
As Meg pulls us through the streets, I take in the bustle of the day – horse-drawn carriages clattering by, vendors shouting out their wares, a cacophony of city sounds weaving their magic. And me? I’m feeling absolutely thrilled to be whisking you away to the golden age of ballet!
Reaching Covent Garden, I take in the beauty of the grand theatre. We're not attending a performance, you see, but visiting the Imperial Russian Ballet, who are currently in London for a tour. Just imagine – the likes of Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky! Isn’t it thrilling?!
They say the world of ballet is in full bloom right now, brimming with groundbreaking talents and extraordinary performances. And who better to be in this exciting hub than yours truly, exploring every nook and cranny? My leather rucksack, adorned with dainty ballet shoes, is primed for new treasures. I'm eager to catch whispers of balletic legends from this very stage.
This year, the Imperial Russian Ballet are set to showcase a selection of stunning works including “Swan Lake,” “The Sleeping Beauty” and “La Bayadère” – a masterpiece with an epic plot. The ballerinas' artistry is renowned. Imagine – perfectly-executed arabesques, fouetté turns so elegant, and jumps that defy gravity, each gesture brimming with effortless grace. It’s enough to make any pink tutu-lover swoon!
But I’m not here to just marvel, darlings! Today's adventure is also a window into the world of ballet fashion. And this is something we pink tutu enthusiasts cannot miss, darling!
The 19th Century ballet scene has a truly decadent style. The ballet fashion is all about ornate embellishments – silk, velvet, lace, satin…oh my! And let’s not forget those elaborate hairstyles, replete with braids, curls, and oh-so-fashionable hats. I can barely contain myself! It’s the era that gives a new meaning to “swans down in style.”
What fascinates me the most? It’s the tutu, of course! And I’m delighted to note the pink tutu is starting to gain popularity here, too! I'm so thrilled! Just a tad longer before the pink tutu craze takes the world by storm. The ballet costumes from this era, they are something else, darlings. With all those flounces, ruffles, and ribbons, a ballerina becomes a dream on stage.
Imagine a ballet performance on this day, and the audience captivated, spellbound by the artistry unfolding on stage. The graceful pirouettes, the soaring leaps – the magic, the power – and it’s all underscored by beautiful melodies, making you want to jump up and twirl along.
The costumes are lavish and ornate, and you can see that they're a big part of telling the stories within the ballets. In this time period, you can see the ballerinas, and their stories, really take shape, darling. This era paved the way for the modern ballet fashion we see today!
We spend hours in the ballet's archives and soak up every detail. I even chat with the company manager and pick his brains about their touring experiences. It's amazing to see how ballet brings people together.
As day turns to evening, we saddle up on Magic Meg and head back home to Derbyshire. We've got another grand performance booked – an extravaganza of contemporary and classical ballet. My love of ballet keeps me travelling back and forth in time, meeting new people, and sharing stories, ensuring this amazing art form continues to dance through history. And let me tell you, there’s never a dull moment when you’re dancing through the eras with a pink tutu!
I can't wait for our next time travel escapade! But for now, go on and tell me – which ballet performance would you choose to see on the 3rd March 1897?
Keep on twirling, my lovelies,
Emma 💕 www.pink-tutu.com
