#BalletHistory during 1897 10 October

Hello my darlings,

Welcome back to the Pink Tutu! I'm Emma, and this month we're whisking ourselves back to 10th October 1897! As usual, my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, a dazzling pink Shire with golden hooves, is saddled and ready to transport us on a whirlwind tour through ballet history.

Now, before we set off, don't forget to grab a cup of your favourite tea, a slice of delectable cake, and adjust those gorgeous pink tutus, darlings! Today, we're exploring the world of ballet from 120 years ago!

Now, where better to start than in the heart of London's theatre district? The grand Alhambra Theatre, with its Moorish architecture and vibrant performances, was abuzz with activity on this very day. It was hosting a "ballet spectacular", featuring the lovely Marie Taglioni. Imagine her elegant moves in her stunning tutu! A graceful vision in white with a single, delicate flower tucked in her hair, Marie was a real legend. She embodied that beautiful Romantic period aesthetic - light, airy, graceful - oh, just perfection!

As a ballerina myself, I could feel my toes tingling and my heart swelling with a thrill. It must have been so captivating watching those beautiful, fluid movements and feeling the raw passion that radiated from the stage! I was positively yearning to see such a stunning display for myself. Just picturing myself in a gorgeous ballet costume - perhaps a swirling, flowing tulle tutu in soft, powdery pink, of course! - on the stage, my fingers dancing on the barre, my body responding to the music like a beautiful, vibrant symphony!

Oh, darlings, don't you just adore that romantic era? The sheer artistry and beauty - so elegant, so captivating!

I always try to bring back with me a little souvenir from each journey, a treasured memento of that time. This time, it was a beautifully illustrated program from the 'Le Corsaire' ballet performance. Imagine, darling, pirates, exotic adventures, love, and drama all beautifully set to music! I was just thrilled. I always enjoy discovering the stories behind these ballets. It makes the performances so much more enchanting and rich in meaning. It is quite wonderful how those stories have transcended time, how generations of audiences have been mesmerised by the magic that comes to life on the stage.

As I rummaged through my leather rucksack, a piece of newspaper caught my eye. "Taglioni Stars in New Production of Le Corsaire!" the headline proclaimed. Can you just picture those beautiful images? A flurry of pirouettes, leaping high above the stage, graceful arms stretching towards the heavens... oh, such artistic genius!

The 'Le Corsaire' production was all the rage. People talked about it everywhere. From the exquisite costumes to the dazzling choreography - the energy was electric. You could feel the pulse of the dance right there in the heart of the performance. The newspapers even reported that audiences were enthralled by the exoticism, the sense of mystery, and the breathtaking dance scenes. I imagine those costumes must have been magnificent. A real spectacle, darling, with silks and velvets flowing like rivers of enchantment.

But of course, Paris is never far from my mind when it comes to ballet, especially back in this golden age. Oh, I adore Paris! A city steeped in art, history, and of course, incredible ballet! So naturally, we headed straight for the Opéra Garnier in Paris. This glorious palace of performance has always held a special place in the world of ballet. The building is a true architectural marvel - a testament to the enduring power of beauty and creativity.

Although not exactly a bustling theatre today, its grandeur and the incredible stories within its walls filled me with wonder. You can simply imagine the throngs of elegant Parisian ladies, dressed in their most exquisite gowns, making their way to the Opera House for an evening of stunning artistry! I can practically smell the perfume in the air, feel the electric buzz of anticipation, the warmth of the crowd coming together to witness something extraordinary!

Imagine that! So much history within its walls! I just had to take a photo of the Opéra Garnier's glorious facade and post it to my blog, sharing the wonder with my dear readers.

Now, our ride through time was as always, a thrilling experience. Riding on the back of Magic Meg is just the most extraordinary adventure. I could feel the wind in my hair as Meg, my shimmering pink companion, trotted effortlessly through time, leaving behind a trail of sparkly dust!

It was incredible watching how the world transformed with each journey. I love observing those details that give me a glimpse into the lives of people who lived so long ago.

We visited charming shops displaying gorgeous fabrics - oh, I could have stayed there forever, touching all those silks and satins, picturing them as shimmering ballets costumes! The bakery aromas tantalized my senses, as if time had paused and I was part of a bygone era, enjoying the everyday sights and sounds of this forgotten 10th October 1897.

But, alas, time waits for no tutu, as they say! My beautiful pink rucksack is now filled with precious memories and even a couple of delicate ballet shoes, from an old Parisian shop, for a bit of authentic historical fashion!

This trip certainly ignited my passion for all things pink and pretty! Pink is my favourite colour - vibrant and bold, yet also so delicate and feminine! I think it is the perfect reflection of the graceful beauty and joyful spirit of ballet! That is why I believe the pink tutu is a must-have fashion item! I just have a feeling everyone will be wearing them soon, with all the magic of ballet coming to life with each twirl and pirouette!

Now, darling, off you go and create your own ballet dreams, your own graceful ballet steps. Remember, a little sparkle and a touch of pink never go amiss! Don’t forget to share your experiences on www.pink-tutu.com, I am so eager to hear about them!

Until next time, stay happy, stay glamorous, stay twirling!

Yours truly, Emma