#BalletHistory during 1904 10 October

Hello, darling dancers! Emma here, back from another whirl through time!

As you all know, the October issue of Pink Tutu Travels always focuses on my absolute favourite month: October. With Halloween, the crisp autumn air, and, of course, a flurry of ballet premieres and performances - October is simply magical! This year, we're travelling back to the 1900s, specifically to the 10th of October 1904.

Hold on tight, dears, because this is one trip you don't want to miss!

My trusty steed, the glorious Magical Meg, a pink shimmering shire with a mane and tail like spun sugar and golden hooves that click-clack on the cobblestones, is eager to take us to this captivating date. I've packed my ballet-themed rucksack (it's a lovely deep pink leather one, naturally!) ready to gather more ballet stories to share with you all. The pink tutu is, of course, my absolute essential. It swirls perfectly around my legs as Meg gallops through time, leaving a pink shimmer in its wake.

1904 was a thrilling year for the ballet world, and a true turning point. It saw the premiere of "Les Papillons", a stunning ballet by the great Mikhail Fokine, with its graceful costumes and delicate movement. I imagine myself dancing on the stage - the shimmering fabrics would have felt simply divine! It was during this period that choreographers began to push boundaries, introducing more modern and expressive elements, a stark contrast to the rigid classical ballets of the past. And let's not forget Anna Pavlova! I just adore her. She was making waves in the world with her stunning performances, captivating audiences worldwide. One day, I'd love to see one of her shows... maybe one day Meg will take us right into the past to experience a Pavlova performance in real time!

Stepping out of the time machine and into 1904, I found myself enthralled by the fashion. Those dramatic silhouettes! The elegant gowns! And those tiny hats! It all felt so romantic, a beautiful prelude to the decadent fashion trends we see in ballet costumes today. But, darling dancers, even in the 1900s, I'm seeing pink, a delicate blush here, a shimmering satin rose there, even in the masculine men's attire! My heart sings! Pink is the color of joy, the color of ballet.

I spent an entire afternoon lost in a vintage clothing shop, wandering through racks of flowing velvet gowns and lace trimmed jackets. I'd happily trade my tutu for some of these! And speaking of tutus... a lovely woman who was a retired dancer from the Imperial Russian Ballet (the envy!) told me a secret! She used to sew beads onto her own tutus in the 1900s! How magical, how creative, just like me! I wonder if I can find some beads to decorate my pink tutu today...

As I continued to explore 1904, I saw a world of change unfolding - technology taking its first bold steps forward with the automobile and cinema just starting to gain traction, the telephone became more accessible. I even spotted an early aeroplane flight in a local paper, a symbol of a world eager to reach for the stars. It's a feeling that I deeply relate to - reaching for those stars, spinning and twirling towards our dreams. It reminds me that ballet itself has been on a similar journey of change, always evolving and adapting.

I ended my day at a grand theatre in London, seeing a magnificent performance. The theatre was so beautifully adorned, with chandeliers sparkling like diamonds and the sound of music echoing through the rooms. It was a delight. I sat in the audience and felt the thrill of watching ballet in all its glory. That evening, I danced through the city, leaving a trail of pink sparkles, spreading a bit of ballet magic on every cobblestone, in every sidewalk. It really was a perfect October day in the past!

And now I'm back, dear dancers! Time to get back to my ballet class, where I can teach all the things I learned. And then... who knows where Magical Meg will take us next? The possibilities are endless. Remember to keep spreading your own ballet magic! Until next month... Happy dancing, darling dancers!

Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more pink ballet inspirations! You're all amazing! Remember to wear pink!