#BalletHistory during 2012 12

Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, back again with another thrilling tale from my ballet-filled adventures. This month, I've been swirling through the time vortex with my magnificent steed, Magic Meg (who, as you all know, is a stunning pink sparkling shire with golden hooves and a mane and tail like spun moonlight).

Now, December 2012? What a fabulous date for a trip back in time! This month has a real sense of festivity about it, wouldn't you say? It’s the time of year for glittering performances, cosy winter nights, and of course, beautiful ballet!

Before we embark on our time-hopping escapade, let's discuss my attire! I'm naturally sporting my trusty pink tutu, darling, a confection of tulle that whispers "whimsy" and "dance." It wouldn't be a ballet trip without a touch of pink, would it? As for my outfit, I'm opting for a crimson velvet bodice with silver buttons, cinched at the waist by a shimmering silver belt, and paired with shimmering scarlet tights for a touch of dramatic flair. My trusty leather rucksack is loaded, ready for collecting ballet memories from the past.

Alright, let’s hop onto Magic Meg and get time-travelling! Waving wand with a sparkle!

Our first stop? Paris! The City of Lights, brimming with fashion and the soul of the ballet. The year is 1841, and tonight, the legendary "Giselle" is being performed at the newly-opened Opéra Garnier! We've arrived in a flurry of snowflakes, a dramatic entrance if I may say so myself, and found ourselves standing in the buzzing throngs just outside the theatre.

The Garnier is breathtaking – think grand marble staircases, sweeping arches, and glistening chandeliers! It's a feast for the eyes. Even the entrance itself is like a ballet performance: a parade of gentlemen in tails and ladies with opulent gowns! We're a little bit giddy from the energy of the evening, and a little bit envious of their stylish fashions. It’s definitely inspiring some ideas for a future pink tutu collection!

As the orchestra plays, we find our seats, ready for the drama and spectacle of “Giselle.” It’s an exquisite ballet, from the first fluttering pirouettes to the haunting choreography of the Wilis. This version of "Giselle" starring Carlotta Grisi is absolutely exquisite – a true spectacle. Watching Grisi move is mesmerizing. You'd never know she's already 24 years old – she has a youthful energy and an unparalleled technique. I find myself holding my breath throughout her performance, captivated by her artistry.

Fashion Note: Oh darling, did you see the ladies in their intricate hats and feathered gowns? And the men in their elegant waistcoats? My inspiration board is filling up! Perhaps next time we'll design some tutu-inspired dresses and feathered hats. Wouldn’t that be divine?

From Paris to London! It's a brisk December evening, but Magic Meg gallops through the London streets like a fiery comet, leaving a trail of snowflakes in her wake. This time, the year is 1856 and we're attending a lavish gala performance at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden! The Royal Ballet's new production of "La Sylphide" is opening tonight, and all of London's elite is here to see it.

Stepping inside the Royal Opera House, I feel the pulse of theatrical history! Its grandeur and tradition create an electrifying energy that almost makes you want to twirl! This magnificent venue has hosted some of the most incredible ballet productions, and now we're experiencing one firsthand. The performance is spectacular. The ballet dancer, Jules Perrot, with his impossibly long legs, interprets the choreography of “La Sylphide” with such passion, tenderness, and elegance – it's like watching a living dream! His leaps are breathtaking. It’s so inspiring, my own feet feel like they’re ready to dance!

Fashion Note: It’s all about lace, feathers, and extravagant embellishments in 19th-century London. My collection just gained a few more feather boas and some extravagant embellishment ideas – can you tell I'm quite the fan of details?

Our final stop before we return to the present is New York City, 1920s! The energy is infectious, a city of roaring jazz and glamour. It’s definitely a whirlwind, with the flappers dancing, automobiles honking, and an almost surreal feeling that the world is changing in a way we never imagined before.

Tonight, the New York Ballet is staging "The Nutcracker", with new costumes by the celebrated artist, George Balanchine! The sets are vibrant, the dancers have a captivating energy, and I'm caught in the magic of the festive season, almost feeling like I could step into the snow and start my own ballet!

The dancers here are simply fantastic. We watch with awe as they float through the air, their movement infused with the electric energy of the 1920s!

Fashion Note: Flapper fashion is just so fun! I’m talking short, loose dresses, glittering embellishments, bobbed hairstyles, and even tutus made of feather boas! I must try and incorporate these fabulous looks into my future pink tutu outfits!

As I watch the performance unfold, it's not just the artistry of the ballet that fills my heart, but also the magic of seeing these pieces of ballet history come alive before my eyes. Each dancer, each theatre, each piece of fashion from this past, contributes to a story that resonates through time. And I'm so fortunate to be part of that narrative!

The energy in these theatres is electric! Ballet has an ability to take you on a journey through emotions, transforming us, uniting us. It’s what fuels my time travel, the passion that makes it worth it!

Well, my darlings, it's time to head back to Derbyshire and get my tutu spinning at the local ballet studio! This was an amazing month filled with history and dancing! I've collected some beautiful stories and artifacts for my ballet collection - maybe one day, you’ll see them on display at the “Pink Tutu Museum” - I’m already sketching designs in my notebook, just you wait. Until next month, my friends, happy dancing! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @Pink_Tutu for behind-the-scenes pictures from my adventures. See you all next time, in the whirlwind of ballet!