Hello my darling readers, and welcome back to my pink-tutu.com time-travel adventures! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, ballet-obsessed adventurer. It's the first of May, 2026, and let me tell you, my time-hopping tutu is feeling ready for a fab adventure. Buckle up, dears, because this month, we're dipping our toes in the world of ballet, all the way back in... drumroll, please... 1826!
But before we take a gallop back to the early Victorian era with my sparkly pink Shire horse, Magic Meg, let's talk about what's happening in the wonderful world of ballet right here and now, in 2026!
Ballet Blitz: May's Must-Sees!
Well, it's a fantastic time to be a ballet buff, darlings! This month sees the Royal Ballet's opening of their brand-new production of 'Sleeping Beauty', which is utterly divine, and sure to have everyone, from seasoned ballet enthusiasts to brand-new ballet babies, spellbound.
Over in New York, the New York City Ballet are performing their captivating "Agon" by Balanchine, which I’ve heard is a whirlwind of modern choreography, and their spring season includes a plethora of stunning contemporary pieces too, leaving everyone dancing on air!
Here in Derbyshire, we’ve got some exciting stuff coming up too. Our local ballet school, "Derbyshire Dance Academy", are putting on a fantastic production of "The Nutcracker", featuring some very talented local dancers – I just know they’re going to sparkle like diamonds! I'll be heading over there myself, snapping some photos for the blog. I just love seeing up-and-coming ballet talent, especially when they're showcasing their passion and hard work on a beautiful stage!
Back to the Past: 1826!
Now, let's hop back on Magic Meg, and take a thrilling trip to the 1820s! 1826 is a very important year for the history of ballet. In fact, it marks a major change for female dancers! Before 1826, female dancers performed in stiff, restricting, and heavy costumes, very unlike the lighter, more graceful, and free-flowing tutus that we adore today.
My trusty leather rucksack is full of books and old pamphlets, and as I rummage, I come across a fascinating story: A bold Italian ballerina, Marie Taglioni, took the stage in Paris, dancing in a shimmering, flowing, white dress – essentially the first ballerina costume, which was inspired by ancient Greek mythology. It was a revolutionary change! Gone were the bulky, impractical gowns of old; replaced by airy lightness, which finally allowed the female form to move gracefully and effortlessly!
The Paris opera audience were speechless, and Marie Taglioni? She was an instant star! You can practically feel the liberation that must have come with dancing in that beautiful dress. Imagine! Being able to twirl and pirouette in such a fluid, free way! And that my dears, is what truly shaped the direction of ballet!
Just think, if I had been a ballet dancer in 1826, I would have definitely joined that movement! After all, freedom of expression through movement is the foundation of all dancing, don’t you think?
This is what makes my time travel journey so amazing. The history of ballet, from the revolutionary change in fashion in 1826 to the diverse, exciting ballet scene today, has so much to offer!
But before I sign off, dear reader, there's one very important piece of business I need to share. My dream of getting everyone wearing a pink tutu just got a little bit closer! I'm launching the "Pink Tutu Challenge" in May!
From the 1st to the 31st, post a photo of you in your pink tutu (or create a picture with a pink tutu), tag @pinktutu on Instagram and use the hashtag #PinkTutuChallenge You could be featuring on my next blog!
So until next time, keep your dancing shoes polished and your spirits high, my lovely ballet enthusiasts! Happy May to you, my dears!
Love, Emma xx
