Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! This month's journey takes us back to the 1st of January, 1808 - a year brimming with dance excitement! I’ve just returned from a whirlwind adventure, and my rucksack is overflowing with ballet brilliance, just waiting to be shared with you all. Buckle up, darling, as we take a twirl through time together!
(Post No. 1765 on www.pink-tutu.com - for all you fabulous dancers looking to get your history fix!)
I woke this morning, and Magic Meg - my stunning pink shimmering Shire horse with her golden hooves and white mane - was champing at the bit. We both had the January blues, you see, and knew exactly how to cure them: time travel!
We mounted our steeds - Magic Meg adorned with a pink ribbon in her flowing tail, and yours truly in my customary pink tulle tutu, naturally! (And a toasty winter coat - chilly this far back!) We flew through time, landing in a rather damp, cobbled street in London. It seemed there was something in the air! A flurry of carriages, hustle and bustle, and an air of… festivity?
And who should I spot in the crowd but the great Charles D’Albert himself! (If you don’t know, darling, you’re missing out! This gentleman was one of the most acclaimed ballet masters in his day, and had just choreographed for the renowned Royal Ballet in London!) A hush fell as the crowd parted, making way for D’Albert, his flamboyant clothes and charming manners setting the tone for the occasion.
Turns out, it was the New Year, and it seemed London was buzzing with excitement. This being the early days of the 19th century, we had yet to see the glorious dance parties of the late 1800s, so a little ball at a private house in Mayfair seemed to be the hottest ticket in town!
This ball, darling, was something special. The women in their intricate, long gowns with elegant hairstyles, the men with their powdered wigs and bows, and the music…. OH, THE MUSIC! It was a dance marathon, lasting throughout the night with everyone, young and old, participating with their own graceful steps and elegant style! It was a dance marathon, a true delight for my fellow ballet enthusiasts!
It took all my will power to tear myself away from the beautiful ball and follow Mr. D’Albert's trail to the London Opera House. Now, while the name is familiar today, the ballet was still in its fledgling stages and they had a penchant for grand pantomime, with very little technical ballet training for the dancers - imagine the stories, though! The crowd went wild for the extravagant costumes and the larger-than-life characters - even me, in my pink tutu, felt a frisson of excitement.
That night, after enjoying the spectacular dance performances and feeling inspired by the dazzling displays of pantomime drama, I added some fascinating tidbits to my ballet bag. A beautiful programme of that night's performances, signed by Charles D’Albert himself, with a handwritten inscription - a treasured addition to my growing collection! A sketch of a famous pantomime scene from that era, detailing the elaborate costumes and elaborate scenes with exquisite details. I can't wait to show you all when I get back home to my cozy Derbyshire cottage and turn it into a new piece for my blog!
Now, time travel is a tricky business, darling, but luckily Magic Meg knows her way around. Back we zipped, arriving at the early hours of January 2nd, landing perfectly back on my lawn.
So much to process, so much to learn! I've already started researching this fantastic ballet history nugget, and I can't wait to share my finds with you. Keep checking in, lovelies, as there will be a new blog post with the details!
And remember, always wear a pink tutu - it adds a touch of magic to everything! 💖
Your Dancing Darling, Emma
