Hello my darling tutu-loving readers! Emma here, back from another enchanting time-travel adventure! I'm so excited to share my latest journey with you - this time, I'm waltzing back to the elegant salons and glittering theatres of 1811, September the 9th. It’s been a while since I visited the early 19th century, but it's always such a thrill!
You can probably guess that, being a girl who adores the world of dance, my first stop had to be a grand ballet! My horse, the majestic Magic Meg (you’ve probably heard me raving about her before - a pink sparkly shire with golden hooves and a white mane and tail, utterly fabulous!), had me in Paris in a flash. Luckily for me, on the 9th of September, 1811, a most captivating ballet called ‘L’Épreuve villageoise’ was being performed at the Théâtre du Vaudeville. I had the absolute joy of seeing it from the balcony! Imagine, darling, a ballet performed at the Théâtre du Vaudeville, an intimate and charming theatre. I could almost feel the atmosphere, the music wafting up from the stage, and the collective hush of the audience.
Fashionable Frou-Frou
Before the ballet started, however, I just had to do some window shopping! The French were always so ahead of the fashion curve back then. You see, unlike today, ballerinas weren't in beautiful tutus, which are just so divine! They had on knee-length skirts that flowed about in graceful motions - certainly not as captivating, I must say! Of course, they danced barefoot - that’s what those lovely painted toenails and pretty little slippers are for. A bit uncomfortable, if you ask me, but perhaps part of the ethereal charm of ballet at the time.
You know, I feel like I need to go back and show them what a tutu can do for ballet! Imagine those ladies twirling in a luscious pink tutu? Pure magic, isn't it? Perhaps a pink tutu would bring more attention to the ballerina than those painted toenails and little shoes! Imagine a pink tutu on the stage, lit by the candles!
Oh, darling! And did I tell you about the beautiful fabrics! You won’t believe it but I even snagged myself a stunning brocade ribbon, it’s oh so very fetching! And did I mention those lace and satin parasols? They’re perfect to carry on a brisk day in Derbyshire or even a stroll through London.
Back in the World of Ballet
My dear readers, I’m so in love with this period in history. The beauty of the costumes and the intricate ballet steps – all while dancing barefoot. Honestly, those dancers must be incredible athletes! They danced and skipped without any shoes, what a truly beautiful sight. Of course, the dresses themselves are absolutely lovely! A bit less ‘pink-tastic’ than what we see now but the beauty is timeless!
What a delightful day I’ve had! And it’s all thanks to a little bit of time travel and, of course, the brilliance of Magic Meg.
If you'd like to read more about the captivating ballet history of 1811, just pop on over to my website at www.pink-tutu.com or you can read about my last adventure on www.pink-tutu.com post 1808. It's full of beautiful historical photographs and interesting information about the history of ballet. As always, thank you for reading my travel diary! Do let me know if there is a particular historical period you would like to travel back to – just drop a comment on the blog or leave a message on our new pink tutu forum!
Until next time, stay sparkling and don’t forget your tutu!
With all my love, Emma.
