Hello my darlings! Emma here, back with another exciting escapade through the magical world of ballet history! It's been a whirlwind month, full of pirouettes, plies, and, of course, an absolutely glorious time travel journey. Buckle up, because this month we're waltzing back to the year 1840!
This time, Magic Meg and I landed right in the heart of London. It's astonishing how the city has changed, yet the excitement and buzz around theatre is something that hasn't waned at all. I found myself whisked into a world of glittering opera houses and enchanting ballrooms, where elegant ladies and dashing gentlemen pirouetted through the night! And speaking of dazzling dances, August 8th in 1840 saw a remarkable debut - the ballet La Jolie Fille, with a story as sweet as sugarplum.
Now, don't get me wrong, 1840s ballet wasn't quite the same as what we see today. The romantic tutu, that soft, flowing creation that defines modern ballet, hadn't quite reached its full glory yet. I must say, even I couldn't resist adding a little bit of pink flair to my look! (And let's be honest, a bit of pink always makes everything more magical, don't you think?)
But it wasn't just the fashion that took me by surprise. Back then, the dance was far more structured, with elaborate, dramatic poses that really told a story. The story of La Jolie Fille, you ask? Oh, it's a love story, naturally! A charming peasant girl, dancing and singing with her heart set on a young lord. You can imagine, a touch more intricate than those simple modern-day love stories. But just as beautiful!
While my pink tutu might have stood out amongst the dancers of 1840, there's something undeniably beautiful about the history of ballet, and I absolutely loved collecting memories and stories in my leather rucksack. You see, ballet history isn't just about the grand productions; it's about the lives of the dancers, their struggles, their triumphs, their sheer passion for this beautiful art form! It's this very passion that continues to drive ballet today, to enchant audiences of every age and every walk of life.
Now, while I was swept away in the romance of London, I couldn't forget the importance of sharing my passion for ballet with everyone back in 2023. The magical world of ballet shouldn't be a secret just for the elite; it should be shared with everyone, from the grand stages to the cobbled streets of Derby, my lovely hometown. And who better to lead the tutu revolution than a pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling, ballerina extraordinaire?
As you all know, the ultimate goal is to make pink tutus a global phenomenon! (Not literally, though the world might just become a slightly pinker place... just think of the endless possibilities!) So, how are we bringing this dream to life? By travelling through time, of course! Each time I take a ballet time travel adventure, I share my journey, my experiences, and my newfound knowledge with all of you on www.pink-tutu.com! It's been a thrilling experience, this journey through ballet's colourful past. I've learnt so much about the development of the art form, the evolution of the dancers, the costumes, and the magic that continues to draw people in today!
This is just the beginning of our shared ballet journey, my darlings. So stay tuned, keep those tutus pink, and keep that passion burning! Until next month, and the next time-travelling ballet escapade!
P.S. My journey wouldn't be complete without a bit of backstage shopping. I found the most exquisite vintage dance accessories and a few charming books on ballet in the 1800s, now lovingly tucked away in my rucksack, ready for future sharing with you lovely readers.
P.P.S. Did I mention Magic Meg has learned a few dance steps? (She may have tried a pirouette, but those hooves are definitely designed for cantering, not turning! She was definitely a sight to behold!)
Love always,
Emma
Emma travels to her monthly ballet destinations by collecting ballet funds and by taking part in ballet performances across the world, in her quest to get every one wearing a pink tutu.
