Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another enchanting journey through ballet history. Today's date is April 4th, 1847, and let me tell you, it's a corker! As always, I'm sporting my favourite pink tutu (it's the one with the hand-stitched tulle frills, if you must know!) and Magic Meg is ready to gallop us back to the Victorian era.
This month's adventure starts in the grand capital of France, Paris! Now, 1847 was a busy year for the world of ballet. Ballet fever was spreading like wildfire across Europe, and in Paris, the "Théatre de l'Opéra" was abuzz with activity. Can you imagine, darling? All those exquisitely choreographed steps, the billowing tutus, the soaring melodies! Simply divine!
This month marks the arrival of The Ballet "Faust", which premiered at the Opéra on the 27th March. Imagine my delight when I learnt that my new favourite, Mademoiselle Fanny Elssler, was starring as the captivating Gretchen! A breathtaking dancer, full of emotion and grace! Her performance left the audience in raptures! They said she seemed to float like a butterfly! I felt quite fluttery myself, watching her whirl across the stage. And did I mention she looked absolutely divine in a celestial blue costume? Just imagine, a blue tutu against the backdrop of the stage lights - oh, darling, it would have been so romantic!
Now, let's hop on Magic Meg and canter over to London! I'm not just here for the ballet shows, although I do have my eye on "Giselle" playing at Her Majesty's Theatre, just a little further up the road. We've got to squeeze in some serious ballet shopping! You can't imagine the delightful frocks, shoes and tiaras I’ve found here – my rucksack is bursting! I've even discovered a fascinating little shop on Bond Street that specialises in ballet slippers, hand-crafted by the most talented cobblers in all of England! I shall tell you all about them next month.
Back to ballet! While London’s Her Majesty's Theatre is hosting a splendid production of "Giselle," just across town at Covent Garden Theatre, there’s something quite different on offer: a burlesque! Apparently, ballet dancers are used to set the stage for a good giggle and this was the year that a new style of entertainment took over, with women donning tutus for what you could call a lighthearted "sexy dance," with just a pinch of comedy! The idea is rather risque, wouldn't you agree? Imagine the scandal, the gossip, and the delicious gossip from my trip! I've added some intriguing photos of burlesque performers to my blog this month - a must-see for all the fashion-forward ballet enthusiasts!
I even learned a rather amusing bit of ballet history. The Royal Italian Opera is set to open their doors soon, promising a season of Italian operas! It's just so fascinating to see how ballet and opera, two artistic behemoths, were beginning to intertwine in a delightful fashion! The thought of a grand opera house overflowing with beautiful ballerinas, singers, and a magnificent chorus just makes my toes curl!
Talking of toes, my little darling! What is your favourite part of the ballet world? I'd love to hear your stories! Have you been to a beautiful ballet performance lately? What are you dreaming about? Remember to comment below!
Well, darlings, Magic Meg's getting a bit impatient to return to the 21st century, so I must take my leave for now! However, be sure to come back next month for an exclusive insight into ballet in 1921! There’s a lot to discuss, and trust me, the 1920s is a whole other story!
Remember, a pink tutu is the perfect fashion statement! Wear yours with pride, darling! And don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more adventures!
Until next time,
Your ballet-loving Emma
P.S. This post is Number 2236 on the www.pink-tutu.com website!
