Hello my darling readers! Emma here, back with another captivating time travel tale for you. This month, Magic Meg whisked me away to a rather delightful 4th April, 1856. Can you imagine, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the air was thick with the scent of spring! I, of course, donned my favourite, exquisitely ruffled pink tutu for this occasion - wouldn't you? 😊
You know, darling readers, as a devoted ballerina, I am perpetually fascinated by how the dance has evolved across the ages. This journey proved particularly enthralling as it took me to Paris, the very heart of ballet in 1856! Just think, the legendary Marie Taglioni, "the Queen of the Dance", was at the peak of her career. This legendary ballerina with her light as air leaps was truly an inspiration for aspiring dancers across Europe! She even had a stunning new costume for her performance of La Sylphide, a flowing white dress, almost ethereal in its beauty, a world away from the elaborate court costumes of previous decades. This revolutionary style was one of the biggest innovations of ballet costume history - and believe me, dear readers, I wouldn’t be caught dead without my tutu - pink of course! It really does make you feel as though you could fly!
The Palais Garnier, that breathtaking structure with its opulence and majesty, hadn't quite been finished yet. But darling, the Opera in Paris was still the center of the ballet universe. And I, being the dedicated ballerina I am, was absolutely thrilled to see a performance by the great Mademoiselle Rosati - a name whispered with admiration among dancers in Paris. I'm adding that name to my ever-growing ballet book, for future reference, of course. 😉
My little leather rucksack, I confess, was overflowing with exciting new acquisitions. A delicate miniature portrait of Marie Taglioni, her elegant pose mirrored my own! It's absolutely perfect to keep with me on my time travels! And an intricately hand-drawn theatre poster of an upcoming performance of 'Giselle'. It will be proudly displayed in my own home, a small little ode to the artistry of the past! Oh, the wonders I discover in my travels, dear readers!
Speaking of wonders, darling, you know I love ballet, but I must admit to having a bit of a penchant for shopping! The boutiques in Paris were overflowing with such exquisite and fascinating fashion. It’s simply a fashion dreamland! I absolutely couldn't resist purchasing a pair of tiny lavender-colored silk slippers for my personal collection, of course, and a new velvet headband to add a touch of femininity to my own ballerina wardrobe! It simply would not do for my pink tutu to be worn without the finest accessories, now would it?
But of course, darling, we wouldn't want to leave Paris without acknowledging that life wasn’t always perfect in the 19th century. I even happened upon a protest organised by female ballet dancers! It seems they weren't being treated as fairly as they should! And in such lovely tutus too, imagine the indignity! Well, I did have a few words with a lovely dancer in a powder blue tulle tutu! Let’s just say that these ballerinas reminded me of the importance of standing up for your rights. And maybe even a good old-fashioned feminist demonstration might have had its place! It's all in a day's journey in time, darling readers, so exciting!
Magic Meg was patiently waiting for me when I emerged from the Parisian bustle. And you know what darling? I do believe the moonlit sky above my lovely English village was sprinkled with glittering starlight. And yes, Meg even seemed to be wearing a sparkling halo of starlight, truly divine, isn’t she? Her hooves still leave those sparkly pink and gold trails that my dearest friends marvel at. It truly makes it hard to keep my time travel adventures a secret from my little group!
As always, darling readers, it’s time to whisk away to another adventure. But I promise you, dear readers, I will be back soon with even more tales of tutu-clad time travelling fun. Remember, the world of ballet is overflowing with history waiting to be uncovered. So keep dancing! Until next time, I wish you the very best and, of course, happy twirling. Keep a pink tutu handy, my dear, for you never know what adventure awaits! 🩰💕
You can join Emma and me every month on www.pink-tutu.com for new adventures in the fascinating world of ballet history. Don't forget to wear pink!