Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of all things ballet and a healthy sprinkle of time-travelling magic. I'm Emma, your Derbyshire-born ballerina, and this month, we're going on an adventure to October 10th, 1856. Buckle up your ballet shoes and get ready to twirl through history, darling!
This month's trip took quite a bit of planning. You see, I'm quite a fan of the romantic era of ballet. There's something utterly captivating about the fluidity and elegance of the movements, not to mention the incredible costumes - imagine exquisite tulle and lace flowing effortlessly, adorned with delicate embellishments and beautiful colours, a true feast for the eyes! So naturally, a ballet trip back to 1856, with the chance to witness the pinnacle of this era, was a must-do!
As usual, Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire horse with a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow, was my loyal steed for this enchanting journey. She took me through time with effortless grace, transporting us right into the heart of London. My backpack, which is crafted from the finest, softest leather (perfect for storing precious ballet treasures!), was filled with my ballet journal, sketchpad, and camera (I don’t think they had Instagram back then, darlings!), and a selection of my signature pink tutu-inspired dresses - I’m hoping to spark a pink-tutu revolution even in the Victorian era!
Upon arriving in 1856, we were met with a world bustling with excitement! London was a city in full bloom, with the buzz of carriages, shops, and theatregoers all around. A little research beforehand told me the iconic Royal Opera House was hosting a performance of Giselle, a ballet which captivated audiences across Europe. This ballet tells the tragic tale of Giselle, a young village girl, and her love for Albrecht. I was practically vibrating with anticipation - to see Giselle in its original form was simply too good to miss!
The theatre was magnificent! Plush velvet seats, grand chandeliers, and the palpable buzz of anticipation. I could already tell this was going to be an extraordinary performance. It lived up to my expectations and more! The dancers moved with grace and precision, telling the tale with the utmost skill. Each step felt imbued with emotion, making me feel as though I were stepping right into the story. Giselle is truly a ballet for the ages - full of intricate choreography and powerful drama, it touched my heart deeply, leaving me in awe. I took pages upon pages of notes, sketching out the most striking details for my blog, and you’d be surprised what you could get away with sneaking a few ballet steps in a dimly lit theatre, especially with a pink tutu in tow!
During the interval, I popped into the grand lobby for a bit of exploration and found myself completely captivated by the opulence and exquisite costumes the ladies were sporting. Such grand hats, flowing gowns and those enchanting shawls... It's hard to imagine such an abundance of fabrics and artistry today! And of course, my keen eye spotted a charming, vintage-inspired boutique. They had such lovely bonnets and gloves – I picked up some lovely items to help inspire my next pink tutu-inspired outfits (stay tuned for a fashion post later this week!)
The rest of the evening was a dream come true. The show went on, and Giselle concluded with an incredible finalé. The entire audience rose in thunderous applause, with many returning to their seats for a second standing ovation. As I made my way out, I realized it wasn't just the ballet that made this trip so memorable - it was the passion and enthusiasm of the audience, the incredible grandeur of the setting, and the chance to feel truly transported into another era. It was pure magic!
Well, darlings, it’s time for me to pack my bag, climb onto Magic Meg and make my way back to the present.
But I'll leave you with this - never stop pursuing your passions, whatever they may be. For me, it’s the world of ballet, the enchantment of time travel, and a dash of pink tulle magic sprinkled across it all! Don’t forget to keep up with the latest happenings at www.pink-tutu.com! I’ll be sharing lots of new stories, ballet reviews and fashion inspirations on the blog very soon. Until next time, darling!
Lots of twirling love, Emma
