Hello lovelies, it's your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, here! 👋 And this month, I'm taking you back to 10th October 1861 – a day full of fascinating history and fabulous ballet! 🩰
Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, is pawing impatiently, ready for our latest adventure. You know the drill, a quick twirl around the time machine (aka my pink tutu) and we're off! 💫
Our landing spot this time? Derbyshire, England, where, of course, I'm right at home. But it's 1861! Can you imagine what kind of ballet shows we're going to see? This is the age of ballerinas who dared to be different, paving the way for the ballets we love today!
Now, let's dive into the world of ballet on 10th October 1861:
A new generation of ballerinas: This was the decade that saw the rise of dancers like Carlotta Grisi, and Fanny Elssler. Their powerful, expressive style changed how ballet was viewed. They danced with fiery passion and undeniable grace – just like the pink tutu-wearing heroines in our imaginations!
Opera Houses were abuzz: Back then, opera houses were the go-to place for seeing ballet. You would have caught productions from "Giselle," to "La Sylphide" and even a few spectacular adaptations of Shakespeare! Now, these were stories with drama and emotions that resonated with audiences back then, just as they resonate with us today.
Romantic Ballet is still in vogue: This era was all about graceful leaps, floating jumps, and intricate footwork. The stories focused on fantastical elements and strong female characters – just what I adore! Imagine the joy of seeing a ballet, like "The Sleeping Beauty", being brought to life with all the romantic flourish that 1861 was famous for!
But wait! There's even more. Did you know this time period saw the beginnings of ballet in Russia? 🇷🇺 Imagine ballet on this grand scale, full of history and cultural significance. It would be simply awe-inspiring to experience this!
What did we do in Derbyshire?
Well, my leather rucksack is bursting with stories to tell. After admiring the local countryside, we had a most lovely visit to Derby Theatre. This historic building, filled with Victorian charm, had a special event that day. Imagine the sheer elegance – a ball with a grand waltz just like those from Jane Austen's novels! Every gown looked like it could belong in a ballet scene! I couldn't resist whipping out my pink tutu for a twirl – it definitely was the centrepiece of the evening! 💖
While in Derbyshire, we met a local ballet instructor, who gave us some insight into the importance of traditional training. Back then, dancers worked hard, honing their skills for years, a true dedication to the craft that is very inspiring. We learned how the first ballet schools in England were springing up at this time. Imagine, all those dancers, preparing for their careers at these first ballet schools – truly the beginning of something grand!
But of course, my adventures wouldn't be complete without some shopping. And where better to find exquisite garments than a haberdashery? It was crammed with lovely fabrics – brocade, satin, velvet! Imagine how amazing a pink tutu would look crafted from these! Maybe it's time to try making one from this era's fabrics? This time period truly was a golden age of fashion!
Now, after a picnic with some lovely locals, I'm back in my time! But the experience of 10th October, 1861 has filled me with so much joy and inspiration. This day reminds us how much ballet has evolved over the years, with every step taken, with every tutu twirled, and every story told on stage.
So tell me, lovelies, what are your favourite ballet moments from this period? Do you think pink tutues were fashionable in 1861? What was the fashion like? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I can't wait to hear from you! 💖
Remember, my darlings, wear your pink tutus proudly and twirl into a world of ballet wonder, whether it’s the past or the present! 💖
See you next month, with another amazing time-travelling ballet escapade!
Love,
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. If you have a chance, check out *"Giselle" or "La Sylphide." *I promise, they'll have you twirling your tutus for days! ✨
