Hello darlings! Itās your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another instalment from my time-travelling adventures. Today, Iām going to whisk you away to the grand December 12th, 1872, where the air is filled with the rustle of velvet curtains and the anticipation of a thrilling ballet performance!
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Today's journey finds me in my familiarly pink tutu (itās a vintage, darling, a real heirloom!) perched on Magic Megās saddle. She's our time-travelling champion, this sparkling pink shire horse with her gleaming golden hooves and white flowing mane and tail. I have to say, Meg does look quite dashing in pink!
We touched down in the bustling city of London, and oh my, what a flurry of activity! It was a real whirl of horse-drawn carriages and ladies sporting the latest fashion. They wore extravagant hats adorned with feathers and bows, while men strutted about in their top hats and frock coats. Just picturing myself wearing a beautiful floral hat in such a style ā I'll need to add that to my shopping list for next time!
After settling into our charming Bloomsbury lodgings, we took a leisurely stroll towards Covent Garden, the beating heart of theatre in London. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and the warm glow from streetlamps created a most delightful ambience. We made our way towards the Royal Opera House, a grand and majestic building adorned with magnificent carvings and a towering clock. I could barely contain my excitement as we neared its entrance, its beautiful architecture captivating me from the moment we set eyes on it.
Tonight, the theatre hummed with a particular energy, and with good reason, darlings! It was the night of the first performance of āThe Nutcrackerā, an entirely new production by a young Russian choreographer named Marius Petipa.
Letās talk about this revolutionary production! With music by Tchaikovsky, this ballet was unlike anything audiences had experienced before. It told a charming tale of a young girl and a magical nutcracker toy. There were fantastical creatures and delicate fairies that captivated every child (and grown-up!) in the audience. Oh, to have seen it on its premiere! To have been in the room, a witness to the birth of a timeless classic, to feel the buzz of anticipation!
Iām always mesmerized by how timeless these ballets truly are. Each performance brings a different layer of history to life, and it makes me think, "If a story from so long ago can resonate with me today, just imagine what stories our performances in this century will inspire!"
As for ballet fashion, darlings, imagine a sea of glittering tutus, each a shimmering dream in shades of white and pink! But my, oh my! There was more than just ballerinas to be admired ā the opera attendees in their dazzling finery added another layer of visual splendour! From lace and feathers to exquisite jewelry and floral headpieces, it was truly a spectacle to behold.
Speaking of fashion, it seems that my fondness for the colour pink is hardly a new phenomenon. The worldās best ballerinas in this time were already incorporating it into their attire. From delicate ribbons woven into their hairstyles to charmingly frilled ballet shoes, the colour of love was definitely in vogue. This further confirmed what I already knew, darlings: pink is the colour for any occasion! I may be a little biased, but it certainly adds an extra bit of charm and flair to everything it touches!
But that wasn't the only thing on the ballet agenda today! My trusty travel bag on my back was already overflowing with treasures from this enchanting time. In my pocket sits a program for a dazzling ballet by Marie Taglioni, "La Sylphide", that captivated audiences in Paris. It was one of the very first ballets where a dancer danced "en pointe". Can you imagine? Floating like an ethereal creature on the tips of your toes! That's a ballet dream!
From Paris to Vienna, Europe was dancing in December of 1872, a true haven for the ballet enthusiast. The Viennese State Opera was presenting the ballet āL'heure des angesā, a romantic and lyrical ballet that spoke of dreams, illusions and the mysteries of the human soul. The music by LĆ©o Delibes was simply exquisite ā the perfect companion to graceful dance. I feel the call of adventure again, darlings. Next month, it's Vienna! Imagine the possibilitiesā¦ Vienna has always been associated with the grandest balls and waltz-filled nights. It promises a whirlwind of elegant attire and waltz-like movements that will surely leave me yearning for a time when such grace and style ruled the night.
However, I must leave you now, darlings. Itās time to say goodbye for this month's journey and pack my pink tutu and rucksack for another time-travelling adventure. Until next time, keep dreaming pink! And don't forget, thereās a world of dance waiting for you, so put on your pinkest tutu, grab your friends, and head to the nearest theatre ā you never know what magical performance might await you!
Yours always,
Emma xx
