Hello, darling tutus! It's Emma, your time-traveling ballet blogger from the rolling hills of Derbyshire, ready to whisk you away on another spectacular adventure in time.
January 1st, 1881. A crisp, bright morning here in Victorian London, a perfect day to get this new year off to a fabulous start! Magic Meg is all prepped up, her pink mane shimmering in the early sunlight, ready to gallop through time! Oh, you must know Magic Meg by now – my fabulous pink shire horse with golden hooves, my very best friend, and the only way I can visit my favourite ballet eras.
This time, we're heading back to a time of great change and progress, a period teeming with creativity and innovation, a period where ballet was truly blossoming! 1881! The year the dazzling Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, took to the stage in St. Petersburg for the first time! Can you imagine? Such incredible talent shining so brightly, marking the start of an illustrious career that would capture hearts worldwide.
Just thinking about all that is about to unfold gets my heart fluttering and toes tapping. We'll be exploring all that was happening in the world of ballet back then, taking a peek at the stages and rehearsals, the fashion and the footwear – yes, darling, a whole wardrobe waiting for us to unravel! Oh, the adventures!
Let's Take A Look At The World Of Ballet In 1881I’m going to be using this special date in history, January 1st, as my reference point as always, because if it were to be the opening night of a new production, well that would be an excellent excuse to don my fabulous pink tutu and hop on Magic Meg, right?
Today, I think I'm going to choose something with some drama - maybe a daring tutu, with the full romanticism of the era! We are not afraid of being noticed in these fabulous times.
So, let’s peek at the programme for 1881…
In Paris, a magnificent rendition of Giselle, one of the true treasures of the Romantic Ballet era, will have just concluded its performance at the Opéra de Paris. We've seen plenty of this piece in our time travel expeditions, but who wouldn't want to watch the enchanting story of Giselle, with its delicate and graceful choreography, unfold under the chandeliers of one of the world’s most celebrated ballet venues?
In St. Petersburg, our beloved Pavlova was just beginning her phenomenal journey on the ballet stage, thrilling audiences with her breathtaking artistry and charisma. The Sleeping Beauty by Marius Petipa would be playing there and it is absolutely essential to witness the dazzling beauty and dramatic elegance of this work of art. Can’t imagine what Pavlova will make of this classic! She may even give this ballet a twist or two – perhaps add her own captivating interpretation, making the piece her own.
Milan is the place to be to witness La Gioconda a very fashionable choice for audiences at Teatro alla Scala, an institution that has been nurturing ballet greats for generations. Now, there is much debate about whether La Gioconda is opera or ballet but, whatever you decide, it’s most definitely worth an evening or two! It’s such a passionate and opulent ballet that will really be the piece de résistance of the night!
But it isn’t just the famous European capitals where ballet is capturing hearts. Across the world, theatres are pulsating with stories told through dance, and this journey is a must for us all.
For a little touch of American history, you’d be hard-pressed not to stop by New York’s Academy of Music, where the Black Crook is still running, albeit a tad later than its premiere in 1866! Now this one isn’t for the faint-hearted – the Black Crook features a blend of ballet, acrobatics, can-can and more, making for an utterly captivating and audacious performance, with beautiful costumes and some seriously eye-catching scenery!
Don't miss the performance of the famed ballerina Lucille Grahn, dancing Le Lac des Fées in Berlin, showcasing her signature style of elegance and virtuosity. She’s known as a ‘great' and a ‘legend’ - her talent speaks for itself, but for me, it’s her stage presence that captures my attention, a captivating performer in every sense of the word!
It’s all here! So much to see and experience, each offering its own unique flair. The dance scene is buzzing, bursting with creativity and excitement, the stage aglow with stunning performances, vibrant costumes, the most spectacular footwork imaginable and a whole lot of excitement. I wouldn't trade this for anything, even my collection of vintage tutus.
Speaking of tutus… can we talk about these phenomenal outfits! They are fabulous! Now, Victorian elegance isn’t exactly what you’d expect. No fluffy skirts for this epoch. Think fitted corsets, swathed in satin or silk and richly embroidered – all that drama and refinement! And of course, we can't forget the pointe shoes. Oh, these little darlings! They’re an engineering marvel, especially for that era!
Let’s not forget, darling tutus, we’ve come a long way. My pink tutus are definitely far softer! Though, who knows, maybe that will inspire my next fashion collection… I will certainly get my sewing needles going at the end of this trip.
*The Inspiration of the Day…
Of course, on the 1st of January, every new year, I’m going to channel my own inner-dancer and head out with Magic Meg to find inspiration – that’s exactly why we’ve arrived in Derbyshire. This isn’t only about dancing!
This day’s inspiration is about the strength of a good corset, and the sheer beauty and elegance of 19th Century ballet. A dance world steeped in traditions, and pushing the boundaries – much like our fabulous pink tutus – we want everyone to try one, that’s the point – our mission.
But before we travel back to my own era and indulge in a bit of ballet-themed fashion, I've a new quest – a call to action for my fellow ballet lovers!
This January, let’s embrace that daring and creativity, the unique spirit of the ballerinas who performed before us – their legacy lives on! Why not dedicate this new year to taking a class? It could be the barre that you need, so start with something easy and get your blood pumping! Or, perhaps a new tutu – if not pink – well then something inspired by all this fabulous history. And let’s not forget to book a ticket to a performance. A little bit of magic in the form of ballet – every ballet dancer loves a little magic, right?
*Our pink tutus can’t wait to see you out there! Until next time, my darlings! *
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
