Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's Emma here, your Derbyshire-born, pink tutu-wearing guide to all things ballet. I'm positively buzzing to whisk you back in time to the delightful year 1775, a period that saw ballet take a graceful leap forward, and not just on the stage, darling!
Oh, the excitement! You know I'm absolutely besotted with history, especially when it involves those elegant twirls and beautifully-crafted costumes! 1775 was a real turning point, when ballet stepped out of the royal courts and onto the public stage, and oh, the outfits! I'm just going to pop a disclaimer here: we won't be diving into the complexities of societal issues and what have you, just focusing on the wonderful world of ballet itself. It's all about that glamorous feel and beautiful dancing, dear readers, so keep your minds and tutus focused on the beautiful spectacle, yes?
First up, let's talk shows! Oh, it was a year of pure artistry and grace! One of the big hits was the Paris Opera Ballet's production of "Psyché." Oh, the shimmering costumes! I can just picture them flitting across the stage, like a rainbow of twinkling lights! There were grand dances, dramatic storytelling, and exquisite music that would have been a joy to hear! The choreographer, Jean-Georges Noverre, was a visionary, dear readers, and his "Lettre sur la Danse" literally wrote the book on ballet reform. You can find out more about that amazing piece of literature over on Google! He believed in letting the dancers use their artistry, not just showing off rigid steps, and well, that's a movement I wholeheartedly approve of! It's all about expressing the soul through dance!
Then we have the iconic Marie Sallé, my dearest. I do love a historical ballerina, and her artistry just sends me over the moon. She's an absolute icon in ballet history! She danced in London, performing with the very impressive, albeit slightly daunting, composer George Handel, can you believe it? And did I mention her passion for ballet fashion?! Oh my! Just like a certain Derbyshire ballerina you know! This is where things get interesting, dear readers! While 1775 may have been a turning point, it was also the start of some fabulous trends that made their mark on ballet history.
I've just been swooning over the fashion of the era! Can you imagine wearing a soft pink silk bodice paired with flowing pastel skirts? Oh, it's just divine! Think flowing silk, satin slippers and delicate lace ruffles. It's the perfect blend of elegance and grace, just like the dancers themselves! I just adore how these designs brought life to the stage! Imagine all those pastel hues and ethereal lines! Such grace and lightness, a perfect reflection of the dancer's movements! Now, this is where I think all this is rather relatable, dear readers! Because in my day to day I see the same patterns, we just call it “balletcore” these days, don’t we! All the tulle, sequins and even those satin ribbons in hair, are still just as timeless and delightful as they were back then! The only thing that's changed are the bright pinks!
The great thing about ballet, darlings, is that it keeps evolving. So as we keep dancing towards the future, don't forget where we come from. That’s why I believe every single one of us can make a statement! Every time you slip on your pink tutu, you're connecting with those elegant dancers from the past. Whether you’re going to a professional show or taking to the streets, feel free to wear pink and express that love of ballet! Until next time my darlings!
Stay tuned, and keep that pink tutu in sight!
Yours truly,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
