Hello my gorgeous twirling darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu News, your guide to all things ballet, fashion and fabulousness! This week, we're whisking ourselves back in time to a truly glorious era, the year 1786! Buckle your pointe shoes, ladies, because this year was a game changer for the art we adore.
You know me, I love nothing more than diving into ballet history and discovering the threads that link us to the elegance and grace we see on stage today. And 1786 is a real treasure trove of captivating moments. You can't talk about this year without mentioning the star of the show – the beautiful, the daring, the revolutionary – the tutu! Yes, my fellow twirlers, this was the year our favourite little garment really came into its own!
Before this point, ballerinas were essentially en pointe with heavy, elaborate gowns that were about as graceful as a walrus in a bathrobe. But then poof! Along came Monsieur Noverre, a true visionary, who believed dancers should move like sylphs, creatures of the air, light and ethereal. And what could be lighter, more beautiful than a short, diaphanous skirt – the forerunner of the tutu as we know it? Think of it, my dears, a dance revolution sparked by fashion – the most glorious story ever told!
Naturally, we all have a bit of a girl crush on Monsieur Noverre. He brought a sense of fluid grace and effortless elegance to the stage that captivated audiences, inspiring some of the most beloved ballets still danced today. Can you imagine, my lovelies, the buzz around Paris? New dances, new fashions, a whirlwind of artistic excitement! This is a year we would have loved to be a fly on the wall!
But while Paris was in the midst of a theatrical whirlwind, what were the other ballet stars doing? Well, ladies, 1786 saw the beginnings of Ballet in Russia! Yes, the year we're focusing on this week was truly the beginning of something quite extraordinary. The legendary Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia, decided her court needed some serious twirling. So she called on one of the best, the fabulous Monsieur Charles Le Picq, a dancer of immense talent and style. And The Imperial Ballet was born! A glorious moment indeed, paving the way for some of the most esteemed ballet companies in the world.
Oh my darlings, but where would ballet be without the extraordinary beauty of costumes and the magic of make-up! In 1786, ballet fashions took a feminine and flirty turn, all about highlighting those delicate feminine features. Lace, ribbons, ruffles and the most extravagant headdresses, think towering plumes and shimmering jewels – truly divine! Ballet and fashion have always walked hand-in-hand, and this year they truly twirled together!
While 1786 saw some incredibly important milestones, this was also a year of so many beautiful performances:
A glimpse of the glamorous world of 1786 ballets:
Gluck’s 'Orpheus and Eurydice': A heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, the perfect mix of dramatic movement and powerful emotions, set to Gluck’s glorious music. I can almost hear the rustling of skirts and the murmur of a hushed audience...
"Iphigénie en Tauride": A French tragedy in dance form, with intricate choreography showcasing the immense skill and artistry of the dancers. Imagine a tale of heroism, sacrifice, and the yearning for freedom… the kind of drama that leaves you gasping for air.
"Psyche": A dazzling spectacle of classical dance that took the French court by storm, showcasing elaborate scenery and enchanting music. Think elaborate costumes, beautiful backdrops, and a love story for the ages.
Imagine yourself, dear twirler, nestled among the elegant society of the time, taking in these breathtaking shows, the air filled with a mix of powder, music and whispers of delight. Doesn't it sound divine?
You might be wondering about the world beyond the stage – the fashions of the day. This was a time of real elegance, dear ladies, the perfect blend of simplicity and grandeur.
Here's a peek into the fashions of 1786:
The quintessential “Robe à la Francaise”: With a flowing skirt, fitted bodice and delicate ruffles, a true fashion icon! Imagine the vibrant colors – from soft pastel hues to bright rich colours.
Powdered wigs: Oh, they were everywhere! Think dramatic, elegant styles that truly elevated the elegance of the era. Just try picturing a ballerina with her hair piled high in a graceful updo! The epitome of 18th century style.
Embroidery and Lace: Oh my dears, the craftsmanship! Imagine exquisitely designed embellishments adding that extra touch of refinement and detail to every outfit.
Here is where you can see these amazing fashions today:
The Victoria and Albert Museum, London: You must visit this incredible museum, my dears, if you are a fan of historic fashion. It is home to an astonishing collection of original 18th-century dresses! I am sure they'll spark some divine inspiration for your next fancy dress costume!
Of course, my dears, every ballerina's true heart is focused on our dance form, but wouldn’t it be marvellous to incorporate a little bit of that 18th century elegance into our modern fashion? Imagine, delicate, soft fabrics, lace trimming our tutus, and the beautiful swirls of fabric evoking the elegance of past ballets. Who needs a pom-pom on your pink tutu when you could have beautiful handmade lace?!
My sweet ballet babies, that's our journey through 1786, a year of incredible beginnings and exciting developments for the world of ballet. We’re a century closer to the golden era of tutus and tiaras, but it all began with these passionate artists and pioneers who dedicated their lives to this graceful and beautiful art form.
As always, keep twirling, darling readers! Don't forget to follow my street performances - your favourite ballerina with a pink tutu! I'm spreading the love of ballet across the Derbyshire, one twirl at a time.
Until next time, remember, every single day is an opportunity to twirl like you own the stage!
Yours in ballet bliss,
Emma xx
