Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide to all things ballet! I'm just back from a rather dazzling jaunt to the year 1790 - oh, it was such a treat! Time travel's been a bit bumpy lately, what with the changes to my time-travel machine after that mishap with the pocket watch, but I managed to get back in one piece, with plenty of exciting stories from the world of ballet back in the day.
It seems like 1790 was quite a pivotal year for ballet - kind of like a delicate yet dynamic pirouette, changing things up for the dance world, leaving us a beautiful, enduring legacy! Let's dive into the lovely details, shall we?
Fashion, Darling, Fashion!
1790 was all about the French Revolution! Yes, darling, those fancy dandies were in the midst of a very big change, throwing out the monarchy and setting up a Republic. It was a period of great upheaval, both politically and culturally. Think big hair, powdered wigs and extravagant panniers, oh my! For ladies, the skirts were all about volume - I'm talking HUGE. Thankfully, the tutus were simpler and smaller in 1790. And I do love a classic!
The stage costumes reflected the shifting social scene. Instead of lavish court gowns, we started seeing outfits more inspired by Greek and Roman dress. Imagine delicate flowing garments in soft colours like lavender, white, and of course, the most beautiful, darling pink! These outfits were a huge departure from the corseted styles of the past and helped pave the way for a more elegant and fluid style of ballet movement. Imagine all the pretty twirls! It was the perfect canvas for those beautifully expressive ballet steps!
What Was Hot on the Ballet Stage?
The world of ballet wasn't all about big tutus and dainty movements back in 1790. They had some groundbreaking performances that we still remember to this day! The year was dominated by two very important developments: the rise of the 'ballet d'action' and the development of the pointe shoe. Imagine that! Ballerinas on pointe, gliding across the stage with ease, making ballet even more beautiful than ever!
Ballet d'Action: Think ballets with stories and narratives - like a full-blown, beautifully choreographed drama. You had powerful plots and grand performances that captivated audiences. Can you imagine how captivating it must have been to watch, especially when performed by such accomplished dancers?
Pointe Shoes: Remember all those dainty, intricate steps? Well, these lovely little shoes helped make it possible! The first ever pointe shoe, crafted from stitched fabric and leather, was created for Marie Camargo in 1726, so you might think the use of pointe shoes would be pretty commonplace in 1790. You'd be wrong! Ballerinas weren't always so keen on wearing them! It was all a bit of a revolution at the time, I tell you, much like the one on the streets! It required extraordinary strength, technique, and stamina to dance on pointe! It seems these strong women weren't afraid to step into the light.
What Did Emma See?
I just have to tell you, my little cherubs, my time travel trip to 1790 was truly amazing! I had the good fortune to attend a grand performance of "The Magic Flute" in Vienna! The dancers, in those lovely, flowing, Grecian-style gowns, performed on pointe with such effortless grace. It was magical!
Now, I do love to combine history and fashion, and even in 1790, the ballet outfits were the inspiration for the high-society ladies, so a little fashion swap at the theater was a must, wouldn't you agree? My 1790 alter ego (Emma Jane, darling) traded my modern day tulle and feather creation for a luxurious, flowing satin robe. Imagine delicate lace trimming, with the most beautiful blush of pink hues!
Now I know what you're thinking - “Emma, did you see any tutus?" And you’d be surprised. I saw the beginnings of tutus, very much unlike those lavish costumes we enjoy today, but still just as beautiful! They were simple skirts in the beginnings of what we now consider to be a full tutu. What was quite a unique aspect was the way that some tutus would have been draped, which made them really flow! Think billowing, romantic ruffles!
Street Style Inspirations
Street performance, dear reader, is my secret weapon, my time travel fund, and of course, my love! I saw some stunning performances from street dancers of that time period. Imagine rhythmic dances with castanets and tambourines! It really added to the rich texture of the streets, the cafes and even the piazzas! I just wish they'd take up tutus more often!
So there you have it! Another fabulous jaunt to a magical era, brimming with elegance and revolution. Don't forget, my dears, to always keep that little touch of whimsy and grace, just like the ballerinas of 1790!
Stay twirling, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to share your favorite ballet outfits and stories on the #pinktutu website. You know I’m always up for a good ballet discussion, dear readers!
