History of Ballet in 1804

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu's ballet history! I’m your Derbyshire lass, Emma, and today we're twirling back in time to the glorious year of 1804! It's post number 232 for me, and you've just got to know, this is such a romantic era for ballet. It's all about those graceful steps, those expressive emotions, and – hold your tutus, loves - it’s the start of ballet's golden age!

If you're a ballet buff like me, then you're going to want to grab a cup of tea and maybe a slice of cake (it's almost high tea time!) and get comfortable because we're about to journey back to this very special time in ballet's history. Buckle up, darlings, this is going to be tutu fantastic!

First things first: let's talk about the fashions, because you know, a good tutu is always a must. 1804 was all about those billowing sleeves, empire waists and - my personal fave - the introduction of the fashionable tunic, perfect for our little ballerina dreams. I bet they looked so dreamy waltzing in their airy dresses. It's definitely a period for experimenting and refining fashion, just like ballet is constantly evolving.

This year also marks a significant shift in the world of ballet! The romantic era had just begun in 1800 and * it’s making a big impact. The ballerinas, darlings, were becoming increasingly graceful, expressive, and elegant, really showing off the emotions through their movement. Imagine, it's all about evoking feelings and showcasing a dancer's unique style. *Swoon! I’ve seen so many stunning re-creations of those classical ballerinas in the city – such captivating performances.

Now, you can imagine, ballet is thriving on this newfound emotionality! I just love seeing all that beautiful artistry on stage, those incredible expressive stories they’re telling through movement, and let’s not forget, it was a year that was a beautiful reflection of our graceful world of ballet. Just picture it: gorgeous tutus, delicate costumes, all swaying to music with a focus on storytelling through steps, the artistry just radiating through every move. You’re absolutely swept up in their emotions and the magic of it all. It was absolutely magical.

The stage was just alive with captivating stories!

• There was Jean-Georges Noverre, a pioneering choreographer. I absolutely adore his works; he created an entirely new type of ballet – a type that is more expressive than ever before, bringing stories and dramatic narratives to the forefront. I can only imagine the impact he made on his audience, his works are full of emotional depth, you can just sense his brilliance!

• I have to mention Carlo Blasis! In 1804, his * Traité élémentaire, théorique et pratique de l'art de la danse came out.* This little gem revolutionised ballet, teaching all those up-and-coming dancers about technique, positioning, and movement. I’m telling you, darling, this is absolutely crucial, setting the foundations for ballerinas to blossom and push the boundaries of ballet. He became the leading authority, and even though he wasn’t performing at the time, this incredible work spread through the world of ballet and gave such a clear direction for future generations.

For me, darling, fashion is essential for every ballerinas, especially when exploring our ballet history. This was a particularly beautiful time for ballerinas and fashion! It's time to channel your inner 19th-century ballerina, with lightweight and airy dresses. Picture all that lace, ribbons, delicate floral patterns - just imagine yourself floating gracefully through the theatre. That kind of elegance just makes me want to start my own line of tutu's for that romantic era, or maybe just channel the look at the next event. You’ve just got to think of those ethereal gowns that ballerinas wore! Oh, my!

We were still seeing those classic, pointed shoes on the ballet stage! I imagine these shoes being delicate and soft with their pointy toes, just allowing for beautiful and elegant movements. Just think of it, these delicate and simple, yet elegant footwear are designed to move gracefully. The shoe is also becoming much more refined, leading the way to what we know now. And of course, every little ballerina dreams of wearing these timeless, graceful shoes! I do!

Oh, and let me give you some recommendations for a proper ballet spree this week:

• Don't miss out on The Royal Ballet in London! They’re performing a breathtaking new production based on the romantic period. It’s going to be filled with those elegant dances, exquisite costumes – just pure magical, a wonderful tribute to the era of romance!

• And don't forget, for something a little bit special, head down to the English National Ballet to see a re-interpretation of an original production that premiered in 1804! Just picture a world full of grace, tenderness, and emotion. Pure magic, darlings! I can't wait! Maybe we can even get together in our pink tutus and do a pre-show performance – think of the fun and fab photos, I will share those, no problem!

Let’s look at all this from the viewpoint of the ballerina. I mean, just imagine yourself dancing in one of those performances with delicate, lightweight, gorgeous and elegant dresses, performing gracefully while conveying all that feeling and emotions, the music swelling as your heart dances with the performance. This is pure delight!

This is why ballet history matters - we get to live and breathe that romance, to share it with one another and feel those same feelings with the music and steps. I do, anyway. Don’t you just want to take up ballet for the romance of it all? I do!

So, grab your tutus and join me, lovelies, in the wonderful world of ballet history!

Much love, Emma, Your Tutu-clad Ballet Blogger.