Post #243
Hey everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing historian! Ready to time travel to 1815? I just adore this year - it's all about extravagance and elegance, a perfect time for the ballet world!
It was the year of such fashion! I love imagining myself there in a grand theatre, the scent of perfume hanging in the air, and a glorious, fluffy pink tutu swirling around my legs. Can you imagine the drama of it all?!
But before we start swooning over the costumes, let's travel back in time and understand what 1815 looked like.
The Aftermath of War
It was just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. There was a real sense of peace and relief settling over Europe. Can you imagine the joy? Imagine the relieved smiles all around! After such conflict, people were yearning for beauty and elegance, and ballet was right there to provide it!
The Romance of Ballet
1815 was also a time of romanticism in art, music, and... you guessed it, ballet. Now, when I think of romanticism, I think of pretty swirling tutus, dreamy music, and emotions running wild on stage. Think of beautiful princesses, handsome heroes, and captivating stories that whisk us away to far-off lands. Just like a lovely, full-skirted tutu, the emotions were free and flowing!
A Glimpse of The Stage
In 1815, some incredible ballet stars were taking the world by storm! In France, we have the wonderful Marie Taglioni, known for her lightness and grace. Imagine someone who literally glides through the air! It's said her dancing was like poetry set to motion. How poetic, right? And of course, Carlotta Grisi, famous for her elegance and dramatic portrayal. We wouldn't be getting the ballerinas we know today without her!
The choreography in 1815 was beautiful. Think Les Sylphides - it wasn't just a dance; it was a journey into the realms of beauty, grace, and elegance. These ballets often revolved around fairies, nymphs, and mythical creatures, evoking the whimsical, fairy-tale world I always dreamed of! Can you imagine all the beautiful costumes for fairies?! I would just die to design some myself.
Oh, the Costumes!
Speaking of costumes... you know I can't go without a gush about fashion. Ballet costumes were becoming more ethereal, more delicate, and way more elaborate. The tutus were often crafted from silk or gauze and adorned with the most dazzling gems, a sprinkle of glitter and perhaps even some feathers! You know I love glitter! I'm talking the real deal, the ones that catch the light and sparkle just as bright as a real gem! And the colour, you ask? You already know, I'm living for the romantic, light pink tutus!
The World Outside The Theatre
But, we must always remember, the world of fashion wasn't limited to the stage. Just like us today, women and even some gentlemen took cues from ballet for their street styles. Think delicate floral prints and luxurious silk fabrics flowing like the most enchanting waltzes!
So what was the real big trend?
The "Robe à la Française" (A Parisian Style!)
Think flowy sleeves, full skirts and even waistcoats! This era is all about elegance and delicate femininity - exactly what a tutu encapsulates.
My Pink Tutu Recommendation:
Ladies, get yourselves a beautiful satin gown in blush pink and add a ribbon for that delicate detail, much like a ballerina’s bow. You can’t go wrong!
The Ballet Shows That Are Must-Sees:
La Sylphide (1832) - This ballet, created just a few years after our time jump, is the perfect embodiment of Romanticism and will leave you in awe. Think ethereal dances with graceful movements! I am just dying to travel to the 19th century and watch this piece performed live!
Giselle (1841)- Now this ballet is a must see! A beautiful tragic love story with unforgettable dances and intricate costumes - a true highlight! This is another ballet that would be amazing to experience live, the emotions in this story are simply unmatched.
Ending the Tour of 1815
Alright, darlings, I hope you've enjoyed this quick journey through ballet's glamorous 1815! Let's keep dreaming about that dazzling pink tutu, keep twirling, keep inspiring, and don't forget to stay connected with the latest ballet trends here at Pink-Tutu. Keep those tutus twirling and those dreams big!
Yours always,
Emma
- www.pink-tutu.com *
P.S. Do you think ballet will ever become even more popular and we can have all the beautiful, pink tutus we desire in all the shops, ready to go? What are your thoughts, comment below!
P.P.S I will be posting another tour of ballet history soon. Don't forget to check back on www.pink-tutu.com for more updates and get ready to dance your way through history!
