Oh darling! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu! I'm Emma, your guide to the glorious world of ballet – all those fabulous twirls and delicate leaps, the gorgeous costumes and of course, the tutus! As you all know, my dream is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu. That means sharing the magic of this art form with as many people as possible! And that's why I take you on little journeys through time, like today – back to 1817!
We’re travelling through the wonders of the early 19th Century – where ballet was really starting to flourish in England. Imagine…the bustle of the streets of London! The elegant carriages, the stylish people, all on their way to exciting shows at the Covent Garden Theatre, to be swept away by the beauty of ballet. Just as you can be swept away by a beautifully made tulle pink tutu! 😉
It was quite the year, really! 1817 – the year of romanticism! Think chilled elegance, flowing lines and dainty movements, as opposed to the grand steps and poses of earlier centuries. This shift to the romantic in ballet, darlings, reflected the burgeoning Romantic period across Europe in art and literature.
And if you’re thinking fashion (because darling, I am ALWAYS thinking about fashion), think softer colours like dreamy pastels and flowing lines in those fabulous costumes. We're talking silks and satins, a world away from the heavy brocade and lace of the previous era!
It’s almost hard to believe we’re talking about it, because this was the year, the * *moment where the traditional, strict pointe shoes started becoming commonplace in ballet. And they’ve been iconic ever since, darlings! They symbolise grace and elegance, a beautiful fusion of strength and lightness. Oh, just imagine the elegance of the dancers balancing on those delicate tips, a vision of ethereal perfection! This period was just a dream for the rise of romanticism, darling!
Just to add to that, this was also the year of the Royal Academy of Dancing – so a pretty *massive landmark for the whole of British ballet history. And wouldn't you know it, the year it was founded, a stunning ballet performance happened: the revival of 'La Sylphide', with choreography by Charles Didelot, a brilliant ballet dancer and choreographer of French origin. Think fantasy and grace, mystery - absolutely perfect for the budding Romantic era!
La Sylphide, you see, became this iconic figure for this ballet. A heavenly creature who enchanted all who beheld her! (Don't forget your fairy tales darlings – there’s always room for magic, right?)
You can also see in your mind's eye that fantastic costume, right?! Soft and flowing with ribbons and shimmering silks, I imagine something delicate, almost angelic.
Let me paint you a picture of those iconic performances - just imagine that dazzling stage, adorned with rich drapes and beautiful scenery. The audience captivated by the captivating movements of the dancers, entranced by their light steps and exquisite grace. Can’t you picture the gasps of admiration as the ballerina takes to the pointe shoes for the first time? Isn't it truly magical!
So darling, 1817 wasn't just any year, it was a time where beauty, grace, and elegance danced their way onto the stage! A period that paved the way for a new style of ballet, filled with ethereal tales, dreamy movements and romantic costumes – just as fabulous as any fashion statement I've seen in our time!
As I always say, let's carry the spirit of that romantic era within us - and never be afraid to channel that inner fairy, even in your own pink tutu, dear friends!
And now, let's go shopping! I’ve just discovered a fabulous vintage collection at Harrods. Imagine - a perfect 19th century tutu, possibly pale pink, a nod to the graceful and dreamy era of La Sylphide! Oh darling, this collection just has to be explored!
As always, darlings, you’ve simply got to keep your eyes peeled for those exquisite ballet shows happening throughout the country – so do let me know what you’re going to see! Until next time, darling. Let's keep on dancing to a future filled with pink tutus and twirls!
