Oh darling, my darling readers! It's your favourite Derbyshire ballerina, Emma, here with a super exciting #pinktutu travel post! I just had to share my time travel adventure back to the year 1818 – talk about an exciting trip! Now, you know I love to take you on trips to the past, but this one was especially divine.
So, grab your favourite tea, pop on your most splendid tutu, and let’s take a whirl through time together. Imagine – a year before Queen Victoria ascended the throne, when ballet was beginning to take centre stage in Europe. Just think of the stories those old wooden theatre floors could tell! We’re taking a look at ballet fashion, the fabulous shows people were seeing, and all the things I adored about this era, darlings!
1818 – When the Dance Became "Romantic"
In 1818, we see the world of ballet starting to embrace a whole new, romantic vibe (just my style, isn’t it, darlings?). The choreography was becoming softer, more expressive – less about structured poses and more about storytelling. Imagine all the feels with every pirouette, each arabesque – so beautiful and captivating! Just the type of movement that makes my ballerina heart soar! It's no wonder people were mesmerized, darlings.
Now, you might think fashion takes centre stage at my blog. You’d be absolutely right, but let's have a quick chat about this new “Romantic Ballet” that was all the rage back in 1818, because I think it influenced fashion too.
Think fairy tales – you know I love them. The ballerinas would be decked out in gorgeous, lightweight gowns that were flowing and romantic, with soft colours. Forget stiff corsets, they’d wear snug-fitting, but comfortable, bodices that showed off their graceful movement. We are talking flowy, feminine elegance! And let’s not forget the footwear – silk ballet slippers, darling! Just like we wear them today. I’m going to have to add this look to my wardrobe!
Now, I want to whisk you back to the year 1818 in England and introduce you to some iconic figures of ballet who were dancing up a storm. Imagine this, you might find yourself watching Marie Taglioni, who I think was the very embodiment of “Romantic Ballet.”
Dancing Up a Storm with Marie Taglioni
Talk about the perfect blend of graceful movements, artistry and dramatic presence - oh Marie, Marie, darling! She would have swept you off your feet with her incredible technique, her gentle, airy jumps, and that expressive gaze, it's the stuff of legends! But it wasn't just about the moves, it was the stories that her dancing told! She had a unique gift to make each story come alive. I absolutely adore how ballet is like its own special type of language that doesn't need words. Marie could have you transported to another realm through her dances, it’s incredible!
It's quite possibly her most famous performance that truly embodies this, "La Sylphide,” the *story of a mystical creature that makes ballet truly magical. It is thought this performance took inspiration from Romantic era poems and fairy tales and what we know as "the fairy dance" became all the rage. If you are in a vintage ballet shop darling, I suggest a "La Sylphide" costume. Divine!
The Big Ballet Fashion Trends of 1818
I cannot tell you how excited I am about the fashion back in 1818! This was the year, my dear friends, when romanticism seeped into everything, including fashion! I just adore how those Romantic designs mirrored the softer, expressive style of dancing - it’s as if the whole world was falling in love with femininity!
It’s a perfect combination of airy, delicate fabrics like silk and tulle – the kind of stuff dreams are made of – in soft pastels and light hues, darling. Picture flowing, draped dresses with soft necklines, delicate lace trimmings, and stunning bonnets adorned with fresh blooms. Now wouldn’t those make beautiful stage outfits?
And the colours, darling? We’re talking soft pastels – oh my! Imagine pale pinks and peaches, powder blues, and a touch of green! Absolutely enchanting! As I told you before, you just can't beat soft pinks for that touch of grace and femininity! And who doesn’t love a bit of pink sparkle on their tutu? Don’t you dare tell me I’m wrong! I believe fashion trends come full circle! I just hope that all the amazing dresses that I am admiring, end up inspiring some fab, new fashion designs for the 21st century, don't you think? I can dream about it, anyway!
Ballet Performances To See In 1818
Darling, if you want a true slice of "Romantic Ballet," in 1818 there were a few incredible ballets taking centre stage. The shows, my dear friends, are spectacles of beauty, charm and drama! Imagine stepping into a beautifully decorated opera house or a theatre full of shimmering costumes, and a flurry of emotion coming from the dancers. Let’s just say my inner ballerina absolutely went crazy over these shows!
We had "La Sylphide" as I mentioned earlier. It was first performed in 1832, so not in 1818 – but its influence was still prevalent back then. It was definitely an era-defining show that, to this day, continues to be one of the most iconic and beautiful works in the history of ballet!
Then we have the legendary, “The Sleeping Beauty" (also, not performed until 1890, although its story was popular back in 1818) – I simply love this fairytale! Oh, imagine seeing a performance in the 1800s. I could feel all that elegant grace in the choreography! The story of Princess Aurora is one for the ages.
Oh my, don’t even get me started on the music darling! Such beautiful waltzes! I am imagining my time travelling into 1818, dancing at the ballet – with every beat of the music I could just spin, and spin, and spin – I would fit in, no doubt about it!
There was a particular ballet that premiered in the 1800s called, “Cinderella” by the great composer, poet, and musician, Charles Perrault! Now, if that doesn’t make a beautiful evening out then I don’t know what does. And Cinderella still stands as one of the most captivating ballets that exists. Imagine a story with music so beautiful, it would make even the most hard-hearted soul shed a tear! I might be making this up but I can see a beautiful stage costume here - maybe for an upcoming show at Pink Tutu Dance Studios? Hmmm…
So my sweet friends, that was a brief but delightful peek into the beautiful world of 1818. Now let's raise our teacups to the romantic spirit of dance and fashion! * Just thinking about those delicate colours, the dreamy stage designs and, the stories dancing right before my eyes! Who knew, even then, pink could have played such a fabulously elegant role in the world? I bet they were so far ahead of their time. It's been such a whirlwind of excitement. Now excuse me, darling, as I *must get back to perfecting my Pink Tutu steps in my little studio - after all, there’s so much more history to share! I do hope to travel to 1818 again, to witness those magnificent productions - oh to dance with them all! Now, don't you all be dreaming of your own 1818 adventure!
Sending Pink Tutu Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
