Hello, lovelies! Emma here, back with another fabulous dive into the fascinating world of ballet history. This week, we’re time-travelling all the way back to 1825, a year brimming with creative energy and breathtaking dance performances!
Oh, my dears, just imagine - the year is 1825. The scent of lilies fills the air as I gracefully pirouette across the cobblestone streets of London. It’s a glorious morning for a performance - a bit brisk for my delicate tulle, but my street ballet shows are all about bringing a touch of Parisian elegance to the world, wouldn’t you agree?
Anyway, back to the magic of 1825. Let's slip into our imaginary tutus, dust off our time machines (my trusty little contraption runs on sheer inspiration and the kindness of the universe, you see), and journey back to discover what ballet was like in the past.
The Ballerina's Eye
Right, 1825 was an exciting time for ballet. In that era, ballet was moving away from its strict courtly beginnings and becoming a public spectacle. Gone were the days of the grand court ballets, which had always been more about pageantry than technical dance skills. It’s exciting to imagine a whole new era of movement emerging!
On the London Stage
Across the pond in London, theatregoers were in for a real treat. The newly renovated Covent Garden Opera House had just opened, all fancy and sparkling with newly-minted stage equipment and all. One of the major dance spectacles was "The Italian Straw Hat", a light-hearted, playful story that tickled the audience's funny bone with charming dances and whimsical character interactions. Just imagine – it’s so full of laughter and beautiful dance scenes that everyone was captivated! It's easy to see why it became an instant classic.
French Delights
Across the channel, Paris, as ever, was the centre of the ballet world, brimming with beautiful and innovative performances. The "School of Dancing" – a ballet performance – was a truly enchanting sight. Its creators, Jean Coralli and Eugène Lassailly, made sure it showcased all the beauty and brilliance of the human form, with elaborate set designs and innovative movements. The Parisian stage, as always, provided the perfect backdrop for exquisite talent.
The Ballet Wardrobe
Remember how much we adore ballet fashion here at Pink Tutu? Back in 1825, the ballet costumes were starting to become a little less bulky and a little more flexible – more movement friendly, wouldn't you agree? Just imagine how light and breezy it would be to perform with such a costume.
Speaking of the 19th century, did you know tutus began to look less like voluminous and more like the flowing, beautiful tutus we adore today? That’s what makes fashion in the early 19th century so exciting! We could only wish to find such exquisitely-crafted tutus today - we could make the most stunning performances and be the envy of the whole world!
Tutu Trendsetting
From elaborate embroidered sashes to flowing lace gowns, 1825 saw a true metamorphosis in ballet fashion! We have to give credit to our ballerinas! The romantic ballet aesthetic – as you’ll probably see in this week’s show in Covent Garden – allowed for a focus on grace, delicacy, and elegance – much like our beautiful tutus. The colours, though - white, light pink, pale blue – perfectly reflected that soft, whimsical romanticism – ah, just stunning!
Shopping for Inspiration
Have I got a treat for you today! The Palais Royal in Paris, a hub of the finest Parisian boutiques and artisans, had an array of elegant silks and satin available – the perfect fabrics for the romantic ballerina. The shimmering threads would undoubtedly bring that gorgeous glimmer to any tutu. You must have been the envy of everyone in the street!
A Time for Grace
That's it for our little time-travel back to 1825! Can’t wait to bring you more ballet fashion history next time – this world is just overflowing with fantastic creations! In the meantime, my dears, go out there, let your tutus fly, and embrace the beauty of ballet, however you see fit.
Stay elegant!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
