History of Ballet in 1835

Hello, lovelies! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast, back with another blast from the past! Today we're stepping into the dazzling world of 1835 - a year bursting with romance, revolutionary technique, and fashion that will make your tutus twirl with excitement!

I just adore a trip back in time, especially when it's to explore the magical history of ballet! As you all know, my mission is to inspire everyone to embrace their inner ballerina and embrace the beauty of a pink tutu. It's my passion to share this love for all things ballet with the world - from the history, to the iconic dances, to the dazzling costumes and dazzling dance styles.

And what a journey it's been to witness ballet’s evolution through the years. Oh, the outfits! The hairstyles! The dances! It truly makes my heart flutter.

So, put on your favourite tutu, grab a cuppa (or perhaps a glass of pink champagne!), and let's step into a time capsule together. Let's go!

Imagine my delight when I realised I'd landed in the middle of the "Romantic" ballet era - the most enchanting period in ballet's history, full of fluttering tutus, light-as-a-feather dances, and stories filled with dreamy fantasy and mystical creatures! It's no surprise this era holds a special place in my heart, with its emphasis on graceful movement, emotion, and expressive storytelling.

One of my favourite elements of the Romantic ballet is the spotlight on women! We see ballerinas taking the stage like never before, displaying incredible grace and flexibility with revolutionary techniques like "sur les pointes," where dancers literally rise up onto the very tips of their toes, leaving audiences gasping for breath! It's all about fluidity, delicacy, and a hint of magical airiness, just like my favourite tutu.

Of course, the Romantic Era doesn't shy away from passionate themes! Love, loss, and even the supernatural become central to many narratives, all perfectly reflected in the dances and emotional expression of the ballerinas.

Imagine the thrill of seeing dancers soaring through the air with the effortless grace of a bird - a true symbol of freedom and enchantment! No wonder the era earned the name "Romantic!"

Of course, Paris! That enchanting, captivating city, forever a beacon for the world of dance, just like a beautiful, fluffy tutu is a beacon of elegance and whimsy! I practically danced off my tiny flat-shoes to get to the city's biggest theatre, l'Opéra Garnier, which had opened just three years prior, a majestic landmark that still holds a place in my heart - oh, the grand entrances, the majestic sets, and the roaring applause! Just thinking about the magical atmosphere has my pink tutu spinning around with excitement!

This period is the heyday for choreographers like Marius Petipa and August Bournonville, whose intricate ballets truly transformed dance. One of the greatest moments in history is seeing Petipa's "La Sylphide," where you can imagine a beautiful ballerina fluttering across the stage in her ethereal tutu - she's no longer confined to the ground!

Ah, fashion! Where to begin? 1835 had me absolutely swooning over the dance outfits. Romantic ballets call for the ultimate feminine costumes, light, ethereal and flowing. Think graceful, multi-layered tutus made of shimmering, gauzy fabrics! Think cascading tulle and silk skirts - imagine all that swishing, twirling, and dancing in my pink tutu!

I adored the soft shades and gentle floral prints in all those ethereal, dream-like dances, all reflecting the delicate and whimsical feel of the Romantic Era! The ballerinas look absolutely divine and as delicate as snowflakes! I just want to jump right into the costumes, soaring and swirling along with the magical choreography.

Even the hairstyles were like a graceful, swirling ballet! Delicate flower-adorned curls that gracefully framed the ballerina's face. If that's not enough, think sparkly headbands, ribbons, and those lovely diaphanous veils for that touch of "fairy" magic - truly enchanting! It all brought out the fairy-tale fantasy of the era!

Ah, yes, the gentlemen! Don't be mistaken, ballet is certainly a dance form that truly empowers women! The ballerinas are definitely the stars of the show in the Romantic Era, captivating the audiences with their grace and elegance. The male dancers - not quite the fluffy tutu crew (we all love our femininity in this era) but they provided an essential balance - their roles typically embody heroic and powerful figures.

Their costumes? Not necessarily for those with a weakness for pink tutus. But with velvet, silk, and even chain mail, we're still talking elegance, and of course, those stylish trousers! We've gotta admit, those handsome gentlemen with their dashing jumps and intricate footwork do add some much-needed dynamism and masculinity to the stage!

You can just imagine the sheer exhilaration and excitement that pulsed through the Parisian theatres and beyond as the world fell under the spell of the Romantic era. There were so many captivating performances!

Here's what my little pink tutu-loving heart was thrilled to experience:

"La Sylphide" - This magical ballet by the masterful August Bournonville tells the tale of James, a young Scottish man, swept off his feet by the supernatural creature, a Sylphide - she is air, she is magic, she is... graceful, captivating, and oh-so-dreamy, reminding me of all those ballerina costumes, swirling in their beautiful, graceful dance! This ballet truly sets the scene for the Romantic Era - and guess what? It still dances onto stages around the world today!

"Giselle" - Another Romantic classic! This heartbreaking tale is sure to tug on your heartstrings! This tragic story follows a peasant girl who tragically dies of grief and then reappears as a "Wili," a supernatural creature, her ghostly form appearing with such delicate and expressive beauty, just like my ballet tutus!

"La Esmeralda" - Full of passion and tragic beauty, the dancing here evokes those emotional undercurrents, perfectly encapsulating the Romanticism of the period! You could imagine how the graceful ballet moves could leave everyone entranced, from gentle twirls to soaring jumps - It's an amazing piece of artistry, truly inspiring!

These magical stories - they truly do capture that Romantic ballet spirit - full of passion, beauty, and an almost supernatural sense of magic - Just like when I dance in my pink tutu!

It is truly exciting to look back and witness how the era has influenced modern ballet! Romantic ballets are a cornerstone of the ballet world today - it truly brought us a graceful beauty and delicate style that I am so passionate about.

Oh, the legacy of the "Romantic era" truly makes my little tutu whirl! It reminds us how ballet always evokes the purest emotions - a true testament to how it captivates hearts all across the world!

That's all from your pink tutu enthusiast - Emma - today! Remember, darling, everyone can dance - with a smile and a beautiful, pink tutu of course! Go forth and twirl!

Until next time, let's stay fabulous and let's continue to share this beautiful art form - ballet - with everyone around the globe. Happy dancing!

Stay fabulous, and always remember, your dreamiest tutu is just waiting to be discovered!

And, as always, keep an eye out for my ballet performances, popping up in a charming location near you soon. The pink tutus await!