Hey there, fellow ballet devotees! Emma here, your very own Pink-Tutu correspondent, beaming to you live from… well, this week we're taking a little time-travelling trip, back to a year brimming with elegance and exquisite movement - 1837!
Remember that stunning, swirling waltz we learned last month? Well, dear reader, that was the peak of the Romantic Era in Ballet. Think ethereal ballerinas with flowing, gossamer tutus, graceful movements evoking whimsical fairies, and tales spun of yearning and love.
I simply adore this period in ballet. It's pure magic! It's where those elegant, floaty tutus really took centre stage! The "Romantic tutu", which, of course, we all know, has been my absolute favourite ever since I started learning ballet. It’s a ballet lover's dream: a lightweight, single-layered, tiered skirt with lots of layers that, even back then, gave an almost transparent effect, and flowed beautifully when our graceful, airy, fairies were gliding across the stage! It's just exquisite! And those gorgeous colour palettes - I dream of being enveloped in a whirlwind of dreamy pinks and the most luscious blues! Oh, to have been there, gliding in the softest silk amongst the whispers of music!
Oh, did I mention the* “pas de deux?” * The dance for two - often a graceful ballerina and her charming prince! Oh, what a way to tell a story through movements and music! It’s sheer drama and, of course, endless twirling and artistry. Now, that’s what we call storytelling, and I think I can see why they called it romantic.
What better way to enjoy the blossoming Romance Era than with a lovely ballet to inspire your own dancing, right? Well, this is the year when “La Sylphide,” a true masterpiece of this era, took the world by storm! Think Scottish folklore woven into an exquisitely poetic, otherworldly dance, set against the backdrop of a dark forest and beautiful landscapes.
But darling, before you dash off to buy your Scottish tartan ribbons, and practice your swirling steps… don't forget about fashion! We can't possibly discuss 1837 without mentioning the stunning, elegant, yet understated style of the era! The fashionable set of London was positively swooning over romantic, floral print gowns, think silks and taffeta and, naturally, the quintessential bonnets. It's not surprising, is it, when those lovely ladies saw the graceful dancers gliding across the stage, dressed in their Romantic tutus, that their fashions mirrored such airy delight? It’s what the stylish do.
And oh! I've got an absolute favourite in my own ballet wardrobe from this time period: a beautiful rose-pink tutu, adorned with the finest tulle, and just the right hint of shimmer. It simply swirls as I twirl, which of course it must! Every time I don it, I can't help but picture myself as a gentle woodland creature in the misty Scottish forest, mesmerising everyone who beholds its magic.
Did I tell you how much I adore London? It's such an incredible centre of everything from the best theatrical experiences, like those at the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden, where they're always performing all those fabulous ballet stories. London’s just the place to see it all. It's truly a wonder of elegant ballet performances! And, just picture this: me in my rose-pink tutu, stepping onto the stage. What a sight to behold, right? What are you waiting for? *Start wearing pink tutus! *
It's definitely time to pull out your own ballerina pink and recreate a little of that 1837 romance! I, for one, am certainly ready for some lovely twirls and twirls, all in a graceful swirl, all those little dance steps, with my ballet class at the Derbyshire Dance Academy!
Until next time, fellow ballerinas,
Keep that pink tutu flowing, and dance your way to happiness,
Your pink-tutu-loving Emma
P.S. What's on your list of must-see ballets? I'm always looking for the next magical ballet to see. Tell me, which are you hoping to see this week? Share your ballerina loves!
Pink Tutu Out.
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