Hey lovelies! Emma here, back with another trip through the glorious history of ballet! Today, we’re taking a whirl back to 1838. Picture this: frilly gowns, flowing hair, and the most adorable ballet slippers. Oh, how I wish I could step back in time to twirl amongst them!
Now, before we get caught up in the whirlwind of fashion, let's talk about the stage itself. In 1838, ballet was reaching new heights of elegance and drama. There were big, beautiful productions all over the world, like “Giselle” in Paris – it’s an absolute masterpiece, darling, and I’ve been dying to see it! Oh, and let's not forget our good friend, Marius Petipa, who was just starting his glorious career as a choreographer!
Speaking of dance, the style in 1838 was absolutely captivating. Imagine graceful lines, beautiful hand gestures, and breathtaking leaps – you simply must try it sometime, dears! This was the time of the Romantic ballet era, where dancers used their movements to express a range of emotions, creating such moving stories through their beautiful art.
Speaking of beautiful, just look at the dresses! Oh, the layers of silk and lace, the tiny bonnets, the shimmering colours – it was practically a fashion fairytale! Imagine tulle as fluffy and delicate as a cloud – absolutely dreamy! Now, I'm not going to lie, those tiny shoes they danced in look absolutely unbearable! I wouldn’t last five minutes in those little slippers, darlings. My love for a chunky, platform ballet flat remains unwavering!
However, the true star of the show in 1838 wasn't just about fashion or dance, it was about telling captivating stories! Just imagine the emotional impact of these beautiful ballets with stories that took the audiences on breathtaking journeys. Oh, to be caught up in that whirlwind of romance and adventure!
Did you know that 1838 was a huge year for fashion? The Victorians were all about embellishments – ruffles, ribbons, bows galore! We even have a royal ballet enthusiast – Queen Victoria herself was a big fan of dance, darling! How amazing! And just imagine, her outfits were likely made with beautiful fabrics from France and India. Talk about being glamorous!
1838 truly felt like the time when ballet became a fully-fledged cultural force. People adored it, and everyone was caught up in its magic. And if we can draw any lessons from this incredible period, it's that the passion for dance never ends, my dears.
I've been planning to incorporate some 1838 styles into my next street performance. A flowing white skirt and maybe some glittering headwear… Ooh, the possibilities are endless! Let’s be inspired by this beautiful time in ballet history, my darlings.
Of course, what better way to end this journey than with some exciting ballet events going on in 1838:
What to See in 1838:
- La Sylphide by August Bournonville: It debuted in Copenhagen in 1836 and became an instant sensation, featuring a haunting tale of a beautiful sylph who seduces a young man.
- The Phantom of the Opera made its debut in 1838. While it might not be a ballet as we know it, the spooky, eerie theme definitely inspired the stories in some ballet productions in 1838.
- The Grand Opera House: Built in London in 1837, it became a focal point for a diverse range of performances including, yes, you guessed it, ballet!
So, darling, do you see the magic? It truly feels like we're living through another golden age of ballet. The elegance, the stories, the costumes… I can't wait to see what our future holds in the wonderful world of dance! 💖
Until next time, darling! Don't forget, wear pink! 🩰
