Hey darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing historian, ready to take you on another fabulous journey back in time! This week, we're pirouetting our way back to 1839, a year bursting with balletic brilliance!
A Dance Through Fashion
As we step back in time, imagine a world without Lycra or those perfectly sculpted dance shoes! Back in 1839, ballet costumes were a sight to behold! Ladies danced in billowing tulle skirts, flowing like the most ethereal clouds, their bodies adorned in exquisite corsets that accentuated their graceful figures. These costumes were far more elaborate than today's streamlined dance wear.
Can you imagine waltzing onstage in a voluminous gown, all satin, ribbons, and intricate lace? Itās a truly glamorous vision, even for us modern day ballet fanatics! Imagine a romantic ballerina, perhaps in a soft pastel blue or blush pink tulle gown, dancing effortlessly across the stage. Such an enchanting vision!
One of the defining trends in 1839 was the "Romantic" period, influenced by the fascination with the arts and nature. This era brought a whole new set of romanticism to dance - think dramatic and lyrical storytelling, with elements of the supernatural often included in ballet performances! It was a time when ballet began to step outside of the traditional "court" ballet style.
Just like our modern street-style, back then they had what was called "Danse-thĆ©Ć¢tre" where ballerinas brought their own personalities to their performances! What fun! They even created a revolutionary type of tutu that didn't quite fit the strict rules of traditional ballet costumes. They loved adding flowers and even lace trimming to their skirts!
The colours used in dancewear then, reflected those beautiful flower blooms, like soft pastels and soft whites, which truly represented the lightness and delicate movement of the ballets.
It must have been quite a spectacle to see all these colours swirl across the stage!
Where were they dancing?
London was a buzzing hotbed for dance during this era. The theatres and opera houses were simply bursting with dance and excitement. The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, a jewel of British history, was the heart of London's dance scene.
Over in France, ballet dancers were twirling their way to success at the OpƩra de Paris - oh la la! These ladies truly were pioneers, paving the way for ballerinas everywhere!
And now for a spot of show business!
1839 saw a new ballet come to life in France, titled āGiselleā, starring the celebrated Carlotta Grisi! What a star she must have been!
This story of a betrayed and heartbroken maiden, brought all the elements of romanticism and dramatic storytelling, making it a truly unforgettable performance! This performance has inspired ballet dancers for centuries, with countless ballerinas putting their own unique spin on the iconic lead role.
My Ballet Wishlist: A Trip to 1839
Can you imagine going back in time and seeing one of these breathtaking performances? To catch a glimpse of those enchanting "Romantic" period ballerinas as they take flight across the stage? It's a dream I can't get out of my head!
To truly appreciate the sheer joy and beauty of ballet, thereās no substitute for actually witnessing a performance firsthand! If my pink tutu-powered time machine ever gets sorted, you'll all be hearing about my 1839 adventures in a future blog post!
I truly believe ballet history is just as important as knowing current trends - it's all part of the beautiful fabric that connects us through time!
So, thatās it for this week! Until next time, remember to twirl on and embrace your inner pink tutu princess!
Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
