History of Ballet in 1840

Hey everyone! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad historian, and today we’re waltzing back in time to the utterly charming year of 1840. Now, while I'm all about tutus of every style (because who can resist a fabulous frill?), let’s admit it – this was a year when tutus took centre stage, literally! Imagine a world without pointe shoes, with soft, fluffy skirts and graceful arabesques – sounds a little too perfect, doesn't it? Well, darlings, it was!

I travelled to 1840 last week – just a little weekend trip, you know, just me and my lucky vintage copy of "The Art of Dancing" – and let me tell you, it was like stepping into a Jane Austen novel! Imagine waltzing down cobbled streets in a swoon-worthy ball gown and a feathery tutu, then stopping for tea at a lovely little shop overflowing with delicate, hand-painted parasols. That was my 1840, and I haven’t stopped smiling since!

In 1840, the world was smitten with ballet. Not only was the whole concept of ballet still incredibly new, but we were also in the midst of the "Romantic Era" – a time where emotions, sentiment, and dreams held the reins, a perfect pairing for ballet's enchanting storytelling. Just like that sparkly, dreamy tutu you bought for your recital last week, ballet in 1840 was all about ethereal lightness, graceful movements, and narratives filled with passion, longing, and yearning for something beyond the ordinary.

And where else but Paris was this romantic spirit thriving?

The Parisian Opera House, a place so elegant it made even the most experienced ballerina swoon, was practically bursting with breathtaking ballets. Now, the ballerinas in 1840 might not have been doing the dizzying triple pirouettes we see today, but they were already starting to move their bodies in ways no one had thought possible before. Imagine the mesmerising elegance of a slow pas de bourrée or a graceful glissade in a grand, sparkling tutu. Simply heavenly!

You won’t believe the talent gracing the Parisian stage.

• Marie Taglioni: Imagine the world's most famous ballerina – a graceful swan who brought her magical touch to every step. In 1840, Marie Taglioni was already a star – her performance as the "Sylph" in the ballet La Sylphide captivated audiences all over Europe with her otherworldly lightness. The sheer beauty of this dance must have been incredible! Imagine being transported to another world just by the flutter of her skirt – magical!

• Fanny Elssler: She was like the Queen of the Dance! Known for her fiery Spanish spirit and passion, Fanny Elssler had the stage totally captivated.

• Carlotta Grisi: Her effortless charm and ethereal elegance was something truly special. In 1840, she took on the iconic role of "Giselle", a peasant girl who tragically loses her life for love – heart-wrenching, yet breathtakingly beautiful!

Let me tell you, my love for ballet history seriously takes off when I picture these amazing dancers. And the stories! So captivating! It truly shows how powerful ballet is to move us and tell stories, just through movement and music.

What about fashion? I hear you shout – don’t you worry, I've got you covered, darlings! Fashion in 1840 was all about the romantic ideal – soft, flowing lines, lace and ruffles aplenty, and yes, even a glimpse of pink (always a winner!).

Imagine dancing in a delicate, pastel-coloured dress with billowing sleeves, your waist cinched in a satin sash – the embodiment of feminine grace. The most stunning detail? The iconic "tutu" that everyone remembers. Back in 1840, this light, frilly, skirt was barely there, often made from layered tulle, adding to the ballerina’s ethereal elegance. Picture this: a flurry of pink tulle in an exquisitely delicate ballet, swirling and shimmering, reflecting the passion and grace of the dancers. It truly feels like magic!

As we move deeper into the 19th century, the "tutu" will become even more elaborate, layered, and more importantly – shorter! But in 1840, that barely there layer of tulle already revolutionised the world of ballet. The world began to appreciate the ballerina’s athleticism, showing her beautiful body movements, free from the constraints of a full ballgown.

Speaking of body movements, you’ll find an influx of fashion magazines and journals featuring graceful ballet poses as inspiration for fashionable postures, dance classes becoming wildly popular, and women learning to embrace their curves in stylish clothing, thanks to the grace of ballet. What a wonderfully inspiring era!

1840 also saw a shift in the world of entertainment! Ballet was taking the stage with greater enthusiasm, even going on tour with exciting premieres across Europe. From grand theatre stages to charming ballroom settings, ballet was truly conquering hearts everywhere.

As a ballet blogger who travels through time to find the most inspiring stories of dance, I can’t help but dream of witnessing these magical shows. Even in the digital world, these stories from the past seem so vivid and inspiring, reminding me of ballet's extraordinary journey, its power to inspire and its eternal appeal.

Now, I'm off to a vintage costume shop to find the perfect 1840s ballerina costume! I’ll be posting my street ballet performances with a romantic theme soon. Make sure you watch this space! I might even do a YouTube video to show you some steps!

Until next time, my dear ballet enthusiasts, let's spread the love for this wonderful art form, and remember, life's too short for boring clothes! Embrace the pink, embrace the twirls, and let your inner ballerina shine! ✨

P.S: If you are a history buff and dance fanatic, check out the ballet performance schedule for the year 1840 - trust me, it'll have you spinning and leaping with excitement! Remember, even when you think ballet couldn’t get any more incredible, you’ll find there’s always another step waiting to be discovered. Happy twirling!