History of Ballet in 1850

Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and today, we're whisking ourselves back to the year 1850! Yes, imagine: bonnets, crinolines, and… ballet? It’s time to hop onto the pink tutu time machine and peek into the world of dance back when Queen Victoria was reigning supreme.

Just think: no YouTube, no Instagram, just pure, unfiltered live performances! While the tutus we adore might not have existed quite yet, their origins are already taking shape. Ballet in 1850 was still largely in the courts of royalty, performed in glittering ballrooms with their elegant décor. Imagine yourself there, swirling in your satin shoes, feeling the music move through you as you glide across the polished floor!

1850 saw the rise of Romantic ballet, a world full of graceful, ethereal movements inspired by myths and legends. Think Giselle, the epitome of ethereal grace! The dancers were light on their toes, portraying characters of ethereal beauty, often depicting nature and emotion. Even the tutus themselves, though still quite far from the elaborate creations we see today, were starting to adopt a flowing, graceful silhouette.

And if you think fashion doesn’t belong in a ballet post, oh honey, you’re in for a treat! 1850's ballet fashion was a blend of the extravagant and the demure. Picture delicate lace sleeves and a flowing, romantic silhouette. Oh, and those bonnets! A flurry of feathers, flowers and ribbons adorned these elegant creations. Don’t be afraid to imagine incorporating a beautiful, delicate bonnet into your modern ballet wear – the inspiration never goes out of style!

And for you local darlings! You might be surprised to know that the art of ballet was flourishing in Derbyshire at this time! Think of it: Derbyshire with its stunning hills and valleys, filled with dancers moving like willows in the wind. Oh, the sheer magic! I have to go explore this historical connection… imagine finding a forgotten performance, some echoes of these 1850 ballerinas in the Derbyshire landscape!

To fully experience the excitement of this era, I popped on over to London, my dearest shopping paradise. The Royal Opera House, oh darling, what a beauty! The stage, like a luminous dream… even without the pink tutu explosion I hope to create, imagine the sheer magic!

This year, at the Royal Opera House, audiences could be captivated by productions such as "The Devil's Will-o'-the-Wisp" and the timeless "La Fille mal gardée" – a beautiful story of a young woman resisting an arranged marriage to follow her heart! The atmosphere in 1850 London was charged with excitement – an explosion of ballet, opera, and musical creativity.

Oh darling, just imagine shopping for dancewear in 1850! No Zara or Lululemon in sight. But let me tell you, the craftsmanship and artistry were truly extraordinary! Each dancer’s satin slippers, the fabric for her bodice, all painstakingly crafted. There's something really special about the bespoke, hand-crafted beauty of these pieces that just doesn't exist today.

You know what else I loved? They did have some fabulous ballet shoes back then. They weren't necessarily as supportive as ours today, but imagine the gorgeous details on them, perhaps ribbons and embroidery! The detail was the main event! Oh darling, if I had to give up my ballet bag in this era, I’d take a bonnet and lace slippers any day.

As always, darlings, we end on a bright note! Even with their modest attire, these ballerinas were blazing trails. They pushed boundaries and made magic on stage. It's no wonder ballet continues to enthrall us today! Their creativity paved the way for every spin, leap and arabesque you'll ever see.

So, my darlings, how will you make 1850 ballet fashion your own? Remember: you've got to take those steps, put on your own modern tutu, and show the world your ballet soul!

And remember: a pink tutu never goes out of style, my dears! Until next time, stay stylish and keep those pointe shoes dancing!