History of Ballet in 1853

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad blogger, Emma, back with another dive into the world of ballet! This time, we're travelling all the way back to 1853, a year overflowing with elegance and romance! As we step into a bygone era, prepare to be transported into a world where tutus were just as glorious as they are today, but with an extra sprinkle of old-world charm!

I know you all love to hear about what’s happening in the world of ballet now, and I’m all about the contemporary styles, but this time I'm swapping my street dance moves for a gentle waltz through ballet history. I promise it'll be an enchanting journey!

So, pack your imaginary picnic basket full of macarons and a cup of Earl Grey, slip on your fanciest vintage-inspired tutu, and join me on this trip down memory lane!

First things first, let’s rewind the clock a little! In 1853, the romantic spirit of the late 18th and early 19th centuries was still influencing ballet. Think airy, ethereal dancers and enchanting storylines based on legends, fairytales, and emotions! It’s basically everything a girl could ever wish for in a story!

Think back to those romantic, dreamy fairytales you devoured as a child. Those are the types of stories ballet was based on back then, with emphasis on pure emotion and grace.

This Romantic era was actually born from the dramatic political and social changes sparked by the French Revolution! Ballet started to move away from the rigid formality of the courts and explored themes of love, passion, and the natural world. Talk about a game-changer!

Ballet was starting to shed its classical shackles. Remember those intricate, graceful steps we're so familiar with today? Well, the emphasis on strong technical skill remained, but Romantic era ballerinas focused on expressing those emotions and stories with fluidity and ethereal elegance! Think soft movements, floating leaps, and dreamy artistry.

Imagine ballerinas in shimmering silk tutus with delicate lace details, and shoes that feel like a whisper on the floor. Those shimmering tutus, just the softest shades of pink! And of course, they are absolutely perfect for evoking that air of dreamy romance. Now that’s the kind of ballet history I love to read about!

Paris, the City of Lights, remained the beating heart of ballet in 1853. This is where ballet dreams were spun and the biggest names in dance twirled! The Palais Garnier, even in its nascent stage, was attracting international attention. Think of it as a glorious temple of dance and fashion. I just want to hop on a time-traveling carriage and go see what they're doing there!

Even today, the Palais Garnier retains that romantic air of history, and I imagine in 1853, the audiences must have been just as enraptured as we are by ballet’s beauty! They had fashion to rival ours, too! Those dramatic silks and delicate lace detailing are everything I love. Can you imagine getting dressed up for the opera?

### Ballet Fashion in 1853

Remember that gorgeous combination of flowing elegance and classic styles I was talking about? This is reflected in ballet fashion as well. The key was finding the perfect balance of romantic lightness and grace with a bit of dramatic elegance. A little bit of theatrical flourish adds such a dramatic touch, just what every true ballerinas dreams of!

Think light silk tutus, perhaps with intricate embroidered details. We’re also looking at longer, flowing sleeves on romantic costumes, adding another layer of visual interest to those dreamy creations. And can we talk about the shoes? Soft satin ballet slippers, maybe with a delicate lace trim, all set off by beautifully designed, fitted shoes that complete the look! It's like the ultimate ballet fashion fairy tale!

As I look back at the ballet world in 1853, I feel so lucky to be a part of this magical journey, even if it’s a hundred years too late! The world was embracing the spirit of Romanticism with such passion!

Even though I can’t quite go back to 1853, I try to embody those same emotions when I’m performing on the streets of Derby. Who says you can’t have a little romantic drama in modern day Britain? I bring those dream-like themes of hope, freedom and grace to the cobbled streets, all within the beautiful and unique framework of ballet! My friends on my travels, my supporters and the audience are what give it real heart. They get what I’m trying to do.

For me, the world of ballet, from its elegant past to its breathtaking present, is just one big fashion statement, a testament to human expression! It makes my heart soar, it sets me spinning, and it makes me believe in fairy tales just a little bit more. And let’s be honest, is there anything more wonderful than believing in fairy tales?

Now go forth, darlings! And don't forget, spread that pink tutu love everywhere you go! Let's paint the world with the joy and magic of dance! And for me? I’m going to spend this weekend trying out those flowing, lace details, for my next performance! It’s a love affair between ballet history, fashion and modern life that never ends!

Until next time!

Emma xx