History of Ballet in 1867

Hello my dearest tutu-loving lovelies! It's your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on a time-traveling adventure, back to the glamorous year of 1867!

Hold onto your tutus, darlings, because we're about to delve into the fascinating world of ballet, fashion, and theatrical delights as they unfolded 156 years ago. As always, my mission is to paint a picture so vibrant and charming you'll practically feel the twirling in your toes!

Now, let's start our time machine journey by imagining a London theatre brimming with anticipation. The stage is set, the lights are dim, and the music is about to begin. The year is 1867, and the world of ballet is abuzz with exciting developments. While my modern-day tutu is practically screaming with pink, this era was a little more demure with muted pastels, but oh so stylish in their own right!

The undisputed star of the stage in 1867 was none other than the incredible Carlotta Grisi, a name synonymous with the delicate beauty and romanticism of ballet. She danced the night away, captivating audiences with her exquisite artistry. Can you imagine being swept away by her graceful movements and expressive gestures?

This era was also the era of a ballerinas who defied all expectations, Maria Taglioni, who graced the stage a decade earlier. Her legacy resonated across 1867.

Her legacy of artistry lives on in her pioneering "on pointe" technique, pushing the boundaries of ballet and allowing dancers to reach new heights of elegance and ethereal beauty. Her spirit lives on in the delicate and graceful movements of ballets such as "La Sylphide", a romantic classic where delicate movements and graceful turns are centre stage.

Now, let's talk fashion! Oh, darling, wouldn't you just love to have stepped into a Parisian salon in 1867? The fashions were as exquisite as they were captivating! Flowing silks, elegant satins, and intricate lace created a whirlwind of beauty. The colours were as enchanting as the designs themselves. Deep rich emerald greens and ruby reds perfectly contrasted against the softer shades of ivory and blush.

While my love for pink has always known no bounds, imagine this: the women in 1867 embraced beautiful pastels with their dresses. Just imagine the ethereal colours against the twinkling theatre lights, simply enchanting.

And we must not forget the beautiful tutus! Whilst the Victorian ladies may have shied away from bright colours, their tutus had breathtaking beauty all their own. They were adorned with shimmering sequins and elaborate embroidery that reflected the light from the chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of magical grandeur. I could just picture myself on that stage with these glorious gowns, twirling, gliding and dancing to the rhythm of time itself.

1867 saw a fantastic line-up of productions that captivated audiences in London. Just imagine the grandeur of these performances, where the air crackled with anticipation and the whispers of excited patrons added to the captivating atmosphere. Here's a peek into the dazzling line-up:

• "Giselle", a Romantic masterpiece filled with dramatic heartbreak and supernatural elements. Just the name itself sends shivers down my spine, it's a story full of haunting emotions! It is a ballet filled with captivating drama, ethereal beauty, and moments of both exquisite elegance and poignant vulnerability.
• *"Coppélia", *a delightful fairytale of love and adventure. With mischievous fairies and intricate dance sequences, this ballet was an absolute crowd-pleaser!

The Parisian Opéra was a real centre of ballet and artistic innovation in this era. Just think, in the midst of London’s bustle and modernity, we have the timeless magic of ballet woven throughout 1867, and Paris was a vibrant heart of its artistic creation.

Now, imagine me with my pink tutu on a London street corner in 1867, using my street performances to travel through time. The gas lamps glimmer in the background, a horse-drawn carriage rattles past, and a crowd gathers to watch me dance! It's not hard to picture, is it, my dear loves? Street dance performance can be such an intimate way to connect with an audience, sharing a love for movement and rhythm.

The bustle and life of 1867, the beautiful, flowing dresses of the time, and of course the gorgeous tutus of the ballets of this era – wouldn't you just love to see them all come to life?

But alas, we can only dream. Perhaps we can travel through time together one day, you and me, waltzing together amidst this enchanting time.

Until then, remember: Life is a stage, and it's our time to shine! 💖✨

Emma xo