Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu! It’s your favourite Derbyshire-born ballerina, Emma, here, ready to take you on a whirlwind tour through the enchanting world of ballet in the year 1876!
Now, I know you’re probably thinking: “1876?! What’s there to tell? No tights? No stretchy fabrics?” Oh, but my darlings, 1876 was a truly magical year for ballet, with some incredible feats of technique, gorgeous tutus, and grand theatrical productions! Imagine if you could time travel and witness it all, from the comfort of a luxuriously upholstered box seat, naturally with your trusty pink tutu, as we explore all that's on offer in ballet for the fashionable 1876 lady!
First up, fashion, my dears, fashion! 1876 was a year for dramatic volumes! We're talking lavish gowns, flouncy skirts, and of course, a grand abundance of tulle! Can you imagine, darling? The amount of fabric we’d need just for one tutu! Just like our contemporary counterparts, Victorian ladies adored intricate lace embellishments, delicate flower accents, and oh, the vibrant colour palette! Think opulent burgundy velvets, shimmering satin, and delicate pastel shades like a rose garden blooming!
Now, let's talk theatrical performances, shall we? In 1876, you could have seen the likes of “La Source” in London, a grand ballet overflowing with dramatic story-telling and sparkling costumes! Imagine shimmering, emerald green tutus dancing amongst the mystical setting of a forest spring! Now, that's a show to remember!
But wait, darling, there’s more! The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow played host to an extravagant revival of “The Sleeping Beauty.” Oh my, imagine that, seeing Aurora pirouette across the stage in the most divine of tutus!
This period also witnessed the rise of ballet schools! That’s right, from London to St. Petersburg, schools for aspiring ballerinas started popping up, providing a proper framework for the training of these talented ladies. And don’t you just love the idea of these schools brimming with young ladies practicing their pirouettes and grand jetés? Just picturing the delightful clinking of shoes as they learn, like a beautiful symphony of movement and determination!
You’re thinking, "Emma, I just HAVE to try and time-travel! I need a taste of that era in my pink tutu!” You go, darling, you go!
But in the meantime, take a peek into your very own 2023 time machine! The Royal Ballet in London just launched a beautiful staging of “The Sleeping Beauty," which is a real tribute to the romanticism of 1876. They’ve really upped their game with the costume design! And darling, it’s so worth experiencing it, even if it's just for one show. You can bet I'll be there, right in the front row, of course, sporting the most gloriously pink tutu. You'll find me at the Covent Garden Market right before the show, catching up with my ballet besties over a delightful afternoon tea!
So there you have it, my darlings! 1876 – a time when grace, beauty, and sheer grandeur dominated the world of ballet. If there’s one thing I know for certain, darling, we've come a long way, and yet still maintain a connection with that enchanting era! So whether you're twirling around in your pink tutu in a bustling city square, or attending the most exquisite ballet show, you'll always remember the charm and legacy of 1876!
Until next time, keep that twinkle in your eyes and don’t forget to always keep the tutu dream alive, darling!
Emma xoxo
