History of Ballet in 1885

Hey everyone, it's Emma from Pink Tutu! Today, we're travelling back in time to 1885 – a year that's brimming with exciting ballet developments and, of course, delightful tutus! Grab your teacup, darlings, and settle in for a whirlwind journey into the world of ballet, 138 years ago.

This year, we see a change in the ballet scene, away from the traditional, courtly ballets of the past, and into a world that is truly focused on artistic expression. The emphasis is on the ballerina – her beauty, strength and technical skill are celebrated more than ever. It's a year that sees some truly awe-inspiring dance performances take centre stage, and oh my, the fashion is simply divine!

Let's take a look at the big stories of the year, shall we?

First up, let's talk premieres. 1885 sees the world premiere of Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Sleeping Beauty. Imagine, darling, this glorious music set to graceful dance, and the story! A princess, a curse, and true love… who can resist a ballet like that? I just know it's going to be a timeless classic. This ballet's debut in St. Petersburg marks the start of a new golden era of ballet, and I for one can't wait to see where it takes us!

The world also gets to experience another delightful dance production - The Little Mermaid - based on Hans Christian Andersen's enchanting fairytale, presented by the renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. What an exquisite tale to bring to life with graceful movements and dreamy tutus!

Now, let’s talk street performances, because those were absolutely in vogue in 1885. The rise of outdoor dancing, a more informal approach, saw the evolution of tutus and dancing into a form of street theatre! Can you imagine, darlings? A flash of colour, graceful steps, and elegant leaps taking over the streets! It was a visual spectacle, a reminder that the magic of ballet wasn't just contained within theatre walls but could brighten up any corner. This also fuelled a trend, a wonderful one I might add, of incorporating pink into everyday attire – a delicate blush on the cheeks, pink parasols, and yes, even pink ribbons tied onto tutus for a bit of whimsical fun.

And you know what? This brings me to my favorite thing about 1885! Remember those ballet shoes, dear readers, the ones with a pointed toe and a delicate ribbon tied around the ankle? The shoe has become the ultimate symbol of ballet! They were everywhere: adorning the feet of little girls on their way to dance class, appearing as inspiration in the latest fashion magazines, and even worn on stage in these extraordinary performances. A true masterpiece of style!

Talking about fashion, let's dive into the world of fabrics, a veritable paradise for a fashion lover like myself! 1885 sees a revival of elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. The year saw a shift towards delicate fabrics, like silk and tulle, which took the tutus to an even higher level of romanticism and grandeur. The trend was to showcase the ballerina’s body in all its glory while adding layers of shimmering details and textures – I adore a good mix of practicality and exquisite beauty, don’t you, darlings?

And I absolutely loved the addition of those glorious embellishments! From delicate beadwork to intricately designed feathers, tutus became miniature works of art. It’s no wonder the tutu is still so celebrated today!

Back in Derbyshire, the spirit of dance was alive! There were dance halls, community events, and of course, plenty of young ladies in love with the art of ballet. And I, myself, was practicing day and night in the fields around my home, hoping to emulate those captivating figures on the stage! I remember being particularly inspired by the artistry of Carlotta Grisi, a famous ballerina known for her airy leaps and graceful performances - what an inspiration!

One can see the inspiration behind the elegant dance style we know and love today, all the way back to the gracefulness of Grisi’s dance! I'm very passionate about learning from the history of dance, it’s something I always try to incorporate into my street performances. If I'm ever inspired by an iconic dancer or move, you can bet that will be featured in my next street routine!

And let me tell you, the fashion in 1885 truly inspired my street dance performances too. I am constantly on the hunt for the perfect pink tutu for the perfect occasion, whether that’s on the stage or for a ballet fashion exhibition - one can never have too many tutus, wouldn't you say, darlings?

So there you have it, dear readers – a peek into the wonderful world of ballet in 1885! It was a year of innovation and artistry, with an emphasis on expressing yourself through movement, something that I'm truly passionate about. I am here to make sure the spirit of ballet keeps flourishing. After all, every day should be a celebration of this exquisite art form. Let's take a leaf out of history, don your most fabulous pink tutus, and spread the joy of dancing everywhere we go! Don’t forget, darlings, to always follow your passion, and embrace the power of dance – you never know how it might change the world.

Stay tuned for more ballet adventures! I can't wait to share my next travel adventure with you all!

Love,

Emma from Pink Tutu.