Hello darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another magical time travel adventure with my beloved Magic Meg, our pink sparkle shire with the most divine golden hooves.
This month, we're stepping back to the 3rd of March, 1751, and it's all about the glorious, vibrant dance scene in Vienna! Oh my, darling, it's simply overflowing with talent and excitement. Imagine it - the grand Imperial Theatre buzzing with life, the scent of the waltzes and polonaises swirling through the air, and the elegance of the dancers absolutely mesmerising!
I'm wearing, of course, my most fetching pink tutu with shimmering diamante embellishments. My trusty leather rucksack is strapped to my back, ready to gather the very best stories and trinkets from this delightful time. I'm feeling truly inspired!
So, what's going on in the world of dance on this particular date? Well, let's delve into it together, shall we?
The Waltz Rules Vienna1751 Vienna, my dears, is completely smitten with the waltz! It's sweeping the city like a rosy-cheeked whirlwind. Just imagine the elegant couples twirling across the dance floor, their graceful movements mirroring the spirit of the city itself. The music! The air practically crackles with excitement. Oh, to be whisked away in a swirling waltz, bathed in the golden light of the chandeliers!
But the waltz wasn't just for ballroom nights, it had begun to find its way onto the ballet stage.
You see, darling, this era is all about the blossoming of ballet d'action – ballet that tells a story. It’s a time when the rigid movements of the court ballet are starting to evolve into a more expressive and captivating art form. We are seeing dramatic narratives unfolding, full of emotions and characters that the audience truly connects with!
This year, Vienna witnessed the debut of the wonderful "Don Juan" - a ballet in five acts by Franz Hilverding, featuring beautiful, expressive dancing with all the grand spectacle that only Vienna could offer! I just imagine the stunning costumes, the passionate performances, and the drama that unfolded onstage.
"Don Juan" wasn’t the only ballet causing a stir. In fact, 1751 was an exceptional year for dance, with a whole string of ballet performances captivating audiences all season long.
Oh, the grandeur of it all! The opulent theatres, the rich colours and sparkling costumes – every performance was a breathtaking spectacle. This is why we're starting to see the emergence of ballets de cour - these more theatrical works brought the world of ballet into the everyday, blending dance with storytelling in a truly captivating manner!
Ballet Fashion in ViennaThe ladies in Vienna? They absolutely adored fashion! Oh, I do love this time period for its extravagance. Think flowing silk skirts, rich colours like amethyst and jade, and elegant hairstyles adorned with pearls and feathers. I’ve already begun sketching my own inspired creations! The gentlemen, naturally, were equally well-dressed, in their finely-tailored coats and breeches, always a dash of lace and silk just for good measure!
“La Commedia dell’arte,” a popular form of theatre, played a large part in shaping Vienna’s love of vibrant costumes and masks! Oh, the masks are so utterly enchanting! The characters within "La Commedia dell’arte" were just so captivating! Imagine Columbine, the charming but mischievous lady, with her swirling ribbons and feathery headwear. And Arlecchino, with his colourful diamond pattern costume and playful masks!
La Commedia dell’arte’s influence can clearly be seen in the way ballets were beginning to take shape. The lively movement, the interplay of comedy and drama, and even the bright and dramatic costumes - the legacy of "La Commedia dell’arte" could be seen woven beautifully into these burgeoning ballets.
Vienna was, truly, a captivating city for those with a passion for the theatrical. Imagine, my dears, a world where the beauty of the dance and the excitement of drama came together in a glorious symphony!
### Ballet Beyond Vienna
While Vienna might have been the hub for ballet, its energy spread far and wide! Let's journey just a little further and consider the wonderful things happening elsewhere:
France: The Paris Opéra was bustling with its own ballets, but even there, "Don Juan" created quite a stir. Parisian ballet audiences, just like those in Vienna, loved its stories, drama, and breathtaking dance.
Italy: In Italy, ballet was flourishing too! Florence and Venice hosted their own brilliant dancers, bringing to life fascinating stories with beautiful choreography and breathtaking costumes.
Oh darling, this trip has inspired me beyond words! Imagine it: swirling waltzes, enchanting masks, ballets bursting with stories - it's enough to make a Derbyshire lass's heart leap! I can’t wait to put together a series of ballets inspired by these exciting discoveries.
And don't you forget, dears! My ultimate mission in life is to get everyone dancing in a pink tutu. After all, there's nothing more magical and joyful than celebrating life with the grace of dance and the loveliness of a perfectly pink tutu!
Do join me again next month for another captivating time travel journey into the world of ballet. Until then, let your imagination twirl, and let your love for pink dance through your days!
Love, Emma xxx
Remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more of Emma's time travel adventures!
