Hello, my dearest tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another pink-filled, ballet-soaked journey through time. This month, Magic Meg, my shimmering pink steed, has deposited us right in the heart of 1795, on the 7th of July, ready to explore the world of ballet as it was, and ā more importantly ā share it all with you in the most fabulous way possible!
As I write this, I'm seated beneath the dappled sunlight filtering through the boughs of a cherry orchard in Derbyshire, England. The scent of ripe cherries mingles with the air, which is surprisingly balmy even for July. My pink tutu ā a shimmering, diaphanous delight ā swirls around me like a fragrant cloud. My trusty rucksack, bursting with ballet treasures I've collected during my time travels, is snug against my back, whispering stories of ballerinas past. I canāt wait to tell you about them!
I feel a touch of the romantic air of the late 18th century drifting in through the window, tinged with whispers of revolution. Across the Channel, the French Revolution simmers, stirring passions both fierce and joyous. It is an exciting time to be alive, full of fresh energy and innovative ideas. This vibrancy isn't confined to politics; the arts, and especially ballet, are bubbling over with experimentation and dazzling creativity.
So, whatās the scene on this day, the 7th of July, 1795? Well, if you were in Vienna, Austria, you would be catching the opening night of Anton Eberlās newest ballet Il Cavaliere Errante, a lively, fantastical romp showcasing the talents of ballerinas in beautifully executed pirouettes and leaps. It is a grand spectacle full of costumes in vibrant colours. Think bright reds and deep blues accented by golden trimmings. No pink, unfortunately, though they wouldnāt have the same light fabrics we are blessed with today, nor would they know how to capture that delicate blush as perfectly as we do in modern dance.
Over in Italy, in the city of Milan, thereās a different story being spun on the dance floor. Carlo Blasis, a rising star of choreography, is preparing his ballet Le Rosiere, set to music by Luigi Boccherini. His approach to choreography is more intricate and demanding, showcasing ballet as a powerful art form capable of evoking emotion and telling compelling stories. You might find his compositions a little darker and more melancholic compared to Eberlās exuberant works, though he is known to use rich colours in his costume choices.
This is just a glimpse into the exciting world of ballet in 1795. This is a time of transition, where classical forms are merging with exciting new styles, and ballerinas are breaking the mold of what is considered āballetā to create something truly special.
If I can transport you all back to these magical moments of ballet history with my blogs, then that, my darling dancers, is what my pink tutu dreams are made of! But wait! Before I depart on another exhilarating journey through time, thereās something I simply have to share with you! Itās all about fashionā¦ because letās face it, ballet is more than just leaps and turns; it's about elegance, about expression, and oh yes, about fabulous fashion!
So, hold onto your tutus ā we're diving deep into the heart of ballet fashion from the 1790s, and let me tell you, itās as fascinating as it is inspiring! You see, they did it in 1795, with no access to Lycra, elasticated fabrics, or stretch netting! Imagine, creating this movement, this artistry in dresses with bustles and panniers. They wore silks, velvets, and satins; often adorned with beautiful embroidery and beadwork. Whatās not to love?
The costumes were indeed an extension of fashion of the era - empire lines, frilly necklines and puffed sleeves. And then thereās the beautiful makeup ā it wasnāt as pale as it later became in Victorian times, with blushing cheeks and ruby lips adding that final touch of elegance.
While I adore my shimmering pink tulle tutu (especially because it makes a graceful statement with every turn!), it's fascinating to see the historical evolution of dance wear and the ingenuity required to create such beautiful expressions of art on stage.
Until next month, darling dance enthusiasts, I bid you adieu, hoping to ignite the joy of ballet history, fashion, and of course, those luscious pink tutus, in every heart and every home!
Until we dance again,
Your ever-so-fabulous,
Emma!
