Hello darlings! Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina, ready to take you on another whirlwind adventure through the captivating history of ballet! Today's journey? 10th October 1800, a date that's not quite as well known as, say, the premiere of Swan Lake, but trust me, there's a lot of magical stories bubbling beneath the surface!
Now, I’m sure you’ve already spotted Magic Meg, my pink shimmering Shire horse, looking absolutely exquisite in her sparkly golden hooves and pristine white mane and tail! Her coat gleams brighter than the stage lights in the Paris Opera House, and she’s so excited to be taking us back in time. Her nostrils are flared with excitement, and those big pink hooves are just itching to take us galloping through history. We’ve got my trusty leather rucksack strapped on, ready to be filled with all the wonderful ballet secrets from this period.
But before we head off, let's chat fashion! Now, when you think of the 1800s, what image springs to mind? Lace, frills, those beautiful romantic ball gowns? Absolutely! But don’t forget that the fashion of the era played a key role in ballet too! This was a time when the tutu was starting to come into its own – just imagine, my dears! A whole century before that exquisite tulle dream emerged! Can you believe it? Ballet skirts, in those days, were much more grounded, closer to what you’d find on a classical court dancer. Think a fluffy knee-length skirt of layers of silk, not the impossibly delicate clouds of tulle we see today. It wasn’t about being as weightless as a feather – it was about showcasing the grace of the movement itself.
Alright, let's buckle up!
From Derby to the Vienna Opera House: 10th October 1800
We’re taking the journey on Magic Meg from the heart of Derbyshire – that’s my lovely hometown, you see, a place where passion for dance burns just as brightly as those glorious stage lights – to the Vienna Opera House, where the world of ballet was abuzz.
You know what? There wasn't just one ballet on offer in Vienna on this date; they had two different ballets scheduled! One was titled "L'heureuse aventure" by Vincenzo Galleotti and the other "L'amor vendicato", with music by Josef Triebensee. The details are scanty, darling, I’m sure I’ll discover more exciting tidbits in the Vienna Archives for next month's post, but it just goes to show you the blossoming of the ballet scene at this time! The beauty of ballet wasn't just confined to Paris; Vienna, Italy, even Russia - they were all swirling in this enchanting dance!
And can you imagine the buzz in Vienna? The anticipation, the gowns, the whispered excitement - just like a modern-day opening night at the Royal Opera House! It’s these stories, these little snapshots of history, that fill me with such joy. The feeling of belonging to something bigger than ourselves, that connection we all share through the magic of ballet.
Finding Pink amidst the History
Okay, you know how I adore a splash of pink in my life. While we’re at the Vienna Opera House, let’s go window-shopping in the heart of Viennese fashion. Imagine these magnificent silks, the delicate embroidery, those wonderful Parisian fashions finding their way to Vienna! And I can't resist the possibility that somewhere, perhaps, was a shop with a pink tulle, waiting for its grand debut!
I'll bet that even if the ballerinas weren't wearing tutus, they still had those graceful movements that captivated the hearts of the Viennese audience. Their costumes, their hair, the details – it's the joy of connecting with the past. These elegant ladies, performing in their lavish ball gowns, with a flourish of lace and intricate ribbon, just like they did with such poise. They're still inspiring us today!
A ballerina never forgets: A little message from Derbyshire:
Even though we're journeying through time, remember, dear readers, this blog is more than just about me and Magic Meg! It’s about all of us! If you’ve always dreamt of donning a tutu, perhaps even of taking up ballet, go for it! Be brave! Wear that pink! It’s your chance to experience the world through the lens of your heart.
And speaking of my beloved Derbyshire, remember: there's a magic right here in the heart of our home counties, too! Don't just sit on the sidelines! Go explore local dance groups! Maybe one of them will even have a performance next month. And of course, be sure to let me know if you find your own magical Pink Tutu Moment - I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
See you next month, my dears, when I share more wondrous stories of ballet from this fantastic century! Until then, twirl happily and dream big,
Love, Emma xo www.pink-tutu.com
