Hello my darling ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-traveller! December's here, and while the weather may be getting chillier, my adventures certainly are not. This month I've had the most enchanting journey back to the 1800s, and trust me, there's no time quite as exciting as the one that shaped modern ballet as we know it!
You know I can’t go anywhere without my trusty companion – my sparkling pink Shire, Magic Meg. She's been positively prancing with excitement this month as we galloped through snow-covered fields and bustling London streets! And who could blame her? The 1800s was a period of huge changes for the world of dance, and of course, I'm determined to discover every detail – and how it all fits into my quest to get everyone wearing a pink tutu!
This particular trip, though, has been extra special. It all began on December 12th. I must admit, it was a little tricky getting Meg through a blizzard, but the anticipation had my heart dancing in my chest. I'd heard whispers of a performance happening in Vienna on this exact date, a performance so extraordinary that even in our time it's considered a monumental turning point in the history of ballet.
Imagine my excitement, dear reader, when I reached the Vienna Hofoper, that magnificent, beautifully ornate building! Even then, it was considered a place of unparalleled glamour. I was fortunate to secure a ticket to a performance of The Creatures of Prometheus, choreographed by the illustrious Salvatore Viganò.
Oh, what a night it was! The sheer skill of the dancers was absolutely breathtaking! I swear, my feet were itching to join them. Viganò, my darling readers, was a genius! This was truly a masterpiece – all about freedom, soaring high and being light as a feather. It was incredibly inspirational!
But what makes this performance such a pivotal moment, you ask? Well, it's that famous choreography, the first to incorporate something we call ballon. Now, that means “floating in the air,” like a graceful pink ballerina, floating in a tutu. The dancers moved with such freedom and ease – it looked as though they were barely touching the stage.
They weren't quite dancing on their pointe shoes just yet, but The Creatures of Prometheus was an undeniable influence for that development later down the line. I love knowing that this performance pushed ballet further toward the ethereal beauty we adore today. My, my, I simply had to sneak into my rucksack a little souvenir!
After such a phenomenal show, I simply couldn't leave without a wander around the bustling Viennese streets! As a ballet blogger, one cannot pass up an opportunity to soak up the style and fashion of the era!
You see, 19th century ballet fashion wasn't just about tutus. Although, of course, there were many glorious creations of netting and tulle, they often came in shades of pink too. What's more, it was very popular to match your pink tutu with a luxurious satin bodice. Some had puffed sleeves, while others were tight-fitting with decorative collars. Oh, how I adore how historical trends bring us back to the present day. My pink tutus, I daresay, might be more than a little influenced by what I learned in Vienna!
It’s all about being elegant, yet bold at the same time! For me, this style is pure inspiration and really represents the spirit of ballet.
But my Vienna adventure wasn’t just about the theatre. Oh no, darling readers, my love for ballet stretches beyond the stage. I even had a peek inside a private ballet class – in one of the most charming private residences you could ever imagine. It’s clear that, just like now, ballet was becoming more and more popular as a passion. What a beautiful sight, these dancers striving for perfection with so much dedication and grace! I absolutely had to capture the moment in my mind’s eye, along with my rucksack's memories!
Now, dear readers, there’s a whole world to explore outside of Vienna! But I must stop and save the rest for another time, as I'm afraid even I must keep to a schedule. I can’t wait to share more stories with you next month!
Until then, stay graceful, stay sparkly, and remember, wear pink!
Your forever ballerina, Emma x
