#BalletHistory during 1802 03 March

Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, I'm taking you on a trip to a most fascinating date - 3rd March 1802! Buckle up, darling, because we're about to waltz back in time to a period full of elegant dances and graceful movements - oh, and maybe some history, too! 😉

Now, before I take off on my journey with Magic Meg (my fabulous pink sparkling shire horse with the golden hooves and that glorious white mane!), I wanted to share a bit about my month! Oh, darling, have you seen the fabulous fashion trends emerging in the ballet world? We've got so much sparkly tulle, feathers, and gorgeous velvet. I've been absolutely swimming in pink this month, thanks to the new collection by that delightful little French designer. It’s called 'Pink Dreams,' darling! And of course, I had to indulge in a new, fluttery pink tutu, oh, it's so light and breezy, it feels like a cloud!

Now, to my dear Derbyshire! Oh, the beauty of my homeland, all green hills and whispering meadows, and the most divine shops for everything pink. I had a fabulous tea party with my dear Mum and Gran this past weekend. We talked about all the latest ballet news, of course, and my Gran is teaching me how to make the most amazing, buttery shortbread - perfect for enjoying with a cup of Earl Grey! Speaking of teas, did I tell you about my upcoming performance at the National Theatre in London? It's a charity event to raise funds for a new ballet school for children from underprivileged backgrounds. You see, darling, my mission in life, besides inspiring everyone to wear pink tutus, is to ensure everyone can experience the magical world of ballet! 💖

But enough about my busy life, it's time for a grand waltz back in time!

March 3rd, 1802 – it's a chilly spring day. You know what that means? Time for a gorgeous pink cloak and my lovely fur-lined boots for my journey through time!

On this date, 1802, we find ourselves on the cusp of some truly remarkable advancements in ballet history! The stage is being set for an explosion of creative artistry and technical brilliance, thanks to some divine Italian ballerinas and their revolutionary choreographies. The whole world was dancing to the enchanting music of the waltz! Can you believe it, darlings?

One of the leading figures during this time was the exquisite Maria Taglioni, a young dancer who captivated audiences across Europe with her effortless grace and dreamy lightness. Her pointework was just divine, it truly revolutionized how ballet was perceived, setting a precedent for a century's worth of exquisite dance artistry. Can you imagine being so graceful, just soaring across the stage!

Across the world, theatre spaces were coming alive with grand ballet spectacles, showcasing innovative choreography that blurred the line between story and movement. One could feel the exciting air of artistic innovation and theatrical brilliance.

In the ballet classes, too, things were becoming much more structured! While ballerinas back in the day still followed the elegant dance moves of the traditional school, new training regimes focusing on lightness and flexibility began to emerge. It was a revolutionary period for technique and athleticism.

Even with all the excitement of innovation, there were challenges. Ballet, dear friends, was not just a dance for anyone! There was a strong focus on maintaining the "graceful femininity" which limited many women's access to the ballet stage. This era was one where traditional norms still dictated the shape of ballet and its appeal. But the heart of ballet is in its ability to communicate, express, and captivate – and even during this time, the beauty of this form was spreading its magic wings, influencing artistic trends around the world.

So, after a quick pit stop at my favourite tea shop in Derbyshire, where I treated myself to some pink macarons and a steaming cup of Earl Grey, Magic Meg and I journeyed through time, my leather rucksack ready for another adventure!

And do you know what I discovered, darling? I found a precious copy of “Théorie et Pratique de la Danse” by Carlo Blasis - such a beautifully-illustrated book with graceful ballerinas and explanations on choreography. This book was essential for young dancers at that time, showcasing the technical aspects of dance and detailing how movements could be gracefully choreographed. I mean, the history of ballet, especially in that time, was truly an evolving art - all those meticulous techniques being studied, perfected, and then, through that, ballet becoming something truly magnificent! I think I might frame a page from this precious book and hang it in my ballet studio - I've also managed to secure the copyright for this book for Pink Tutu Time Travels, so we'll be sharing those magnificent illustrations with all of you very soon! 😉

On a less positive note, darling, I must share a discovery that made my heart heavy. During my journey, I found some frightening notes regarding the practice of 'la danse d’école', where young girls would be placed under rigid, almost inhumane, training methods. Their childhoods were stolen away by harsh, relentless, physical regimes. Thankfully, this brutal form of teaching was thankfully challenged in subsequent years. There was a real movement for change and kindness within the ballet community, which ultimately paved the way for the brighter and more empathetic environment of ballet we see today. But it made me truly grateful for the joy and empowerment that ballet brings to the children we teach in modern dance schools, all because of the people who fought against such injustice in those years.

I'm just going to be brutally honest, my darling friends, seeing these dark secrets was heartbreaking. The strength and determination these girls showed, against all odds, really inspires me to push for more kindness and inclusivity in every ballet school in the world.

So, let's take this reminder to cherish all the light, the grace, the beautiful artistic achievements of ballet. The challenges of the past give us perspective - we are in a time when everyone is welcomed on the dance floor, in any colour of tutu!

And now, darling, my adventures are calling! The 19th century is full of stunning ballet creations just waiting to be discovered. Keep an eye on the Pink Tutu Time Travels website - www.pink-tutu.com - I'll be posting an exclusive peek into my ballet fashion finds and historical highlights very soon! 💖

See you next month, loves!

P.S. Please do share your love for pink tutus in the comments! And tell me what ballet styles and dates you’d like to see me time travel to! ✨