Hello lovelies! Emma here, back with another whirl through time for your reading pleasure! This month, I'm trotting back to the early 19th century, a time of swirling skirts, powdered wigs, and, you guessed it, the very first inklings of the ballet world as we know it! So grab your teacups, darling readers, and let's slip into a shimmering pink tutu, ready to be transported to July 7th, 1807.
Riding Through Time with Magic Meg
Magic Meg, my glorious pink shire horse with golden hooves, and I set off from the Derbyshire countryside with my leather rucksack at the ready. Today, I'm headed to Vienna, a bustling city teeming with the most exciting and extravagant opera houses. The air is alive with music and laughter, and everyone's dressed in the finest finery! It's such a treat for a tutu-loving fashionista like myself.
Ballet in the 19th Century
The early 19th century was a golden age for ballet, and Vienna was its beating heart. The Royal Court was abuzz with performances, and the beautiful dancers captivated audiences with their grace and poise. Back then, ballet was much more than mere dancing – it was a celebration of storytelling, drama, and emotional depth. The choreography was graceful and theatrical, and the costumes were ornate, full of flowing skirts, feathers, and sparkly jewels. It's the ultimate blend of glamour and grace, which is why I can never get enough!
A Glimpse at Vienna's Ballerinas
What a treat it was to catch a performance of La Fille Mal Gardée ("The Unruly Daughter") at the Kärntnertortheater! The costumes were sensational – think lavish satin dresses in shades of blush pink and heavenly azure. The male dancers were in powdered wigs, their faces masked with soft white, creating an almost ethereal air of grandeur. I just adore how the era celebrated beauty and artistry with such detail and finesse.
I even caught a glimpse of the legendary Marie Taglioni, considered one of the most important dancers of the time! Her technique was said to be astonishingly light and ethereal. They even called her "the sylph," a magical creature who danced as if floating on air. I couldn't help but try a few steps in my pink tutu outside the theatre - I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me channeling some of her elegance.
The Evolution of Ballet Fashion
Now, we all know that ballet fashion is at its best in vibrant colours, and that includes a touch of pink, darling. The costumes back then were very different from today’s sleek designs. They were heavy with satin, lace, and ruffles, meant to exaggerate the dancers’ every movement and create a theatrical impact. But I can see where today’s designers get their inspiration – I particularly love the playful details on their dresses and tutus that I find echo the artistry and passion of the early days of ballet.
Collecting the Stories of the Past
Before leaving Vienna, I snuck a visit to the Vienna State Opera's library and grabbed some lovely relics for my rucksack:
- A playbill from "La Fille Mal Gardée", which has a wonderful image of a dancer on the front. I can almost see her spinning on stage.
- An old ballet score, and the delicate music and the handwriting are such a treasure! It gives me a little peek into the creative minds behind these amazing ballets.
A small silver-gilded coin with a ballet dancer on the front! It was the same design used for the famous ‘Goldene Kreutzer’ ballet fundraiser at the Kärntnertortheater that year.
The Power of Pink Tutu
My journey back to Derbyshire is always a treat as the skies start turning a gorgeous rose pink with the sunset! My vision is for everyone in the world to own a pink tutu and that’s what makes me continue on this journey! You don’t need to be a ballet dancer, all you need is passion for colour, elegance and maybe just a pinch of fairytale magic!
Next Month: Exploring the Ballet Scenes in 1907!
That's all for now, lovelies! Tune in next month when I travel back to 1907. It's a year with some of the most thrilling developments in ballet, and you wouldn't want to miss out on the fashion trends, groundbreaking choreography, and amazing stories that await! Remember, the best things in life are pink, and ballet is certainly one of them!
Until then, keep dancing, stay curious, and always wear your pink tutu with pride.
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
