Hello fellow tutu enthusiasts and welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels! It’s me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina! It's time to dust off our dance shoes, polish our tiaras, and journey through time, darling!
This month, I'm whisking us back to the 10th October, 1807. Just imagine, the air crisp with the smell of autumn leaves, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and a bustling London teeming with the excitement of the season. As I said, 1807 - a time of exquisite ballet that was on the verge of revolution. Think dramatic stories, swirling emotions, and intricate footwork - ballet was taking the world by storm!
Before we begin, let me introduce my trusty steed – Magic Meg! She's a pink-sparkling Shire with a heart of gold and hooves the colour of melted honey, sporting a flowing white mane and tail. Oh, and don’t forget her shimmering, pink saddle adorned with glittering gemstones - how very glam, darling!
Magic Meg’s always ready to carry me to the past, and today is no different. So, hop on board, and let’s take a spin back to 1807!
I found myself amidst the grand avenues of London. The theatre lights were dazzling - such excitement in the air. The scent of perfumed women and gentlemen mixed with the aromas of pastries and roasted meat. Oh, London, how glamorous you are! My eyes darted around taking in all the finery: luxurious silks and velvets, intricately designed fans, and gentlemen in their finest coats and waistcoats. It was a vision of elegance and refinement!
As I navigated the bustling streets, I couldn’t resist peeking into shop windows - oh, the wonders they held! Delicate bonnets, exquisite lace gowns, and dance slippers – my favourite! I slipped my leather rucksack off my back, which I fill with my finds – I’ve been lucky to gather some gorgeous dance shoes from this era – just perfect for recreating the movements of the romantic era ballerinas.
My senses were already in a whirl of anticipation! My journey began in the city centre, the place for a spectacular ballet performance. The King’s Theatre, now a forgotten space, was one of the most prestigious venues, its doors throwing open to welcome dancers from all corners of the world. Oh, how I yearn to see them grace the stage, to witness their delicate gestures, their swift and graceful footwork, and their mesmerising portrayals of love and loss!
Imagine this: elegant sets, intricate costuming, and ballerinas performing breathtaking choreographies, embodying the grand sentiments of love, desire, and despair. The romantic ballet, born in this era, was a stark departure from the stiff formality of the previous era, ushering in a new world of emotions.
Oh, the history! The era witnessed a breathtaking change in dance, leaving behind the precise geometric patterns and adopting a style focused on expressiveness and artistic flair.
Let me tell you, dear readers, I couldn't help but be entranced by the stories whispered by the cobblestone streets, the very stones echoing with tales of renowned choreographers such as August Vestris and Carlo Blasis, who breathed life into this movement, forever changing the landscape of ballet.
There’s also one choreographer that I cannot fail to mention. This is none other than the divine Marie Taglioni, the embodiment of romanticism. It was she who pushed boundaries, captivating audiences with her elegant lightness, effortless jumps, and incredible use of the pointe shoes. Her movements were both fluid and powerful, taking her to heights previously deemed impossible for female dancers. Talk about breaking through boundaries!
My trip took me to the countryside where I visited a private dance academy where talented aspiring ballerinas trained relentlessly to refine their art. Their passion, their dedication - a breathtaking testament to the artistry that defined the period.
Imagine this scene: young dancers clad in soft, flowing costumes, practicing in the sun-drenched studio. You could hear the rhythmic whispers of the chassé and tour as their bodies contorted into delicate positions. Oh, the artistry, the passion, the grace.
The fashion in this period is something that absolutely captures my heart! We see a beautiful transition from the grand formality of the 18th century to the more relaxed and elegant silhouette of the 19th. Delicate tunics and graceful skirts began to be more widely seen, which for a ballet dancer are absolutely dreamy.
And my love of tutus has never been soothed more than on this trip! These tutus are airy and romantic - and in pastel shades with a simple yet captivating silhouette. Just the right kind of tutu for the soft, dreamy dances that define this era.
One particular piece that made my heart skip a beat was a stunning tutu in a soft lavender shade, accented with silver ribbons. I knew that very moment I needed it for my collection, for a dance that embodied the fragility and ethereal beauty of romanticism.
I also gathered some exquisite ballerina shoes! Such beautiful pointe shoes with their hand-stitched satin ribbons and delicately crafted toe box, and flat ballet slippers, soft and delicate like a petal, all perfect for bringing those magical movements to life!
My Collection
Oh, the things I’ve added to my ballet time-travel collection on this journey! My rucksack is brimming with souvenirs:
A ballet score from a production of La Sylphide. I imagine the stage lights reflecting off the sparkling costumes, the tender love story woven into the movement. The melodies swirling around me, a symphony of emotions captured in a moment.
An intricately carved ballet shoe – this piece is so elegant and detailed - just a vision! Its ornate carvings are breathtaking, with elegant, graceful shapes reflecting the elegant dancers. The very sight of it transports me back to that dance academy and the inspiring young women honing their art.
A pink satin tutu with lace accents – oh, I knew that this tutu was a keeper! The delicate softness and graceful silhouette embodies the era. I envision it fluttering across the stage, shimmering under the warm theatre lights as a dancer’s body becomes one with the melody and emotion of the music.
Dance lessons for beginners written by Charles Didelot. The era witnessed many famous choreographers such as Mr Didelot - his lessons reveal his creative approach to teaching, a focus on fluidity and grace that still inspires dancers today. This book will have a permanent home on my shelf - it's like owning a part of ballet history!
I love finding these fascinating bits and pieces – it’s these snippets of the past that I bring back and share with you. I’m here to show you the history of ballet in the most wonderful, beautiful, and positive way.
And with that, I must bid farewell! This is your time-travelling ballerina signing off, full of dreams and ready for another adventure. But don't you worry, darling, we'll be back next month!
Now, don't forget, wear a pink tutu if you dare. It will be your ticket to a world of magic and beauty - just like the beautiful ballet world of the romantic era. Remember, my dear readers, the future of ballet starts with each of us - a dance of hope, love, and passion.
You can catch me over at www.pink-tutu.com where I blog every month with a new historical adventure in the ballet world. Oh, and if you happen to be near a theatre or studio where I might be performing, be sure to pop along and dance along with me.
Until next time!
Emma xo
