Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back from another exciting journey through time with my fabulous steed, Magic Meg, and today's destination is 10th October 1812! It’s the latest chapter in my quest to spread the joy of the pink tutu to every corner of the world – and this trip, oh my darlings, is filled with the birth of legends!
This blog post, my sweet peas, is number 1822. It’s the 1822nd adventure I've shared on my website, www.pink-tutu.com. This site’s my platform, my diary, my record of ballet history and my personal love affair with this incredible art form. Each month, Magic Meg and I journey back in time to explore a date in history that holds a special place in the ballet world – and, of course, in my tutu-clad heart.
But enough about me – let's talk about ballet in 1812!
We've arrived in Paris, the city of love and lumière, and let me tell you, my darling dears, Paris is already teeming with exciting ballet news. In the glorious world of ballet, there's no bigger name than Marie Taglioni. Her exquisite talent is enchanting the Parisian audience with her ballets at the Opéra de Paris. This dazzling diva, darling, was practically born on a stage, with her father, Filippo Taglioni, the legendary choreographer. Talk about talent in the family, right?
Imagine this: I'm walking along the Champs-Élysées in my pink tutu, practically sparkling under the Parisian sun, just as Taglioni would. This year, 1812, she was only 16! I'd love to catch one of her performances, she's so legendary – but of course, a lady can't wander around like that without a touch of class. I've got to visit some lovely haute couture shops for an evening gown worthy of seeing Marie Taglioni in her splendour! I'm going to need an exquisitely delicate silk frock and maybe even a veil, don't you think? Just for a little extra flourish – think about how utterly darling it would be, dancing in front of the King and Queen with this Parisian fashion statement, eh?
Oh, my sweethearts, the ballet performances that are on in Paris in October are quite something! Taglioni is the absolute star of the show – you just can’t miss it! My darlings, imagine me and Magic Meg sitting in the grand Opéra, the lights shimmering, the music sweeping, the ballet story unfolding with such grace and beauty… I’m positively swooning. And let's be honest, wouldn't we all just love to live in the fashion world that’s blossoming alongside the ballerinas? The opulent ballrooms, the beautiful ball gowns… Oh my! I do hope they’re serving hot chocolate during intermission. I simply couldn't bear to be un-tutu-d in the winter!
Let's dive deeper into 10th October 1812.
This date in history isn't just about ballet. It was also the date that saw Napoleon Bonaparte arrive in Moscow, starting a major turning point in European history. He, along with the rest of the French Grand Army, came all the way from Paris. The weather, dear girls, was so cold the Russians even wore furs while in their homes!
But back to ballet! I'm all about dancing and twirling and feeling like the most delightful creature on Earth, not about political shenanigans, even if they were happening right across the river from my hotel. As the ballet world was bursting with the excitement of a new generation, Italy was on its own path with Carlo Blasis, a famous dancing master. Blasis' legacy, my lovelies, will go on to become huge – he was known for revolutionising ballet technique in ways that still have an effect today! Can you imagine! His book, Code of Terpsichore, written a year earlier in 1811, would go on to be an international bestseller! Imagine that: ballet books literally becoming the reference for every ballerinas! That is pure ballet history for you! It makes me wonder how he would have written the Code if he had been able to hop onto Magic Meg for a little inspiration-seeking jaunt back in time, wouldn't it?
Of course, 1812 isn’t all just about dance. While ballet is my true passion, I just can’t live without a little bit of shopping. Fashion in 1812 was something quite special, and London was the city for the absolute latest fashion trends! My heart would beat just for the chance to try a few of these elegant gowns and get some lovely fashion inspiration to incorporate into my ballet designs. And can you imagine? A pink tutu could just become the fashion trend… one day! Imagine, all the beautiful ladies across the world looking positively delightful in my special creations!
Paris was all about classic elegance. High-waisted gowns were essential! The style we think of as "Empire" or Regency fashion - you’ll have to imagine me in one! Think lots of lace, velvet, silk… And did you know that the Regency period is known for its soft romantic aesthetic in clothing? There are layers of fine lace and beautiful textures that would make any ballerinas dance for joy! You know I'd pick up some new ribbons, beads and lovely things from the bonnet shops, which were quite the fashion destination back then. Imagine creating a dazzling and oh so beautiful tutu design using such amazing materials…
Paris, London, Italy - what a wonderful time for ballet to be so prominent in all of these fantastic locations. Each has its own individual flair that makes them stand out.
So, what do you think of the fashion and ballet in 1812? Did I miss out anything that you’d be keen to know about? Let me know in the comments – it’s all about connecting and learning together. And if you want to dive even deeper into the beauty of the tutu, keep coming back for more adventures. Until next month, my dears – remember, a pink tutu always makes life more magical.
Yours in tutus and time travel, Emma xx
