Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and it's time for another monthly delve into the wonderful world of ballet history. This month, we're kicking off the year with a trip back to 1st January 1813 - can you believe it's been almost two hundred and ten years?
This month, Magic Meg and I have travelled to… well, everywhere! I find the beginning of a year is the perfect time to explore all sorts of different cultures and discover what ballet was like around the globe. It’s also great for my tutu wardrobe - new inspiration and unique finds in each location for my fabulous collection!
Fashionable Finds in France:Let's start in Paris, shall we? The year 1813, just before Napoleon's downfall, was an era of great change, especially in fashion. Ladies, picture this: puffy sleeves, corseted waists, and of course, dresses flowing with romanticism. While tutus as we know them today weren't around yet, ballerinas in Paris were certainly pushing the boundaries of dancewear. Think silk stockings, simple muslin dresses with soft drapery - elegance and lightness!
Oh, and my darling tutu-lovers, you won't believe the bonnets they wore! Flowers, feathers, ribbons, the most beautiful colors - and each one as delicate as a ballerina’s step. This truly was an age of refined fashion, even when it came to dance.
Ballet Buzz in England:Over in London, theatre life was alive and kicking! We're talking operas, pantomimes, and yes, ballet too! It seems the theatre scene was booming, with companies performing on grand stages like Drury Lane and Covent Garden. It wasn’t yet as grand or theatrical as it would become later, but audiences were starting to become increasingly enthralled by this graceful and captivating art form.
Remember, though, London in 1813 was much, much different from the modern metropolis we know today. No Tube! Think gaslight, carriages, and a city alive with both charm and grime! But what did make the city truly special, just as it does today, is its people - vibrant, passionate, and with a love for a good show!
A Glimpse of Ballet Beyond Europe:Our adventures in 1813 wouldn’t be complete without a peek at ballet's burgeoning influence elsewhere. Although European styles dominated, other nations were also beginning to embrace ballet’s artistic allure.
The first steps were being taken in Russia to create their own national dance, pulling from the traditions and the beauty of their rich culture. And imagine, in India, there was already a rich tapestry of dance and movement, evolving independently from the Western traditions. My darling tutus, can you imagine the glorious potential waiting to be explored and celebrated across the globe?
My Tutu Treasure Trove:What did I manage to collect from this extraordinary journey? Well, aside from the wonderful stories and experiences that fill my soul with joy, I picked up a couple of lovely bits and pieces:
- A delicate silk scarf with a design of lilies - perfect for adorning my travelling tutu!
- A miniature porcelain dancer with a playful, yet elegant, pose. I find her quite inspiring when it comes to developing my own grace and precision!
- A small, well-worn book of ballet steps, penned in faded ink - imagine the countless hours spent by those who danced and choreographed using such precious tools!
But it's not just about me and my adventures, darlings! I am determined to get the entire world wearing a pink tutu, and it all starts with sharing the magic of ballet history. If I can transport you to 1813 with just a few words, just think what else we can accomplish together! So, keep those toes pointed, hearts full of joy, and join me every month for a new journey back in time, exploring the fabulous world of ballet through the eyes of a pink tutu!
Oh, and before I go, let’s spread the tutu love! Go out and wear pink! If you have a favourite tutu, share a photo of yourself rocking it on Instagram with #pinktutulove and tag @pink-tutu.com! Let’s see a sea of pink filling the internet! And remember, the power of dance is a gift - share it, celebrate it, and above all, enjoy it!
Until next month, stay sparkly, my dear tutu-loving friends!
