Hello, dear fellow tutu-lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another time-travelling adventure! This month, we're heading back to a year of revolutionary change, exciting discoveries, and burgeoning artistic expression – 1813!
But first, let's have a quick chat about me! As you know, I'm utterly devoted to ballet and I can't imagine a world without the grace, strength, and joy that it brings. My love affair with ballet fashion extends beyond the stage – and why not? The iconic tutus, the delicate satin shoes, the exquisite costumes – they all whisper stories of elegance and beauty.
Speaking of stories, I love to learn about ballet history. And what better way to do so than by hopping on the back of Magic Meg, my extraordinary pink-sparkling shire horse with the most magnificent golden hooves and white mane and tail? This wondrous steed carries me through time, collecting tales, treasures, and inspirations, all in my trusty leather rucksack. It's full of all sorts of fascinating ballet bits and bobs!
Oh, and one more thing: I'm a firm believer that everyone can be a ballerina – that the joy of dance transcends age, gender, and body type. After all, it's all about expressing yourself! That’s why I hope my pink tutu is a symbol of that joyous, carefree spirit! I aim to inspire everyone to dance with the same wild and passionate freedom I experience! So, let's put on our pink tutus, climb onto our favourite steeds (whether they be magical or real) and journey back to 1813!
10th October 1813: The Ballet Buzz
As I rode through the cobbled streets of London on Magic Meg (she loves a good carriage ride!) I felt the undeniable buzz of an era filled with hope and innovation. 1813 saw England navigating the challenges of the Napoleonic Wars but simultaneously blooming with a renewed enthusiasm for the arts, music, and – of course – ballet.
You may not be able to imagine a world without ballet companies in London, but the King's Theatre, situated on the Haymarket, was still a brand-new home to dance in 1813! Built with grandeur and sophistication, the theatre provided a magnificent setting for the most celebrated dancers of the era. I managed to slip in (I know! Such a sneaky dancer) and marvelled at the splendour of the ornate, glittering interior – the gilded boxes, the sweeping velvet curtains. Imagine, ballet aficionados, all that for a mere six shillings for a place in the Pit!
I couldn't resist catching a performance of "La Vestale" starring Marie Taglioni, the celebrated prima ballerina who would later go on to become an icon of ballet history! I even glimpsed Charles-Louis Didelot, the acclaimed ballet master who had already captivated audiences with his innovative, balletic narratives. Oh, and remember, I snuck in!
But, alas, this ballet's history isn't all roses. While enjoying the performance, a little rumour reached me. Charles-Louis Didelot was the most sought-after ballet master of his time, but the man seemed destined to always be on the run, fleeing from both debt and conflict. Sadly, he couldn't resist making enemies.
What To Wear:
Speaking of grand style, 1813 was an era of elegance and opulence in fashion! For ladies, the ideal outfit involved gowns with a defined waist, billowing sleeves, and perhaps a shawl to complete the look. Men sported high-waisted coats and trousers, and the colour of choice for both men and women? Pale colours! Imagine being fashionable and pale! I simply had to try!
Don't forget, of course, a statement hat to compliment the look – an elaborately feathered confection, perhaps, or a straw bonnet adorned with lace. Don’t forget the gloves, your dancing would be far less refined without the exquisite white cotton or suede gloves, the taller, the better! You'd also find delicate lace details, exquisite embroidery, and a plethora of bows and frills - all the essentials for a graceful ballet-worthy ensemble!
However, here's the catch: if you were on a tight budget, you would make do with simple, home-spun materials and accessories. Don’t worry, those delicate handmade fabrics looked quite amazing too!
The Art Of Dance:
Ballet in 1813 was an evolution, not a revolution. I heard it spoken that dancers like Taglioni were at the forefront of innovation, making dancing an artistic medium for storytelling and self-expression, which we see clearly now.
But if you asked a ballerina of the time about the ideal style of dance? She might have answered with "pantomime!"
For those new to the term, "pantomime" was a dramatic theatrical form of dance with a rich history. Ballet, and by extension pantomime, were still developing as a performing art. For these early ballerinas, they often created an atmosphere where a story unfolded, sometimes without spoken dialogue. Imagine an enchanting and beautiful dialogue of motion!
Shopping In 1813:
It wouldn't be a ballet time travel blog without mentioning shopping, would it? After all, I just can’t resist a good shopping spree. Even back in the day, the Pantheon in Oxford Street (it existed back then!), a renowned emporium for fashions, and even shoes, could cater to your most glamorous demands. However, I had to get Meg to slow down so I wouldn’t be tempted into the opulent jewellery stores. One silver feather ear-ring would have emptied my pockets!
But let’s be honest, all those delicate ballet shoes just wouldn’t last long at all. If you asked a dancer in 1813 how long their satin slippers might last, they’d laugh at you! Maybe one evening of graceful steps.
And those grand ballerinas with their beautiful outfits wouldn't think twice about putting on the ballet dress for another evening's performance, a second time even if a single ribbon was fraying on the hem. You see, there were not unlimited costume budgets or endless supplies of silk and velvet!
Looking Back:
I hope you enjoyed joining me on a whirl through 1813! For my pink tutu-clad self, this was a time full of fascinating contrast – the backdrop of war, the growth of the ballet stage, the development of dramatic dance forms, and the enduring pursuit of style. And we’re just a hop, skip, and a waltz away from 1814! I simply cannot wait!
Oh, and while we're on the subject, do join me in sharing the joy of ballet! Tell your friends and family about this fabulous world of dance and inspire them to find their own dance – whatever it might be!
Until next month, let’s all remember: It's all about dancing with joy, confidence, and maybe a little bit of pink!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
