Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, back with another exciting adventure from the past!
This month, we're stepping back into 1814, 8th August, and let me tell you, this time travel took me on quite the whirlwind tour. As you know, I love delving into the rich history of ballet, and this particular date just happened to be absolutely brimming with excitement!
Now, you'll be thinking, "Emma, 1814? Was ballet even a thing back then?" And the answer is a resounding yes! It's hard to believe now, but ballet was still a young, vibrant art form back then, especially in places like Paris.
I touched down in Paris, France, on this very day, and guess what? I was right in the middle of one of the most fashionable, glamorous gatherings in the city. Think grand balls, swirling silks, and oh-my-gosh, the dance moves were spectacular! I was giddy, I tell you! And believe me, my pink tutu didn't get in the way a bit - in fact, it blended in perfectly!
Before I went on my journey, I popped to London's grand Covent Garden Theatre, always the beating heart of ballet. Sadly, the famous theatre didn't open its doors until a year later. But I peeked at the stage, a true ballerina's dream! My mind ran wild with the idea of being up on stage, dancing to thunderous applause from a delighted audience, in front of the royal court, of course! The image sent a shiver of anticipation through me. What would a pink tutu look like dancing on a Covent Garden stage in the 1810s? A dream to be dreamt!
In 1814, the Italian choreographer and dancer Salvatore Viganò was in the midst of making waves in Paris, wowing audiences with his revolutionary ballet, "The Return of the Greek Woman". I caught his performance – absolutely mesmerising! He incorporated the dramatic theatricality of Italian ballet with the lyrical, graceful movement of French ballet, a real mix of styles, a melting pot of ballet magic!
But here's the real scoop, my darlings. There's one ballet tradition that hasn't changed one bit, and that's the pure passion and joy that goes into each and every performance. It's what brings me back to ballet time and time again, through any era. The music, the emotion, the energy, and the stories… it truly captures the spirit of every age, right down to our little pink tutu-clad souls, and that's something I truly believe in!
I spent the day hopping from grand Parisian salon to enchanting theatre, and you wouldn't believe the exquisite fashion! Imagine intricate silk dresses, delicately laced corsets, and feathered hats that made me swoon with every feather stroke! I collected quite a bit for my leather rucksack from the grand maisons de couture - it's stuffed with clippings from Vogue's predecessor, La Belle Assemblée, lace trims, fashion sketches, and swatches of silk, some a century older than me. I may have even smuggled out a small dollop of perfume! The sweet aroma of lavender fills my home even now.
This era also held something that we ballet lovers hold dear: a focus on technique and precision. The dancers were trained in exquisite schools, and they danced with such a controlled grace and effortless flow, almost a language that was beautiful to witness. Their performances took me on an incredible journey of emotions – a captivating tale woven with each twirl and leap!
Back in my Derbyshire studio, I was itching to replicate those elegant movements. So I gathered my troupe of eager ballerinas (don't worry, I didn't bring any historical figures back with me – no time travelling complications today!) and I got us practising those graceful, flowing movements. Let me tell you, our little Derbyshire ballet school turned into a Parisian dance salon in the blink of a pink tutu! And do you know what else? I've already commissioned a special, 1814-inspired collection of pink tutus! Imagine a romantic, slightly ruffled look, with delicately layered frills and delicate, antique lace, perfected for all you graceful beauties who long for the timeless elegance of the past.
Now, as we journey into the unknown world of fashion in 1814, let us embrace this exquisite past with a twinkle in our eye and a skip in our steps! For there is beauty to be found in each era of ballet's incredible story. And as always, darling, keep dreaming big, keep dancing, and never forget the power of a beautiful, bright, pink tutu!
See you all in a month's time!
Love, Emma xx
