Hello my darling ballet-lovers! It's Emma here, and I'm so excited to be back with you for my monthly ballet time travel adventure. This time, we're setting the time machine (otherwise known as my trusty steed Magic Meg) to January 1st, 1816. As you know, I just can't get enough of the glorious history of ballet, and the year 1816 is particularly fascinating, thanks to that rather chilly global event known as "the year without a summer". âď¸
Now, I know what you're thinking. A year without a summer? Wouldn't that make everything feel rather... muted? And how does that relate to ballet, you ask?
Well, darling, ballet thrives on a touch of magic! And there was certainly something quite magical about this period. While the world was grappling with an unusually chilly climate, caused by a massive volcanic eruption the year before, the ballet world was anything but quiet. We're talking revolutionary ballets, inspiring dancers, and dazzling fashion that put a little pink (and a whole lot of sparkle) into even the coldest winter days! â¨
It was like stepping back into the set of a romantic film! Picture this: icy streets dusted with snow, the world shimmering with frosted beauty, but within the opulent theatres, warmth, glamour and a world of pirouettes, leaps and dazzling costumes. There was just so much excitement in the air!
But first, let's talk about my darling Meg. My beautiful, pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves, the love of my life, and of course, the ultimate travelling companion. As I saddled her up and settled into my saddle, I adjusted the pink tulle of my tutu, a vibrant confection, perfect for a trip back to the heart of the 19th century.
London, January 1st, 1816: My arrival in London was as charming as you can imagine. Cobblestones, horse drawn carriages, and gentlemen with top hats! It was magical. Just outside Covent Garden, where I was headed, was an elaborate flower market with the most exquisite blooms. I simply had to buy a few lovely carnations for my collection of dried flowers and foliage which adorn my home in Derbyshire. The flower vendor looked like a figure out of a painting, complete with a waxed moustache, an embroidered waistcoat and a velvet jacket.
*Dancing to the beat of change: * In 1816, ballet was undergoing a massive metamorphosis, like a beautiful, shimmering chrysalis ready to burst into flight! Just a few years before, Italian choreographer Salvatore Viganò had arrived on the scene in Vienna, his radical ballets full of movement and drama. He changed everything! He added expression and emotion to the traditionally static French ballet style. His work focused on individual performers rather than grand, sprawling ensembles and that brought about an incredible wave of dramatic possibilities for both the ballerinas and the ballerinos. He challenged dancers to not just dance, but to tell a story through their bodies and expressions. It was revolutionary!
*But who was setting the world on fire in London? * I couldnât wait to see who was performing in London, at that very time. After all, it's always the highlight of my time travels. Who wouldnât want to soak up the energy of a dazzling, opulent theatre performance?!
Well, to my utter delight, the cast for the Royal Opera House in January, 1816 featured the world's biggest names! Think Maria Taglioni, the ethereal dancer whose name still sends shivers down my spine. You know, the ultimate ballerina, a graceful whirlwind, an inspiring pioneer of the 'ballet blanc' style. I simply had to make a visit to The Royal Opera House for her performance, of course. And oh! My darling dancers, the performance was as you can imagine. Pure magic! She took centre stage, dressed in a stunning white, the most beautiful tulle costume, perfectly complemented by sparkling, diamond tiaras! What elegance! Every single step was so precise, her pointe work so delicate and graceful, I was mesmerized. There was such emotion and passion behind her dancing.
As I savoured this breathtaking ballet performance, I was filled with wonder at the creativity and beauty that even the "year without a summer" couldnât stop. Life in the theatres was truly bursting with creativity. But let me tell you, it wasnât just the dancers who made a lasting impression! Even the costumes!
Time to update my tutu! My tutu bag is brimming with memories, I felt compelled to update my collection. My heart skipped a beat. While the ballerinas in Paris had already embraced the âballet blancâ and the simplicity of flowing tulle gowns, London ballerinas were still reveling in layers of fabric! I just had to see these gorgeous creations, The costumes were so impressive - layers upon layers of tulle, embroidered silks and velvet - everything adorned with glittering gems and sequins. They weren't just garments, they were works of art.
One gown, especially, stuck with me. It was an intricate creation crafted from ivory silk and white lace, all the way from Paris and was simply captivating! Even in those days, I just knew a little dash of pink was essential. Just a sprinkle of pink ribbon for that feminine touch! My imagination ran wild. The thought of a beautiful white tutu embellished with a touch of pink tulle for a touch of whimsy, I just had to get one of these fabulous garments for my own collection.
Of course, no trip is complete without a little shopping, right? I wandered through Londonâs elegant streets, soaking in the enchanting sights, from boutiques filled with extravagant fashions to charming cafes, where I sipped delicate cups of tea while sketching costumes in my notepad. You have to see the way women were dressed, hats adorned with ribbons and feathers, elegant long gloves, fitted gowns in a kaleidoscope of rich, vibrant colors, and of course, dainty shawls. This period of the 19th century saw a transformation of how women dressed! There was a sense of confidence and a passion for beautiful, feminine details. Oh my darling ballerinas, I even spotted an amazing shop dedicated to tulle. Can you imagine? An entire shop, just for the most delicate and magical fabric ever invented! Of course I couldnât leave without a huge selection, not only for future costumes but for my own beautiful wardrobe.
And it was during my stay in London I finally learned about a new dancing style emerging from Italy - the tarantella. Now, it wasn't like traditional ballet at all. It was fast, rhythmic, with vibrant hand gestures and stamping steps, as much about dramatic expression as graceful movements. A beautiful form of folk dance from Naples and one that I plan to bring into my future shows.
Youâre right, dancing is about so much more than a few pretty steps! Itâs an outlet for expression and emotions. The year of 1816 taught me that more than ever!
This journey is all about spreading the ballet joy far and wide, getting more and more of you wonderful souls in a tutu! It's not just a garment; itâs an invitation to embrace your inner ballerina, your passion and your creative energy! And you can imagine how thrilled I was when I discovered "Pink, A Fashionable Colourâ an article that appeared in The Times newspaper, on 1st January 1816. What better way to share my love of ballet with the world, than with a vibrant pink tutu.
So, there you have it, my darling ballerinas! From the freezing "year without a summer" to the sparkling, magical world of 19th century ballet. Every single time I travel through time I am left inspired and brimming with ideas!
Tune in next month, when weâll be exploring another wonderful date in history! I promise you wonât be disappointed! In the meantime, don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com! And donât be shy! Send me your questions or your own ballet history stories!
Love and twirls,
Emma x
P.S Magic Meg is sending all of you her best hooves too. čš
