Hello darlings! Emma here, and this month, we're jetting back to the year 1817, and a little further than usual! You'll never believe what I found when I popped the date into Magic Meg's sparkly, pink saddle bag – a whole ballet revolution! Get your tutus ready because we're diving into the story of a ballet that would change everything, and all before eleven o’clock on a Monday!
My lovely readers, let’s talk about tutus. Not just any tutu, mind you, but the tutu as we know it. You see, the delicate, wispy, ethereal tutus we wear today, with their romantic air and dramatic flair – they were just starting to get their foot in the door in 1817! I'm so glad we're past those constricting, full-skirted, hoopskirted days, that's a ballet costume that's for the birds, in my humble opinion! But that’s what makes our little time travel so special – we can see how styles changed and, let’s be honest, see how much progress we've made.
Our trip landed us in Paris, my darlings, the heart of it all! As you know, it's always so exciting to step out on Parisian streets – the scent of fresh croissants and that French elegance... Ah, a ballerina's paradise.
A Touch of Romance in the Ballet World
The year 1817 brought about a brand new ballet - "La Sylphide"! A breath of fresh air after a long period of stiff, formal ballets with all that heavy, cumbersome costume. This new, delicate ballet was revolutionary! Think dancing nymphs and fairies! Lightness and airiness, the romanticism! They were making a new era of ballets all about the feeling. And you can bet I've got a few little treasures tucked away in my leather satchel, maybe even a whisper of La Sylphide's magic to inspire you, my darlings!
The story of "La Sylphide" is almost as light as its steps. Think dancing, a lovelorn hero, an enticing sylph, magic – oh, and a jealous witch who creates mayhem in her love rival's path. This is what set the scene for all future "romantic ballets." And in a funny kind of way, we still see a hint of La Sylphide in the fairy kingdom we imagine when we dance our ballet pieces! Just a touch of that romantic, lyrical movement and delicate charm. The fact it was considered groundbreaking is what brings it all the way to us! You betcha we've got a spot for the story of "La Sylphide" on Pink-Tutu.com – after all, it changed ballet forever!
An Eye For the Fashionable
Fashion-wise, my loves, 1817 was interesting. Think empire waistlines, light fabrics, flowing lines – all about those romantic ideals of beauty, elegance, and softness. If I were stepping onto the stage in Paris, you bet I’d have been sporting a lovely pink tutu with a beautiful empire-line bodice. And perhaps some delicate flowers woven through my hair – think a sprig of lilies to add a touch of ethereal enchantment. A little peek of leg here and there – that was what fashion was all about then. But honestly, what's not to love about a little leg peek!
We must always remember that a good ballet is like a good fashion piece – there's more to it than the initial glance. A beautifully structured bodice, soft yet durable fabric – it’s like putting on a beautiful gown, darling! The fabric that moved freely on stage is something we really cherish in modern ballets. Even more than our tutus, the fabrics today move and twirl! Can you imagine not being able to move in that skirt for a performance, oh darling – the agony! That's what those old, stiff costumes made them do, those cumbersome gowns! Luckily those have vanished and we've got lovely romantic tulle to fill our days.
Ballet Through the Ages
Back in Derbyshire, I love attending my weekly classes at The Academy. They really push the limits on new movements, even going so far as to introduce that revolutionary 'modern ballet'! Just like "La Sylphide", we have to acknowledge the new ballet schools and artists who brought their creative vision to life – some dancers had that spark of new ideas! So exciting!
This month, I've been reading up on these "modern ballet" dancers and exploring what was on the ballet scene during those momentous few years leading into the first romantic ballet. You won't believe it – the biggest ballet company in Paris, The Opera Ballet, was at its height! Just like any art movement, ballet doesn’t pop up overnight, darling! You need those little creative fires blazing in different schools, the dedication to move and experiment to create a wave that builds the landscape. So it really all started from the first whisper of ideas!
Time to Dress Up!
I love all this exploration! Don't you? It’s time to step back from the computer and grab that tutu – I’m all set to go out and practice my poses! Remember to take the time to enjoy our lovely ballets - each with its own personality. But more than anything, my lovely ladies, we should dance because we simply love to move!
Happy dancing, darling! And until next month's time travel blog post – see you on www.pink-tutu.com, don't forget to join the Pink Tutu Club where we talk about all things fashion, and ballet of course! You won't believe the outfits the other club members bring. You may even get some fabulous tutu-making ideas! Until next time, darlings!
