Hello lovelies! Emma here, back from another whirl through the glorious world of ballet history and ready to share a sprinkle of Parisian pink!
As February unfolds its delicate petals, we’re venturing back to 1820 – a year where a tiny seed of change in ballet was taking root and about to bloom into something magical.
February 2nd 1820, Magic Meg (oh, how I love that sassy pink Shire) galloped us through a glittering Parisian twilight, landing right next to the Théâtre de l’Opéra, an elegant, grand space adorned with marble and gilded carvings. It was simply breathtaking. The energy inside thrummed with anticipation. My heart was a giddy, pink hummingbird in my chest – we were at the very first performance of what was later termed “Romantic Ballet.”
This era marked a real shift, dear readers! Away from the rigid, courtly ballets of the 1700s – think strict technique and elaborate costumes – Romantic Ballet celebrated a lighter, more emotional style. It brought us beautiful fairy tales and dramatic storytelling on stage, evoking passion, sorrow, and ethereal landscapes.
Imagine graceful nymphs dancing under the shimmering moon, a heartbroken maiden swaying to the melancholic notes of a lute, or a valiant knight locked in a heroic struggle – it was truly revolutionary!
Oh, and did I mention the costumes? Think floaty, gauze skirts billowing like clouds, soft, pastel colours like my own tutu, and beautiful bodices shimmering with delicate embellishments. There was a newfound femininity in the movement, the emphasis on fluid grace, and a passion that radiated outwards from the stage, captivating the audience. They weren’t just watching dancing; they were living the story!
But what did February 2nd 1820 hold for us at the Opéra? I’ll spill the beans…
A charming piece called "L'Heureuse Imposture" (The Happy Deception) had me completely smitten! It was a light, airy ballet about a woman in disguise and her adventures! The costume designs, darling, were just divine – a riot of flowing pink silk and softest white tulle, just like my own collection. Imagine, I saw real dancers, their graceful steps echoing the movement I practice each day.
What I learnt that night about 1820, lovelies, is that this was just the beginning. The Romantic era would continue to flourish for decades, its beautiful aesthetic inspiring countless stories. We even caught a glimpse of the brilliant Marie Taglioni (can you imagine dancing like she did?!) in this very piece - it’s truly a date to remember!
Oh, and let’s not forget about our Parisian adventures. Imagine wandering the beautiful streets, inhaling the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries from shops with gilded windows and balconies spilling with pink roses! I added a beautiful vintage hatbox to my collection from a tiny shop, tucked away down a cobbled alley, overflowing with antique fabrics, just like I imagine dancers of that time would have carried!
I even snagged some enchanting little notes penned by some famous choreographers, their script flowing across the page like an exquisite waltz. These treasures will go right into my rucksack. They’re going to look simply splendid displayed on my wall at home, next to my ballet book collection, right?
Well, that’s a wrap for my travels today, darlings! Remember, pink isn’t just a color, it's a state of mind! So why not find your own perfect shade and twirl a little bit? And as always, remember to let the magic of dance carry you to new places!
Until next month, Emma x
*P.S. Did you know? My own ballet classes were inspired by this time. The beautiful Romantic music we play in class, the lovely movements… I like to think that even I am part of this grand legacy, spreading the magic of the Romantic style, in my own tiny, sparkly way. *
