Hello darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another delightful trip through time! December is always a magical month for ballet, and this December, 12th 1821, was no exception! We're headed to the heart of Europe - and you're gonna want to slip on your pinkest tutu for this one!
Just picture it: a crisp December day. The snow is sparkling like a thousand tiny diamonds, and the air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts. Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling shire horse with those glorious golden hooves and white mane and tail, paws at the cobblestones of Vienna, ready to explore.
We're here for a special treat: the premiere of the ballet "Die Zauberflöte" ("The Magic Flute"), set to the music of the legendary Mozart. It wasn't just any premiere, mind you. It was the very first ballet to be performed in Vienna! Imagine the excitement!
Now, this ballet wasn't quite the extravagant, grand ballet we see today. It was more of a charming, light-hearted affair with plenty of pantomime, a delightful blend of the classical and the comic, featuring the very best dancers from the Viennese Court Ballet. It wasn't a particularly elaborate ballet in terms of costuming, but oh, how I love imagining the sheer delight on the audience’s faces!
After the performance, we're headed straight to the Royal Palace, the grandest of buildings where the emperors lived in opulent fashion, the centre of Viennese culture, buzzing with creativity, arts, and everything dance. Just the thought of stepping through those historic gates sends shivers down my spine!
Speaking of fashion, can we talk about the amazing ballet styles of this era? Imagine swirling silk skirts, tight bodices adorned with jewels and delicate ribbons, all in the most beautiful shades of rose and peach.
Of course, I've packed my rucksack full of exquisite ribbons and lace for my collection, along with vintage ballet pamphlets to share on my website. Who knows what treasures I might stumble upon in those palace libraries!
It wouldn't be a trip through time without a touch of shopping, would it? We'll have to explore the Vienna streets for the very latest ballet-inspired outfits, because let’s face it, everyone should embrace the elegance of a pink tutu.
So, let me know in the comments below:
- Which ballet do you love the most?
- What is your favourite ballet costume design?
- What is your biggest ballet dream?
Oh, and before I forget, my lovely time-travelling dears, we celebrate the world of dance every month on the 12th! So grab your tutu and join me, I’m off to create some ballet history in 1821 Vienna! Don’t forget to follow my journey on www.pink-tutu.com and see my beautiful ballets and costumes that bring you to another time. Keep dancing and keep twirling!
Lots of Love,
Emma x
This blog post, brimming with joy, has only skimmed the surface of the exciting ballet scene in Vienna. So let's delve deeper into this bustling ballet era, exploring its rich history.
A Dancing City:
Vienna was a magnet for the finest ballet dancers and choreographers of the time. This city buzzed with creativity, attracting those who craved an elegant stage and the prestige that a position at the Viennese Court Ballet held. The royal family and aristocracy had a profound love for ballet, so dance was more than a mere entertainment. It was an artistic expression of culture, wealth and sophistication.
Marie Taglioni, The Star Of The Ballet World
The first ballerina of the Viennese court Ballet in this era was the legendary Marie Taglioni. Born to Italian opera dancer family, she was a dancer from her very first steps and went on to dominate the ballet scene of the 1800s. She danced with elegance, poise, and expressiveness that had the audiences captivated. This, along with her elegant dance gowns that moved with her every twirl, led to an explosion in popular interest in ballet!
Taglioni embodied a new era in ballet that shifted from traditional dramatic plots towards a graceful, ethereal style, her flowing skirts creating the illusion that she danced like a delicate, light, fluttering flower in the wind.
The Romantic Ballet
This romantic era of ballet placed strong emphasis on beautiful costuming, the flowing lines of the dance creating a poetic style. Marie Taglioni was known for the revolutionary way she introduced the tulle dress for the ballerina, adding an element of airy ethereal to the ballet experience that changed the history of ballet for ever.
The Birth Of The Classical Tutu
The classic, romantic tutu emerged from the innovative spirit of the era and Taglioni's influence, marking the beginning of an incredible tradition that continues to this day!
Imagine it: graceful dance dresses made of tulle that would swish and flow with the movement of the dancer's body. This design embraced both the female form and the romantic theme of this new ballet. The short, full skirt and the use of lightweight fabric allowed ballerinas to dance with effortless grace and beauty.
This shift was momentous for the ballet world!
The romantic era of ballet, with the advent of the tulle, turned the attention to elegance and beauty and ushered in an explosion of creativity in terms of dance costuming.
It's easy to understand why everyone loves a tutu. This elegant, enchanting costume epitomises grace and elegance, bringing beauty and style to the world of dance! It's just such a joy to see a ballet in full flight. We must thank the romantics for introducing this exquisite fashion to the dance world!
Ballet On This Day
This blog has sparked your love for all things ballet hasn't it, darlings? I must also say a word about the incredible dance performances that are happening this December 2023.
Check out these stunning events :
- The Royal Ballet in London with its magnificent performances at the Royal Opera House
- New York City Ballet, always a favourite, featuring their world class performances, at the Lincoln Center
The San Francisco Ballet, home to exciting contemporary dance in California
There are endless ballets performances waiting for you and remember, my little dancers, the only limit is your imagination.
I hope you’re inspired to slip on a pink tutu and have some magical moments, celebrating the world of ballet this month.
Keep dancing and don’t forget to embrace those twirls.
Lots of love,
Emma x
Remember to explore my site www.pink-tutu.com. I share more exciting stories and treasures about ballet history, so you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of dance. If you have questions, thoughts or want to share your love of ballet, do leave a comment below!
Let's create more memories together!
Love, Emma x
