Welcome back to Pink Tutu, dear readers! This month, I’m delighted to take you on a time travel adventure back to the 8th of August, 1822, a pivotal moment in the grand history of ballet! And believe me, when you hear this tale, you’ll understand why this is one of my favourite dates to visit.
It's a sunny Derbyshire morning, and as I slip into my beloved pink tutu – my shimmering, sparkling, tulle dream – I can already feel the magic building. Today, Magic Meg and I are whisking ourselves to Vienna, where the most incredible spectacle awaits! You see, August 8th, 1822, marks the grand premiere of the ballet The Gypsy – an absolutely sensational piece which would revolutionise the world of ballet!
But first, let’s take a moment to admire Meg – oh, how I adore her. A beautiful Shire mare with a gleaming white mane and tail, golden hooves and the most wonderfully sparkling pink coat. As I adjust my leather rucksack, filled with the treasures I’ll collect on this trip, I whisper a “thank you” to Meg. She’s my loyal steed, my partner in crime, and with each adventure, our bond grows stronger.
Now, on to Vienna! We arrived last night, and as we wandered through the cobbled streets, the anticipation thrummed in the air. The Vienna State Opera House – our destination – stands grand and elegant, bathed in moonlight. This historical building was already famous for its operas and plays, but the coming ballet was about to transform it into a crucible for innovation!
The Gypsy, by Franz Anton Hilverding, features the glorious Marie Taglioni. A ballerina, I’ve read, who was a master of the "new" lighter, ethereal style of ballet, in complete contrast to the powerful leaps and grand jetés of the earlier generation. In Vienna, at the premiere, audiences watched with awe as Taglioni took the stage, gliding across the stage like a magical creature, a true ballet fairy! And that is precisely what the Gypsy aimed to be - a story of whimsical enchantment. Can you imagine, dear readers, how enthralling the sight must have been?
Oh, and let’s not forget the costume! Taglioni graced the stage in a sheer white tutu - a dazzling vision against the dark backdrop. Not my signature pink, I admit, but the start of a ballet trend!
That night, the excitement in Vienna was palpable. Everyone talked of the ballet – of Taglioni's breathtaking technique, the incredible choreography, and the magic of the story. My heart thrummed with excitement as I slipped on a magnificent sapphire blue velvet gown and headed to a swanky soiree to soak up all the glamorous energy of the night.
My favourite moment, however, wasn’t inside the opera house, but on the grand boulevard. I was so entranced by the whole spectacle of the elegant men and women in their extravagant costumes that I spontaneously, and somewhat shockingly, burst out in a graceful little ballet solo right on the street. Imagine the shocked, but secretly impressed stares. You can never underestimate the power of a well-executed pirouette. That moment was pure joy, dear readers, a beautiful interlude of expression in the heart of Viennese history!
Back in the safety of my time travel era, I had the most marvellous time researching all about the Gypsy ballet and its impact. It truly changed the face of ballet, pushing boundaries and emphasizing elegance, grace and femininity – qualities that were the embodiment of Marie Taglioni’s talents and of ballet itself.
Before we say goodbye, let me tempt you with a little bit of insider information about the wonderful world of ballet! Did you know that, right now, on the international stage, there’s a revival of the Gypsy in production? A reimagined vision, if you will. Can you even imagine the thrill of watching it, understanding its history and witnessing its glorious revival?
I urge you to delve into the exciting world of ballet – perhaps even by trying out a beginner’s class in your local area. It doesn’t have to be professional. Simply taking those first steps is a journey of self-discovery! And, of course, don’t forget the most crucial part of your ballet adventure – a stunning pink tutu. Let your inner fairy loose and twirl your way into a magical world.
Until next month, keep twirling and don’t forget to wear pink!
Emma xx
PS This is my blog post number 1940! Isn't that just fantastic?! And if you have an insatiable desire to immerse yourself in the incredible world of ballet, make sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com! There you will find information, historical insights and even some magical tips for wearing your own gorgeous pink tutu – so that, just like me, you can twirl your way through history.
