Hello my darling ballet lovers, and welcome to another exciting month of Pink Tutu Time Travels! I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller from Derbyshire, and this month, I'm taking you on a whirlwind adventure to December 1823, a year when ballet was really starting to blossom across Europe and beyond.
My trusty steed, Magic Meg - the most beautiful pink, sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves, white mane and tail you've ever seen - and I have been hopping between ballet events all over the world this month. We've had so much fun it's practically a tutu-spinning, sugar plum dream!
A Victorian Dance Revolution
The year 1823 was a time of significant change for ballet. The romantic era, which brought a focus on passion and expression, was slowly pushing aside the more rigid, traditional forms of ballet. This change in style was particularly evident in the French capital, Paris, where the renowned choreographer Jules Perrot was leading the charge.
We went to a show at the Théâtre de l'Opéra where a dancer named Marie Taglioni was absolutely captivating audiences with her breathtaking performance in La Sylphide, a new ballet by Perrot. Her leaps and turns, so effortless and ethereal, are said to have been the very definition of grace and romanticism. The story, about a sylph, a nature spirit, captured the hearts of all who witnessed it, including my own. You know how much I adore a good fairy tale ballet!
Ballet Goes Global
Speaking of global appeal, it was in 1823 that ballet travelled further afield, to far-off St. Petersburg, Russia! Imagine that - beautiful ballets twirling across the snowy expanse of Russia. Imagine all the glittering tutus in that cold but glamorous landscape! I'd be so delighted to add some warmth with my signature pink tutu.
This ballet exchange happened thanks to the legendary choreographer, Charles Didelot. I spent a whole afternoon rummaging through archives and discovered that Didelot's arrival with a group of Parisian dancers caused quite a stir. This new, dynamic ballet form was unlike anything Russians had ever seen. It ignited a passion for dance that has endured to this day, turning St. Petersburg into one of the great ballet capitals of the world.
Behind the Scenes: Ballet Fashion
Of course, no journey through ballet history is complete without a peek into the fascinating world of ballet fashion. You all know my obsession with the pink tutu, so you can imagine my excitement as we dove into the fashion archives for 1823. The romantic ballet era saw a shift in design from the rigid, elaborate costumes of the previous centuries towards something lighter, airier, and more graceful. It's truly wonderful to see ballet embracing freedom and femininity in fashion, too!
While tutus were not quite as prominent as they are today, we discovered elegant, lightweight skirts with intricate embroidery, often made of fine silk or muslin, paired with delicate bodices. Many dancers wore white, and there was even a penchant for flowers incorporated into costumes, perhaps mirroring the beautiful and wild nature portrayed in many ballets. It's no wonder why ballet dancers have always been associated with elegance and beauty!
Adding Some Pink: My Tutu-tastic Wish
As I continue my quest to make pink the dominant color in the world of ballet, I have to admit that the late 1820s still needed a little nudge in that direction! Thankfully, the evolution of ballet costumes was moving in a whimsical, colorful direction. So I just know it won't be long before a beautiful pink tutu steps onto the stage. And you, my readers, have an important role to play in this fashion revolution!
Think pink when you head to the ballet. Consider adding a touch of pink to your ballet attire. Let's make a collective, fashionable statement for the future of ballet. Let's add a little "Emma" to every dance, everywhere!
Backpack Ballet: Treasures from 1823
Just like always, my backpack is filled to the brim with fantastic ballet treasures from this month’s time-travelling adventure! This time I'm particularly thrilled to share the following:
- A vintage ballet program from La Sylphide featuring the breathtaking Marie Taglioni. I’ll post this on www.pink-tutu.com for everyone to enjoy, of course.
- A sketch of one of Didelot’s St. Petersburg ballets.
- A delicate fabric sample used for the skirt of a French romantic ballet costume.
- A small embroidered rose I discovered amongst the personal belongings of a dancer from that era. What a find!
These amazing artefacts help paint a picture of how ballet was evolving and how ballet's passion and artistic brilliance was spreading throughout the world. I can’t wait to share more amazing insights from 1823. As I’m writing, Magic Meg is getting restless… there’s an exciting new adventure waiting for us in January, in 1725! It’s sure to be a fascinating glimpse into ballet’s past!
Until next time, darling dancers, don't forget to dream in pink! And remember, it's always time for a ballet.
Yours in pink,
Emma
P.S. If you want to know more about my incredible adventures in pink tutus across time, you can visit my blog at www.pink-tutu.com. We’ll be posting behind the scenes moments from my 1823 trip throughout the month and I’ll share some details on how I funded the trip. That's right, darling readers, you too can join me in making your ballet dreams a reality through the power of ballet performances. Keep your tutus tucked, ready for more excitement next month!
