Hello lovelies!
Welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels - Blog post #1973. This month, Magic Meg and I have taken a trip to a magical date – the 5th of May, 1825. It's a fascinating glimpse into ballet history and its journey towards the dazzling art form we know and love today.
This month’s post will, as ever, be full of wonderful insights into the fascinating world of ballet in the past and a peek into the future of the magnificent world of ballet, but be warned. This time I am on a mission to make ballet fashion pink. This isn’t simply going to involve pink shoes or a pink ribbon – no this is a pink revolution in the world of ballet costumes – my dear readers – my dear balletomanes – the pink tutu is coming. It will revolutionise the look and feel of ballet! Oh yes, get your tiaras and pink tutus ready…pink has finally arrived!
As you all know, I’m always seeking out the most amazing vintage ballet treasures, and I find them scattered throughout time! This month, Magic Meg has whisked us right back to 1825. Imagine, if you will, a time of romance, lace, and grand ballrooms. Well, I did! It was positively sensational! And it’s only fitting that I begin by revealing a new treasure from my back-pack: this gorgeous hand-painted ballet programme, dated 1825 – featuring ballerinas in costumes from the ballet "The Italian Girl" - featuring the graceful, famous, Marie Taglioni, whose choreography is a ballet lover’s delight. I think you’ll agree it is breathtaking and, even if I am slightly biassed towards pink – a pink ribbon wouldn't be out of place at all.
To understand this period better, we need to think of ballet as an evolving, living art form. Just imagine – if all we had was ballet’s humble origins…how sad! It was an art form which started out simply, but like the butterfly emerging from the chrysalis, grew to reach these truly beautiful, thrilling, magical levels – that make us gasp, weep and cheer in equal measure. Think of how the fashion has evolved, and it becomes even more interesting - just take a look at a typical outfit of this time: Romantic tunics and frilly skirts were the order of the day, and as ballerinas became even more expressive, they had to change to create the lightness and ease of movement.
Speaking of clothing and elegance, our journey began with a jaunt to Vienna – a city known for its artistic flair and opulent fashion! Can you believe that, just at this time, in 1825, the first real dance school was founded here? This really marks the first steps in professional dance – yes you heard it right: professional! It’s funny to think about the dedication and skill of these ballerinas, working diligently, perfecting their movements for their audiences. Oh, how I wished I was there! And to think this was right at the birth of Ballet's transformation. It truly feels like a privilege to be experiencing it through time!
Of course, it wasn’t all elegant studios and polished performances – just like in our world, even back then, ballerinas needed to learn and hone their skills, and the ballet school had its fair share of practice sessions! Ballet has always had a unique energy, an atmosphere that is hard to capture, and that is true even through the annals of time.
So what was going on in the ballet world on the 5th May 1825? As it happens, that's actually a bit tricky! You’ll all agree, ballet is not exactly renowned for being perfectly documented, particularly during its infancy. And back then? It would take years of research to uncover the exact events that may have occurred on that precise date, which, honestly, makes it all the more intriguing for me! It is these little mysteries that help me fall in love with ballet, its stories, its performers, its elegance. I am lucky – I am not limited to specific dates as I can use my imagination. I could just see myself in the auditorium of some grand Parisian theatre… the excitement of the music! The hush that falls over the crowd! Can you imagine it! How divine! It makes you wonder, what stories were unfolded in those dance steps? Which ballets captured the hearts of the audience? What a beautiful secret to share with all my wonderful readers! The stories just aren’t there for us to read, but oh, how I dream to know! Perhaps you have a feeling – imagine and tell me your story – and perhaps one day I might find it and bring it to you. I can’t promise anything, but then you’ll need to wait for the next time I hop on to Magic Meg's back for our next trip through time.
Oh! Before I go – do I dare mention I’ve discovered a way of preserving the colours of old dance costumes, keeping them brighter and making them even more glamorous? Why, some are now even brighter than my new pink tulle, it is hard to find an equivalent shade of pink! I must make you wait for the next blog for the full reveal, I don’t want to be giving away my tricks of the trade, after all, it's a ballet blogger’s best kept secret, but it all relates to the use of light. What do you think, can you guess what it might be? And then I’m thinking a pink dance shoe? Do tell me your suggestions! It’s almost enough to make a fellow blush pink.
Until next time my dear ballet loving friends! Remember: If you can dream it, you can wear it, and always…wear pink!
Love,
Emma, Pink Tutu Time Travels.
P.S. Don't forget to follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com! And feel free to drop by my Derbyshire ballet studio any time.
