Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel, where we waltz through the ages, one tutu-filled adventure at a time!
This month, we're stepping back to a grand time in ballet history – 1826! The 9th of September marks a date brimming with the thrill of performance, the beauty of ballet, and of course, fashion! And just picture it – Magic Meg is neighing impatiently, her golden hooves twinkling in the autumn sun, as I'm already preening my pink feather boa and arranging my tutu for our trip to the 19th century. I have to tell you, darling, I adore this era for its stunning tutus - imagine billowing, flowing tulle with the most gorgeous embroidered details, so opulent and dramatic! I can’t wait to get a glimpse of the ballet world and the dazzling dance creations taking centre stage on this date in 1826.
Oh, but before I disappear into the time-whirl with Meg, I’d love to share some of my favourite ballet finds from our latest journey. Remember, I always come back with something lovely - and this month, a new dance school in Derbyshire has just been created for the little girls in our local community!
Speaking of Derbyshire, do you know, we had an incredible adventure just the other week – I spotted the most charming old music box playing a lilting ballet tune right in the middle of our very own Derbyshire market! Can you imagine, darling, dancing to it while admiring the vintage silks and lace? It was positively delightful!
Right, let’s dive into our time travel to 9th September 1826. Do fasten your tutus securely, and let's whirl back in time!
Ballet in 1826: A Whirlwind of Fashion and Performance!
Ah, 1826 - the world of ballet was bursting with creative energy! I just know we're going to find amazing performances, elegant costumes and incredible choreographers.
Meg and I arrived in London to be greeted by the vibrant hum of city life and the whispers of theatre, and a world just waiting for ballet! At the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the famous Italian ballerina Marie Taglioni was enchanting audiences with her graceful artistry in “La Sylphide,” a ballet that completely redefined what it meant to dance. They tell me her movements were light as a feather, a vision of grace and lightness – just how I want to dance! I am utterly in love with her flowing tutu. So perfectly sculpted to fit the dancer, it creates the most magical illusion – truly a testament to the fashion in this era.
Imagine a ballet that tells a story through expressive, beautiful movement! Taglioni’s dancing changed the game. Her use of the pointes added a sense of floating and lightness – a complete departure from the previously strict choreography, emphasizing strength over fluidity. Her performance, I am told, was simply breathtaking, with a lightness that would have enchanted everyone in the theatre, including myself! And, it must have been truly awe-inspiring to witness the transition away from heavy, cumbersome costumes to the more ethereal tutus, a beautiful shift in ballet history! I can’t wait to learn more about this groundbreaking dance and explore her legacy.
Did you know that another incredible talent, Carlotta Grisi, was making her stage debut on September 9th, 1826? She made her grand debut in the ballet “La Vestale,” and this remarkable talent later went on to have an illustrious career with stunning performances and even collaborations with renowned composer Charles Gounod for one of my favourite ballets, "Giselle." It’s wonderful to imagine her as a young, up-and-coming ballerina in the throes of an incredible career. Just like I feel now as I'm venturing deeper into the wonderful world of ballet history. I must admit, I’m terribly intrigued by how she will contribute to the evolving dance styles! The world of ballet back then was an incredibly dynamic place - a true reflection of innovation and talent.
Speaking of fashion, it is absolutely imperative I share the news: The “Tutu" as we know it is still a bit more robust. I found some lovely pictures of real tutus in the library of the Drury Lane Theatre (imagine how thrilled they were to find Me in their history! We had quite a laugh!). These “tutus,” more like “tunic-dresses” - just imagine a sort of fitted bodice with a skirt of tiers that goes all the way to the floor. This may seem a bit less “Pink-Tutu” in nature than the ones we see today, but imagine this, dear readers, with layers of tulle, how romantic and ethereal that would look! You could almost say that ballet had taken a cue from royal style in the way of fabric, layering, and beautiful embroidery! What we consider the iconic tutu evolved from this base, though, which gives it such wonderful meaning!
Of course, it goes without saying, the ballet performances would be surrounded by the grandeur and glamour of the time period. Imagine yourself arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, all finery, feathered hats, and flowing fabrics! Imagine the ladies in their dresses and jewels, whispering with excitement as they watch the performance. The whole ballet world must have felt so elegant and beautiful, just like my own dream-like ballet-world!
Speaking of beauty - you know, darling, as much as I love the opulence and grandeur of the grand London theatres, nothing is quite so charming as a small ballet performance at a country theatre! It’s where a budding ballerina’s first dream is born – so enchanting!
Oh! And one more delightful discovery! Did you know there were also ballet classes going on right here in London, on the 9th of September?, They taught ladies and gentlemen (imagine a man dancing on pointes, my darlings!), from basic technique to grand pirouettes. Isn’t it delightful? To imagine young ladies just getting their first taste of this enchanting art form, their future careers on pointe, and their dreams twirling ahead of them. It really warms my heart, and makes Meg kick up her hooves with excitement, as if she can dance herself!
My, oh, my! The ballet scene in 1826 really was bustling! Meg and I just spent hours taking in every performance, exhibition, and classroom. The energy of this time period was electrifying! I do wish I could have witnessed the spectacle of a theatrical dance - imagine it, with elaborate costumes and breathtaking choreography, and an orchestra to perfectly complement every pirouette and grande jeté!
What’s that, Meg? Time to return? We have so much to share, to ponder upon. As I return to Derbyshire, my dear readers, I do believe I need to spend some time in my little workshop to put together a new tutu inspired by these glorious early examples! Maybe one of pink lace and satin? Maybe with embroidered tulle? * *
It was so wonderful to whirl through time, to breathe in the vibrant energy and beauty of the 19th century and get a glimpse of ballet as it emerged! Next month, we will time-travel once more, to new, magical dates filled with more ballets, tutus, and endless whimsy! And maybe Meg and I can do a performance ourselves! Do tell me about your favourite dates in ballet history!
Until next time, darlings. Keep dancing, keep swirling, and never stop chasing your dreams. And most importantly, always embrace the magic of your own pink tutu!
Yours in Dance and Pink,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
