Hello, darlings! Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina from Derbyshire. This month, Magic Meg (my pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves) and I galloped back to December 12th, 1826, to discover a world brimming with artistic energy, even though ballet had been somewhat eclipsed by other forms of entertainment in Britain at this time. But, we knew we'd find something extraordinary, and oh, darling, we were not disappointed!
As always, the thrill of arriving in a new era is electrifying! Stepping off Magic Meg in a bustling London street, I inhaled the smoky air, thick with the aroma of coal and leather, while carriages rattled past. London was abuzz with excitement – it was just a few weeks after the coronation of King George IV, and the nation was positively swooning with pride. I mean, can you imagine? A whole country decked out in their finest finery, celebrating their monarch! Pure magic, darling!
Of course, the very first thing I did was visit the theatre, a ritual I relish in each of my time-traveling adventures. Now, you might be surprised, darling, but the stage in 1826 wasn’t quite the whirlwind of tutus we see today. But, that doesn't mean it was any less captivating. It was an era of change, when theatre began to reflect the new Romantic movement.
On this particular December 12th, the Londoners were enjoying "The Sleeping Beauty," a romantic ballet based on a familiar fairytale, and oh my, it was just divine! With a dreamy score, beautiful choreography, and a narrative steeped in symbolism, the performance resonated with the romantic ideals of the day – a captivating story about a brave, independent woman. A stark contrast to the classical ballet that was becoming so popular, with its emphasis on perfection and precision.
But, the real gem we uncovered in this time period, was the birth of the "Romantic Era" of Ballet. This era was about transcending the mundane – think flowing lines, emotive gestures, and graceful movements inspired by nature. They believed in storytelling and expression, just as we do, dear readers.
As the performance came to a close, I slipped backstage for a bit of a chat with a dancer – such a fascinating woman with a fiery spirit and passion for her art. I even took some notes in my trusty leather rucksack (I collect stories and memorabilia from each era for future blog posts). She was eager to share the changes happening in ballet. The shift away from structured, royal court-like dance to something more daring and emotional was a major revolution!
This was also the era of "the ballerina." We see them in everything, from literature to paintings to society gossip, darling! I mean, these ladies, draped in ethereal silk and tulle, they weren't just dancers. They were captivating figures, influencing art, fashion, and even, the romantic vision of beauty and womanhood itself.
Now, to indulge in a bit of vintage fashion inspiration, wouldn’t you agree? You simply can’t talk about this era without diving into the opulent fashion. Remember those frothy, cascading dresses of tulle, satin, and lace? Pure elegance, darling!
And don't get me started on the hair. Oh, those voluminous buns adorned with ribbons and feathers, bringing a touch of playful romance to the entire ensemble. These fashion trends trickled down, influencing everyone.
That night, after savouring a delicate Victorian supper (think tiny cakes and fragrant tea, darling!), I returned to Magic Meg. Her golden hooves gleamed under the moonlight as she spirited us back to the present day. It was a wonderful day filled with inspiration and a deep dive into the era of the “Romantic Ballet.”
Now, tell me, darling readers! What's your favorite part of the Romantic era of Ballet? Are you smitten by its elegance, the daring stories, or maybe the flowing fashion? Share your thoughts on the Pink Tutu blog – I'm dying to hear them all!
Until next month, keep swirling those tutus, and always remember, a little bit of pink magic can transform any day.
With love and a sprinkle of sparkle, Emma x
