Hello fellow tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back from another thrilling time travel adventure, and this month, I've taken a trip back to September 9th, 1827. As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, whisked me away with a swirl of pink sparkle dust. Magic Meg, with her golden hooves and snow-white mane and tail, is a vision in herself - the perfect pink tutu partner!
This trip was all about the wonderful world of ballet back in the 1820s. You'll never believe the things I found, darling!
The Royal Ballet Goes Rogue
I arrived in London, my heart aflutter with the excitement of exploring a new ballet era. I headed straight for the Covent Garden Theatre. Yes, you read that right - the Royal Ballet, or rather its predecessor, the Royal Italian Opera, was based here! In those days, ballet wasn't solely focused on tutus and pointe shoes - opera was the main attraction, and ballet was mostly presented as part of a larger production.
Back in the 1820s, dancers didn't yet have the grace and fluidity of modern ballerinas. Their movements were heavier, almost like courtly dances. I popped my head into a performance of "La Somnambula," by Vincenzo Bellini, with ballet choreography by Carlo Blasis. The storyline - a beautiful sleepwalker named Amina who walks in her sleep - is positively dramatic! I grabbed a sketch from a young lady, complete with her notes on the steps, for my rucksack collection.
A Romantic Vision
That era of ballet is often called Romantic ballet. Imagine it, a time of emphasis on emotion, storytelling, and beautiful movement - a far cry from the stricter, classical styles we often associate with ballet today. It was also a time when male dancers were the stars, much like in the days of Le Pètomane.
I was thrilled to witness the choreography of August Vestris - he was known as "the God of Dance" and introduced such modern notions as leaping with both legs extended and using "entrechat" steps (crossing your legs). Now that’s some serious fancy footwork! Imagine that, dancing gods who would have loved a pink tutu.
Fashions and Fun
Now, onto the costumes! Ladies, get ready to be enchanted! We're talking soft colours, flowy fabrics, and intricate embroidery - oh, the elegance! It wasn't the strict tutu-driven style we see today. Think swirling dresses, feathered headpieces, and even (gasp!) ballet pants! The ballet dresses were often very elaborate, with trains that would sweep around the stage, perfectly complimenting those "grand" ballet movements.
My, the dancers looked beautiful! Not only were they adorned in such loveliness, but they wore shoes with low heels (they'd only started wearing pointe shoes in 1820!). The dancers did, of course, sport silk tights and satin ribbons tied around their legs. This period is all about softness, delicacy, and expressing pure, unadulterated beauty through dance.
After the show, I was able to procure a beautiful piece of silk fabric, which I know will be the most beautiful tutu - in the world, or maybe at least the most perfect pink one - oh the possibilities!
My Favourite Shop
Speaking of beauty, I was simply delighted to discover a wonderful emporium filled with stunning fabrics, lace, and other goodies for making the most magnificent costumes.
Oh, to have spent a lifetime in this shop, creating my dream tutus - soft pink, shimmering silks and glittering sequins... a veritable rainbow of colours! Sadly, my time travel window was closing, so I settled on purchasing the finest fabrics in shades of blush and coral for my new line of Pink Tutu fashion. (They are available for order on www.pink-tutu.com - and trust me, darling, they’re simply divine!)
A Blast From The Past
The journey back in time was as thrilling as always. Magic Meg's wings glittered under the moon, and her silver hooves left shimmering streaks as we rode back to Derbyshire. It’s a real privilege to journey through time, not only seeing the ballet world's evolution but bringing those stories and glimpses of ballet history back to the future. I can't wait to share what I learned with my students at the Derbyshire Dance Academy.
Until next time, happy dancing!
Yours in pink,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to check out the Pink-Tutu blog for the new fashion range and to catch all the upcoming events for the “Time-Travel-with-Emma" tutu collection launch!
