Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-adoring time traveller, Emma, here with another blast from the past, straight from the archives of www.pink-tutu.com!
This month, my darling Meg (the most fabulous, pink-sparkling Shire horse with the most glorious white mane and tail you’ve ever seen) took me all the way back to August 8th, 1828! The year is packed full of exciting happenings for the ballet world, so hold onto your tutus and get ready for a whirlwind trip!
Before we dive into all the thrilling details, though, I must share that my rucksack (the one I wear with pride on my back) is bulging with all sorts of incredible ballet finds from my journey – rare pamphlets, beautifully preserved costume sketches, and even a hand-written note from the legendary Marie Taglioni herself!
Now, onto our 1828 adventure! August 8th saw the arrival of the delightful Carlo Blasis in London. Oh my goodness, you know how much I adore the history of ballet, and he’s a true icon in this realm. He’s brought with him his sensational book, “Traité élémentaire, théorique, et pratique de l’art de la danse,” a masterpiece filled with detailed instructions for dancing and stage management. Blasis truly set the standard for dance training, a legacy we can still feel today.
On this very date in 1828, this book became the talk of the town – even our illustrious Queen Adelaide received a special edition of the book! Just imagine, a book on ballet so impactful it finds its way into the Queen’s hands! That’s what we call ballet royalty, my dears.
The book, you see, doesn't just delve into technique but discusses ballet as a performance art, and the vital role of dramatic effect. Think elegant movements, expressive faces, and the art of conveying emotions through dance – elements we still strive for in our modern performances.
What was going on in the ballet world on that very August 8th?
We have to rewind just a bit for that! July of 1828 brought an incredibly charming, and most beautiful performance, “La Fille Mal Gardée.” (That's "The Unruly Daughter" to you non-French-speaking folks) Now, I love myself a story, especially one filled with the lovely chaos of family feuds and forbidden love.
Imagine the scene - we have a feisty daughter (cue the fabulous, graceful tutus, my dear!) yearning for love but, alas, is being forced to wed a wealthy man who happens to be utterly unsuitable (gasp!). Luckily, our young dancer has found the man of her dreams – a kindhearted farmer, full of charm, of course, and passion for her! And - just as we hope - true love finds a way!
Now, dear readers, don’t think that it was just the plot that made this performance so unique.
You can picture it – elaborate sets, exquisite costumes (in shades of pink, of course, wouldn't you agree?) and even the dancing, brimming with personality, portraying not just graceful movements, but genuine character development and a whole lot of joie de vivre.
And my favourite part? This whole beautiful story took place in the idyllic countryside setting - no wonder they called it “La Fille Mal Gardée.” Isn't it perfectly dreamy to picture elegant ballerinas twirling amidst rustic fields and quaint farmhouses?
August, my dears, continued to enchant with the debut of a piece I simply cannot forget: “Le Diable Amoureux.” Oh, to be swept away by such a story, even with such a devilishly captivating name! We find ourselves with an amorous, whimsical devil who can, oh, just magically take on any form he wants – even that of a handsome knight! Now that's what I call dramatic flair.
And the costumes, oh my heavens, they were absolutely spellbinding! Lush fabrics, lavish embellishments - perfect for evoking a mysterious atmosphere that truly takes us to a different realm, where passion and mischief intertwine!
"Le Diable Amoureux," in all its devilishly glamorous form, cemented itself as a significant success - proof that this daring tale of forbidden love and devilish delight is indeed a captivating spectacle.
Speaking of daring, there was another amazing performance this month – “Le Spectre de la Rose.” Oh, dear readers, to see the spectre in his ethereal glory – swirling in and out of reality, as if floating in a gentle dream, just so mesmerizing. Imagine the most breathtaking ballet scene – with a phantom floating so silently in the air - that's what “Le Spectre de la Rose” embodies.
And, naturally, I must speak about Marie Taglioni! Now, there is no doubt – she was the absolute star of the era. Her dancing style redefined grace and elegance, all those exquisite ballets wouldn’t have been the same without her. The “en pointe” technique we all admire today? She was the first one to really make it her signature! Isn't she the ultimate pink-tutu heroine?
Now, my loves, I need to share another essential part of our 1828 adventure. It wasn’t just the dazzling performances that captured my imagination. Remember how much I love shopping, and the 19th century, as you all know, had some serious fashion moments – all the dramatic ruffles, delicate lace, and those beautiful, full-skirted dresses – perfect for swirling, right? And as I often tell you - tutus are just extensions of this fantastic world of fashion.
Imagine being in 19th century Paris – a vision of chic Parisian shops brimming with silks, velvets, and the most elegant trims. Each gown was crafted with care, every detail, the ultimate statement in femininity and charm, oh, how it must have been a delight for the senses! You’d spot the very finest craftsmanship in fabrics, from hand-painted patterns to delicate embroidery, each adding a layer of grace and extravagance, which, darling readers, is why we must, as the famous Dame Maggie Smith once declared, “keep it classy.”
Now, as I often tell you, I am a woman who can’t live without her fashion fix – and what would an 1828 time trip be without a trip to a millinery store? Oh my, the hats they wore - perfectly crafted plumes of feathers, exquisite floral embellishments, or the most intricately tied ribbons. Imagine this delicate vision atop a fluffy tutu - perfection! These headpieces added the perfect final flourish, showcasing a delicate femininity and elegance – a true spectacle for all.
Oh, speaking of millinery shops - remember the wonderful hat my dear Meg wore for our recent journey? Oh, the elegant ribbons and the pearl embellishment – she looked absolutely ravishing! A truly unforgettable sight.
But even with all those delightful fashion finds, darling readers, the absolute star of this fashion show remains – the tutus. Oh, those dreamy, twirly creations are still, I believe, the ultimate embodiment of femininity and charm – the ballet dancer in full flight.
Now, while this period is considered an exciting era of change and innovation in the world of ballet – it also serves as a constant reminder of just how important it is to always be ready to embrace the new – the new trends, the new movements – and never forget the classic tutus!
The ballet world in 1828 was just about starting to experiment with new dance forms and choreography, exploring different methods of movement and adding layers of narrative to their work. This period truly feels like a transformative moment for ballet, with exciting new beginnings that shaped the ballet world as we know it today.
So, my lovely readers, as I often say – keep dancing! Until next time, Stay twirling.
Your pink-tutu obsessed time traveller, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
