Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to my monthly meander through ballet history! October the 10th, 1830…the date shimmers on the antique calendar on my desk in the carriage house. Oh, the magic of history! Today, Magic Meg is chomping on a sugar cube, ready to whisk me off to the grand waltzes and captivating ballets of the past.
Let’s be honest, the world in 1830 is a different story altogether. No flashy sequins, no sleek leotards – it's a time of corsets, long gowns, and the ever so stylish Romantic era of ballet! The dance was evolving. It wasn’t just about the formal grandeur of courtly steps; instead, it was seeking a new depth, exploring themes of passion and drama, making it more accessible and captivating to the masses. Can you even imagine?!
Oh! Do tell, what to do in the realm of 1830?! Today is a day of elegance! Fancy waltzing with me at a grand ball in London, or are we off to explore the bohemian dance halls of Paris? Imagine dancing the night away, with the ladies twirling in beautiful white satin and men with charming grins! And of course, we are on the lookout for ballet history, are we not?
Perhaps I should grab my worn, yet perfectly stylish, leather rucksack. It's where I carefully stash my precious trinkets – an antique ballet slipper from 1820, a handwritten note from a Parisian dance school in 1835 – all gems collected from my various ballet explorations through time.
You can always trust me to know what’s going on in the world of ballet, darling! In 1830, there’s a flurry of creativity and inspiration! The very talented, oh, how I adore the name, Marie Taglioni! This graceful gem, oh she sparkled! You could call her the "Pink Tutu Princess", although the trend hadn’t swept the world in 1830 yet… ahem ahem…. She was a sensation, a legendary ballerina renowned for her delicate jumps, lightness, and grace, captivating audiences worldwide. She introduced a new romantic aesthetic, and the stage became alive with flowing movements and expressive dance, setting the scene for a new era in ballet. You simply must take a peep at La Sylphide; it's one of the key ballets of the Romantic era! Oh, to be swept away by the magic! Just thinking about the choreography sends a shiver down my spine.
Don’t you agree, this whole period just drips with a captivating elegance? If we could peek inside those charming, elegant salons of 1830, can you just imagine? Oh, those dainty, feminine teacups. And all the exciting ballet gossip! Imagine how many stories are still out there, waiting to be uncovered by someone like me, a curious time traveller, in her always perfectly stylish pink tutu.
I hope you’ve had fun joining me for this waltz through time, my dears! Next month, I'm exploring the ballet world of another date – maybe we'll be heading to the theatre, or perhaps to the ballet classroom of a bygone era.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab my most flattering pink tutu and kiss my trusty steed Magic Meg on the nose. We have a lot of exciting dance adventures waiting for us. Till next month, my loves, remember: a little bit of pink tutu goes a long way! Don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com and sign up for updates!
Until we dance again,
Emma xx
