Post #2061 - www.pink-tutu.com
Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire ballerina with a penchant for pink tutus and a love of all things ballet! 💕
September is always a special month for a ballerina. With the summer sun fading and the crisp air nipping at your toes, it feels like the perfect time to hunker down in the studio, work on those pirouettes, and prepare for the glorious upcoming season. But this September is extra special because my trusty steed, Magic Meg, and I are taking you on a fabulous time-travelling adventure back to 1832!
Buckle up darlings, because this journey is going to be absolutely magical! 💫
A Glimpse Into the Romantic Era
Fasten your seatbelts (no, silly, it's not the car we're going in!) and we'll be off to September 1832. Magic Meg whinnies in excitement as she gallops towards the mists of time, and my pink tulle tutu billows around me like a cloud of sugar and spice. Isn't it just wonderful? I adore the romanticism of this period - all those fluttering lace collars, flowing satin gowns, and oh, the dancing!
Imagine: grand theaters adorned with golden cherubs, orchestras playing soaring melodies, and ballerinas, lithe and delicate, gracefully twirling across the stage! The ballet world is brimming with artistic beauty and expressive movement. Think flowing "en dehors" and "en dedans", breathtaking jumps, and heart-stopping "arabesques" - it's utterly captivating.
The Ballet Scene of 1832: What's On
I must admit, even as a seasoned time traveler, I find the excitement of a ballet season almost overwhelming. In London, we can expect to see works by famous ballet masters of the day, including the legendary Auguste Vestris. You wouldn't believe it, but his dancing skills are the talk of the town! There's a performance of his incredible, virtuosic choreography coming up this month, featuring graceful pas de basque, elegant fouette, and awe-inspiring jetés - I can barely wait to witness it!
Fashion Frenzy!
Now, let's talk fashion! The early 1830s were a fascinating time for ballerinas. Think graceful, flowing dresses made of delicate, lightweight materials, often with the sleeves fitted closely at the shoulder and tapering down to a flowing finish. These gowns, often adorned with shimmering embellishments and ribbons, allow for effortless movement on the stage, truly a feast for the eyes.
In 1832, one of the most influential ballet teachers, Carlo Blasis, published his book The Code of Terpsichore which detailed the proper costume for ballerinas. While my tutus might not be in that era, we can definitely see a strong connection! We owe a lot to these pioneers who gave us such breathtaking fashion and graceful choreography.
A Trip to the Ballet
Imagine, my dears, if we could all don pink tutus, whisk our skirts up and twirl right alongside the ballerinas of the 1830s. How absolutely wonderful! Just as the ballerina of the era are pushing the boundaries of grace and movement, so do I aim to spread the beauty of the pink tutu! And this journey wouldn't be complete without a little bit of my favourite pastime: ballet shopping!
In 1832, one of the biggest and most coveted names for tutus is Marie Taglioni. It's all about those wispy, gossamer layers and airy forms, giving a truly magical, ethereal feeling. If I was back then, I would be snatching them up quicker than you can say relevé. This period has such a wonderful connection with romantic ideals and expression - and it reflects in their style and performances.
More Than a Dress:
And the tour doesn't end here, lovelies! My time travel bag is always brimming with new discoveries and tales from these bygone eras. I’m on a quest to collect and share ballet stories, to paint a vivid picture of its evolution throughout history. And it's not just about the tutus, though they do take pride of place, trust me. This is about ballet, the expression, the heart of it, the dance itself.
But there is one more item in my bag you should know about - I've recently found an antique dancing shoe from the 1830s! Imagine all those dancers, moving gracefully through history, their shoes tracing invisible pathways across the stages of time.
This vintage treasure, beautifully crafted in satin and leather, reminds me of the endless evolution of ballet and how these amazing performers paved the way for the vibrant world of ballet we enjoy today!
So much to Explore
This month has been an exciting one, discovering the hidden gems and captivating tales of ballet in the 1830s. And the journey is far from over, my lovelies! As I always say, on pointe with pink-tutu we shall continue to explore, embrace the past, and celebrate all things ballet!
Until next time,
Emma x
