Hello fellow ballet enthusiasts! Itâs your favourite pink tutu wearing, time travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another instalment of my Pink Tutu Travels. I hope youâre ready to waltz back through the decades and take a peek at what the world of ballet was like on 7th July, 1833.
I must admit, dear readers, my excitement levels are at a fever pitch for this particular journey! The year 1833 saw the birth of "Giselle," a groundbreaking ballet considered one of the cornerstones of the Romantic era! I just couldnât miss the opportunity to see its beginnings and add some authentic memorabilia to my growing collection.
Now, before I divulge into the heart of the ballet scene, let me introduce you to the mode of transportation I used for this time hop! Magic Meg, my trusty, shimmering pink Shire steed, was magnificent as always, her golden hooves and white mane and tail glistening in the sun as we rode through time. My pink tutu swished behind me in the breeze, a fitting accompaniment to my enchanting companion.
Speaking of enchanting, letâs talk about the Romantic Ballet movement! Oh, how my ballerina heart leaps for this era. Its ethereal and delicate dance style, its emphasis on fairy tales and emotions, the intricate, flowing tutus... it's the epitome of ballet grace! And "Giselle," well, it truly embodies this era with its tragic yet heart-wrenching story.
Arriving in 1833, I quickly found myself in Paris, the city of lights, the epicentre of all things ballet, particularly for this Romantic Ballet era. And I must confess, a girl simply cannot resist the allure of Parisian fashion. Imagine, the grand boulevards lined with silk shops showcasing the latest designs. You wouldn't believe the beautiful fabrics! My rucksack is brimming with samples I just had to have - a touch of romantic era fabric for a new, vintage tutu perhaps?!
After my little shopping spree, it was time to immerse myself in the ballet world. It wouldn't be right to have a Pink Tutu Travels post without actually attending a show, wouldn't it? So off I went to the ThĂ©Ăątre de lâAcadĂ©mie Royale de Musique in Paris - one of the grandest opera houses of the era. The theatre, its grandeur is hard to explain; gold embellishments, plush red velvet seats and a glittering chandelier casting an air of magic over the whole space. It felt so alive, humming with anticipation before the curtains rose. Oh, and the ballet costumes! Iâm not saying they werenât a bit too revealing for my liking (but of course, times were different!), but there was undeniable charm to the delicate fabric and flowy tulle!
The ballet that graced the stage that night? Why, none other than âLa Sylphide,â another exquisite ballet embodying the Romantic style! I found myself absolutely spellbound. Every pirouette, every graceful gesture transported me to another world. I felt my toes tapping in time with the music, and even let out a tiny shriek (maybe two) at a particularly dramatic leap. I couldnât help myself.
But you know, dear readers, this time travel adventure wasnât just about admiring the artistry and grace of the dance, or even shopping for a new batch of beautiful, vintage fabric! My aim, as always, was to delve into the story behind the performance, the people behind the artistry, and share it all with you.
And that is precisely what my rucksack, which is looking quite heavy right now by the way, is stuffed full of! My new âGiselleâ notes, detailing the genesis of the ballet and the dancers of the time. It's fascinating! There was also the incredible stories behind "La Sylphide," which were truly inspiring. And I wouldn't miss capturing the unique charm of 19th century dance trends â you wouldnât believe the different forms of steps, theyâre simply breathtaking.
So there you have it! A taste of 1833, the year the Romantic ballet movement took flight!
Next time, Iâll be journeying to the United States, the cradle of many groundbreaking artistic movements, and I canât wait to show you the dance scene that was taking shape in the New World. Donât forget to subscribe to Pink-Tutu.com to join me!
Until next time, dear ballet lovers, keep dancing, and never forget to wear your pink tutu with pride!
