Hello lovelies! 🎀
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink Tutu Travels! It's Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away to another magical moment in ballet history.
This month, I'm galloping back to the year 1837, the dawn of a new era in British history. As we bid farewell to the reign of King William IV and welcome Queen Victoria to the throne, I felt it was only fitting to hop on Magic Meg and whisk us back to that momentous occasion, a perfect date for exploring the world of ballet in 1837!
A Pink Tutu's Journey
I left Derbyshire with a spring in my step and Magic Meg's hooves drumming a happy rhythm against the cobblestones. My trusty pink rucksack was ready to be filled with treasures from the past: a program from a Paris Opera performance, maybe some old dance shoes, perhaps even a handwritten letter from a ballet star of the day!
It's so exhilarating, you see, this feeling of being transported to another time. All it takes is a sprinkle of magic (and a good strong dose of my favourite shade of pink!), and suddenly you're right there, experiencing it firsthand.
The 1st of January, 1837 was an exciting time for the world of ballet. I donned my prettiest, frilliest pink tutu (the one with the delicate silk ribbons!), and rode with Magic Meg towards the heart of London. Theatres were alive with performances, and a wave of excitement for new artistic endeavors rippled through the city.
The Theatre Buzz
The grand old theatres of London, like Drury Lane and Covent Garden, were at the epicenter of all things dramatic, and that definitely included ballet. You couldn't swing a silk pointe shoe without hitting a ballerino or two!
While there wasn't a new premiere that day, London was brimming with ballets from previous years that were still captivating audiences. My research shows that "The Maid of Honour," an airy piece about a royal wedding (perfect for the beginning of Victoria's reign, don't you think!), was showing at Covent Garden, alongside a performance of "Giselle," a beloved romantic ballet that would remain a classic for years to come.
Imagine yourself in the audience, captivated by the dancers' graceful movements, their emotions expressed through every delicate step and grand jeté! It must have been spellbinding!
Ballet and Fashion
It goes without saying that the world of fashion in 1837 was utterly enchanting. Imagine flowing skirts, lacy bodices, and, of course, the ladies with their charming bonnets.
As for ballet fashion, it was quite a departure from today's minimalist aesthetic! Dancers wore ornate, brightly coloured costumes, heavily decorated with sequins, feathers, and flowers. Think romantic ball gowns with just the right amount of ruffles and layers to make you swoon!
Why We Love This Era
I love visiting 1837, because it truly was a pivotal time in ballet history! Romantic ballets were coming into their own, emphasizing graceful movements, emotional expression, and dreamy stories.
What truly stood out, however, was the growing popularity of the ballet at this time! More people were being exposed to this exquisite art form, sparking a newfound appreciation and a growing passion. It was a time when ballet, once the exclusive preserve of the upper classes, was opening its doors to a wider audience, inspiring new generations to embrace its beauty.
The Tutu Time Travels
While the theatres were captivating, I couldn't resist exploring the hidden corners of London where ballet flourished.
Imagine my joy when I stumbled upon a charming little dance studio, tucked away in a quiet alley! There, I discovered a class filled with aspiring young ballerinas, their enthusiasm as vibrant as their tulle skirts.
I spent hours observing, taking in the gentle encouragement of the teacher and the sweet melody of their steps, their eagerness to perfect each pose.
Then, just as quickly as I had arrived, the afternoon sun began to dip, painting the city in hues of gold and crimson. Magic Meg neighed softly, ready to carry me back to my own time, and, oh how I adore that sensation - the journey back, filled with stories and experiences ready to be shared.
The Pink Tutu Project: Spreading the Love!
As always, my travels were fueled by my desire to spread the magic of ballet and my unshakeable love for pink tutus.
So, let's take a moment to appreciate this lovely colour, dear readers.
It is, of course, the colour of romance, of childhood dreams, and, oh yes, of the beautiful tutus that make a dancer twirl! And this very day, I'm asking all you lovelies, to wear pink today. To don your finest shades of pink, pink ribbons in your hair, maybe a sprinkle of glitter here and there. It's all about bringing a touch of magic to our daily lives! Because remember, with the right tutu and a bit of pink, anything is possible!
I hope this blog post has taken you on a delightful journey through the world of ballet in 1837.
And now, as always, it’s time for me to bid you adieu. Keep spreading the magic of ballet and remember, lovelies, a pink tutu always makes everything more wonderful! ✨
See you next month, for another adventure through time,
With love and pink, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
(Blog Post No. 2113)
