Hello, my darling dears! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! I'm Emma, your trusty guide to the wonders of ballet, fashion, and, of course, a sprinkle of time travel! October is my absolute favourite month. Crisp autumn air, the colours changing, and the first signs of the Christmas season popping up - it truly is a magical time of year! And to top it off, I get to journey to 10th October, 1837, for this month's time-travelling ballet adventure!
My darling Magic Meg, my pink sparkling shire horse with hooves that glint gold and a white mane like spun moonlight, is already pawing the ground with impatience. My pink leather rucksack, brimming with notebooks, my vintage ballerina slippers, and, of course, a spare pink tutu, is already on my back, ready to be filled with the treasures of the Victorian era.
We are about to embark on a voyage to a time when Queen Victoria, a young, vibrant queen with a passion for art and the beautiful things in life, sat on the throne. Can you imagine?! What wonders are awaiting us? I bet it's even more magnificent than today.
The 10th October 1837... what could be more wonderful than being there to witness ballet's captivating story unfold in such a grand period of time? I've heard whispers about a few captivating ballerinas making waves in the dance world. I've heard the stories, read the letters, pored over the fashion plates and even a few photographs, though quite rare those were in the early days! I’m itching to see them perform, and I'm sure, you lovely people will be thrilled to learn about their stories too!
But before I set off with Magic Meg, let’s dive into the happenings of the world of ballet on this date, shall we?
The World of Ballet in 18371837, just after the coronation of Queen Victoria, marked a significant moment in the world of ballet. Paris was, and still is, a central hub of dance. The Opera de Paris was, and remains to this day, one of the most important institutions in the ballet world. Imagine, beautiful dancers with exquisitely trained physiques moving with the most effortless grace in ornate, richly embroidered costumes. Ballet then, just like today, was about the art of captivating the imagination!
We must remember that dance was still young, it had come from its Renaissance roots and had been further influenced by ballet dancers, masters and their companies in places like Italy and even Russia. The great Mademoiselle Fanny Elssler had risen to fame with her performances. It is her daring artistry and talent, in these early stages, which continues to resonate in every tutu I’ve ever donned, every move I have ever made, every show I have ever seen. It’s an honour, and indeed a pleasure, to share the legacy of this incredible ballerina. She’s the epitome of my pink tutu world – I wonder what secrets I might uncover!
However, let us not forget that whilst ballet continued to enthral audiences in London, Vienna, and all across Europe, there were significant developments, a period of what was considered ‘Golden Age’ of the romantic period.
A peek into a Parisian ballet…As we fast forward to the early Victorian era, let us journey across the Channel to Paris! Imagine it – you are in the glittering auditorium, velvet seats are adorned with swirling patterns of pink and green, an opera house’s magical world unfolding before you. The music begins – strings start with a delicate whisper, a hush descends on the audience as a sense of awe sweeps across the house and then….the magic starts.
This year in 1837, audiences could experience ‘La Sylphide’. This masterpiece of dance and drama became an international sensation and was said to be particularly popular among London audiences, where it was presented at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. How exciting! Imagine my delight in stepping back into that theatre - and getting to see a show like this. This, my dear readers, would be a real treat for me. I am so looking forward to it.
“La Sylphide” is a tale of ethereal beauty. It tells a fantastical story about a young Scottish lad named James and the mesmerizing Sylphide, a forest fairy who beguiles him. I think we could all say she would inspire the heart of any man – what do you think?! What a wonderfully elegant romance - it has a haunting element of the mystical and the extraordinary that always gets me so captivated in the magic of dance!
One can’t forget, of course, to mention the spectacular costumes of these magnificent creations – the Sylphide and the intricate, ornate detail of the choreography that was unique in style and made this a breathtaking show. You just know that it must have brought gasps of wonder and appreciation for the dancers - how could it not! It was so unique, such a magnificent ballet piece.
My Victorian Ballet Collection:But, oh, my dear dears, my stories aren't just about those Parisian waltzes! You all know that my passion for ballet, for my beautiful, oh so glamorous pink tutus, extends to a desire to understand the evolution of ballet around the world. Today I’ll be adding stories and ballet-related memorabilia from London and indeed all over the world!
Think beautiful dance moves, captivating stories and beautiful fabrics, I am almost dizzy with excitement – imagine if this dance piece had an element of pink! It just gets better, more elegant, and much, much more sophisticated – just think what wonders we’ll discover in this grand ballet time.
Well, that is all, dear friends, but I shall keep you updated with all my discoveries and insights! I’ll be heading to the 10th October 1837 with my trusty steed, Magic Meg! And who knows what wonderful surprises await?
Do make sure you visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com for further updates on all my ballet-related activities! Don’t forget my blog! Until next month! And, as always, please keep wearing your tutus – pink, if you like, but never lose the wonder of your beautiful pink tutus.
Happy dancing!
Emma, The Pink Tutu Blogger x
