#BalletHistory during 1839 03 March

Dearest Tutu-licious friends!

Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, where every month I leap through time on the back of my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire horse, Magic Meg. With her golden hooves and flowing white mane, she whisks me to balletic adventures across the centuries.

This time, I find myself drawn to March 3rd, 1839, a date that tickles my tutu-loving fancy. Now, this isn’t just any random date, my dears, it’s a date bursting with Parisian glamour and the romantic ballet stories that set my soul a-flutter.

It was a Wednesday, a day brimming with the promise of something spectacular. So, off I trotted on Magic Meg’s back, her pink sparkle leaving a trail of fairy dust as we travelled to the bustling Parisian scene.

My first stop, as always, was the Théâtre de l’Opéra, an architectural masterpiece even back then! Inside, I saw a flurry of excitement - preparations were in full swing for a special performance: “La Sylphide”! This Romantic masterpiece, choreographed by Filippo Taglioni for his daughter, Marie Taglioni, was sweeping the ballet world by storm. And my, what a show! Marie, the first true ballerina in her own right, was an enchanting vision in her ethereal white tutu – a perfect illustration of the romanticism sweeping Europe.

There was a real feeling of “je ne sais quoi” in the air, an electric buzz as the curtain rose. The dancing, oh the dancing, was light, lyrical, full of captivating expressions of love and loss. I felt a frisson run through my tutu as the delicate pointe work and graceful movements stole my heart. I’m pretty sure I was spotted nodding enthusiastically to the music and even let out a little gasp during the famous “Mad Scene” – what a masterpiece of expression!

It seems, according to my notes, this night in 1839 was special because Marie was celebrating a career milestone - a staggering 100 performances of "La Sylphide”! That's quite a feat, and I have to applaud the young ballerina on her incredible dedication.

Of course, no time travel journey is complete without adding to my ever-growing collection of ballet history!

First, I slipped a program from this special night into my leather rucksack - it’s quite precious, made from delicate paper and inscribed with the elegant calligraphy of the era.

I even managed to snag a beautifully illustrated theatre sketch of Marie Taglioni, a perfect addition to my Parisian Ballet Art portfolio. The dress she wore for the performance - simple yet ethereal - gave me a true insight into the style of ballet costume during this romantic era.

As you can see, the colours in ballet costume were all about romanticism. Marie's soft, airy white tutu became an icon for future generations of ballerinas. I wonder if this look will spark inspiration for my next tutu design? It's all about subtle femininity and expressing the elegance of dance, don't you think?

And for the perfect souvenir to add a touch of Paris to my pink wardrobe, I snagged a delicate pink feather from a peacock fan used in the show's final scene. A bit of Parisian romanticism in my very own pink palette - a real treat!

Beyond the spectacular “La Sylphide,” Parisian dance scenes were thriving in 1839! Several prestigious schools were attracting students from across the world, eager to learn the intricate movements of French ballet. These schools were more than just ballet classes – they were truly ateliers of beauty, where every aspect of grace, poise and style was honed.

In a time when fashion was synonymous with elegant silhouette and graceful femininity, the popularity of ballet, with its intricate steps and graceful lines, seemed a perfect match! In fact, many say the movement and fluidity of ballet during the Romantic era strongly influenced fashion. Look at all those gorgeous flowing ball gowns and fitted bodices - pure ballerina elegance in haute couture.

And let’s not forget, 1839 also saw the launch of "The Illustrated London News." This weekly newspaper showcased some breathtaking drawings and prints depicting the latest fashion and dance trends. So, the love for ballet was really starting to seep into mainstream culture - I’m so glad to be here to witness the movement firsthand.

While all this Parisian enchantment was thrilling, you know me - I just can't resist indulging my love for everything pink and tutu!

My time-travel outfit, naturally, was a symphony of pink, with a dazzling tutu I had specially designed for the era. Think swathes of silky pink fabric with hints of shimmer, all balanced perfectly with a velvet pink bodice, the very picture of Romantic fashion. And just as every good ballerina knows, a little pink bow and sparkly ballerina shoes are simply a must!

It was so wonderful to find pink shades truly flourishing in 1839! While ballet was largely defined by the delicate whites of ballerinas' tutus, the fashionable society loved a touch of vibrant pink, which even appeared in theatrical performances! And of course, there was plenty of it to be seen in the vibrant flower garlands adorning dancers’ hair.

So, in the midst of a symphony of movement, elegance and sheer ballet brilliance, I indulged in my very own little piece of pink paradise!

I must admit, a Parisian street performance featuring a mischievous pink-clad ballerina certainly caught my eye - she danced her heart out while juggling three pink feathers - it’s fair to say she really turned heads! I thought to myself, why shouldn't pink be the main event in ballet? I am on a mission, dear friends! I have to get the world in a pink tutu!

As for you, dear readers, how do you see pink and ballet going hand-in-hand? Let’s chat in the comments and spread the pink joy!

Until next time, keep on dancing and twirling!

Your Pink Tutu Blogger,

Emma