Hello darling ballet bunnies! Welcome back to another fabulous installment of my Pink Tutu time travel blog. It’s your favourite ballerina blogger Emma here, and as always, I'm brimming with excitement for our latest journey into the magical world of ballet history. Today, we're going right back to the beginning of 1844, to see what's sizzling on the ballet scene! And before we start, I’m absolutely thrilled that this month’s post is a whopping 2197th edition – a testament to our love of ballet, fashion, and of course, pink!
As you all know, my dear Magic Meg, my trusty pink, shimmering shire horse with golden hooves and flowing mane and tail, whisks me around the globe on a whirlwind tour of all things ballet. Today, we're embarking on a jaunty adventure right back to January 1844, to capture the excitement and artistry that graced the stage back then. It's such a thrilling journey, especially since 1844 marks the start of a brand new ballet year! I just love that fresh start feeling, like the air is full of possibilities.
Of course, it wouldn't be a trip without a stunning pink tutu, wouldn’t you agree? I’m rocking a darling, fluffy creation, complete with tiers of shimmering pink tulle and an extra special touch of sequins. Magic Meg looks positively dazzling, too – her coat seems to be glistening like rose quartz, with delicate wisps of sparkling pink mist swirling around her as we travel! It’s enough to make anyone's head spin!
So, strap in darling readers, let’s set off!
Back to the beginning…
Our time machine whisks us to the very first day of 1844. Stepping off Magic Meg, we’re greeted by the chilly yet exciting air of London, where we find a very different ballet landscape compared to our modern-day one. The Victorian era was a period of growth and innovation for the ballet world, and the year 1844 certainly was no exception. We can see elegant coaches whisking society’s elite to theatres such as Covent Garden, and a wave of energy pulsates through the streets.
And speaking of the theatre scene, I simply had to share with you the extraordinary ballet calendar happening on this very day, 1st January 1844.
A Feast for the Eyes – Ballet Shows at their Peak
This very first day of the year was certainly bursting with cultural excitement. While a plethora of popular operas were filling London's theatres, I discovered a show that’s simply got to make our blog! At the Covent Garden Theatre, none other than the talented dancer Carlotta Grisi, a beloved figure in the ballet world, was dazzling audiences in a production of "La Fille du Danube," alongside the acclaimed Jules Perrot. This incredible ballet premiered back in 1840, with a plotline of intrigue, romance and an intricate and mesmerizing pas de deux between Grisi and Perrot. It was one of the major triumphs of this ballet season, with people praising the ballet for its romantic and sentimental themes, with intricate, beautiful choreography and vibrant costumes. Just imagine the breathtaking costumes, with rich satins and lace, a feast for the eyes! I am sure this enchanting story must have resonated with London's audiences in a truly powerful way, so I have carefully written it down in my travel journal for you to explore.
We can certainly say that Covent Garden was brimming with theatrical excellence! Not only did audiences get to witness a performance by the phenomenal Grisi, but they were also treated to a series of outstanding performances of the ballet Le Diable boiteux. This light-hearted ballet, showcasing playful and engaging characters and movements, would have certainly brought a delightful lightness and a touch of comedy to the early January season.
What’s even more thrilling about Covent Garden this January was that audiences were also enjoying an outstanding performance of the delightful “Giselle," the ultimate story of unrequited love and passion, heartbreak, betrayal and magic. Just the thought of such exquisite performances sends a thrill down my spine! I love the drama of Giselle, such a heart-wrenching, beautiful story - a ballet for the ages!
A Ballet World Expanding!
Jumping on Magic Meg, we galloped across London to see what other amazing shows were being presented around the city. At The Surrey Theatre, the incredibly talented Marie Taglioni, one of the true icons of ballet during this era, was gracing audiences with an enchanting ballet performance, showcasing her impeccable artistry and finesse. Just think, imagine the grace and elegance of these ballets, the perfect blend of intricate movements, ethereal music, and beautiful costumes. Just heavenly! Imagine witnessing these timeless classics firsthand, their movements and emotions forever imprinted in the minds of their audiences, and now recorded for you here in this special blog!
It was thrilling to note that while we were touring London, there were performances springing up across the whole of Europe, from Paris to Vienna, from Copenhagen to Berlin, and many more, showing how ballet truly had taken hold of the continent and had begun to spark a powerful global ballet revolution. This truly was a magical period for dance, a moment in history where we can feel a passionate love for the art blossoming all over the world!
And while we were soaking up the artistic highlights of 1844, I discovered a fascinating ballet-related development, even beyond the stage!
Ballet beyond the Theatre: Inspiration in the Every Day
The Victorian era was full of innovation, and ballet wasn't limited to the stage. It was deeply entwined in everyday life, and the love for dance was truly permeating into fashion, music, art, even in social interactions and conversations!
While browsing some Parisian bookshops, I was delighted to see how ballet’s influence was spreading in unexpected places! I stumbled upon a magnificent tome titled "The Ballet-Master: a collection of original melodies and dances". I couldn’t resist adding it to my collection. This beautifully printed publication showed me how people embraced the spirit of ballet outside of the theatre. There were lovely illustrations of ballet positions and sequences and detailed descriptions of music, movement and costume, all set within a grand, decorative Victorian frame. Just imagine a beautiful ballet performance come to life on the printed page, truly a lovely art piece to enjoy! Such artistry was spreading not only in Parisian society but across all of Europe as people took inspiration from the graceful movement and aesthetic of ballet to inspire their daily life.
I have to tell you, darling readers, that this fascinating trend just makes my pink tutu heart sing! Even while shopping at a London haberdashery store, I discovered some beautiful garments inspired by the intricate details of ballerina tutus. I couldn’t help but buy a charming little lace bolero to add to my ballet-themed collection, oh my goodness! It’s perfectly pink and delicately embellished with delicate lace trim, a beautiful reflection of the elegant grace of the stage. I imagine it was a great inspiration for those who wanted to bring the magic of ballet home, even without a ticket to the grand theatres!
It truly feels like ballet was capturing the hearts and minds of so many people back in 1844. A global awakening was happening, one where ballet was reaching its artistic pinnacle while influencing fashion, music, art and society's values and interactions in such a positive, beautiful, and exciting way! What a magnificent, joyful world ballet has created and what a privilege it is for me to journey through its rich and elegant history.
And what about my beloved pink tutu?
I found inspiration in 1844 while exploring Parisian streets. As I skipped around on Magic Meg’s back, we crossed a beautifully designed little atelier, brimming with beautiful ribbons and tulle – enough to make a tutu-obsessed blogger’s heart soar! I simply couldn’t resist. I had to peek inside! Oh darling readers, it was like stepping into a pink paradise! There were mountains of exquisite silk and satin ribbons in the most lovely shades, rows of twinkling sequins, and a multitude of tulle, from soft chiffon to dramatic and dramatic, airy net. How could I resist adding a few yards of the finest pink tulle to my collection? I can already imagine a lovely little new tutu just waiting to be created for my next ballet journey. I love this gorgeous inspiration - imagine a collection of vintage tulle from around the world.
The 1st of January 1844, the beginning of a new ballet year, is brimming with promise, energy, and a vibrant dance-loving community across Europe! The creativity and innovation is tangible! It’s an exhilarating period, a perfect blend of the dramatic, romantic and playful – a dazzling spectacle of artistry and beauty. I am so thankful for this enchanting ballet world, it makes me feel so happy and hopeful. I simply can't wait for my next adventure, and to keep my pink tutu-tastic journey going with all of you.
Remember darling readers, keep those tutus twirling, those smiles shining, and remember, life’s a stage, and every day can be a breathtaking ballet!
Until next time, happy dancing, my dear readers.
XOXO Emma 💖🩰✨
