Hello my darling dancers! Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina, and it's time to whisk you away to another fascinating historical adventure! This month, we're stepping back to the 1840s, specifically the 3rd of March 1844. Grab your pink tutus and your teacups, darlings, and settle in for a whimsical trip back in time.
Today's journey finds us in the charming town of Derbyshire, England, my birthplace. My magical steed, Meg – a magnificent Shire horse with a pink-tinged shimmer, a golden mane, and hooves like polished jewels – is all prepped and ready for a thrilling adventure! The feel of crisp Derbyshire air on my face as we clip-clop through cobblestone streets always stirs something magical in me. It's a little bit of home, no matter where time takes us!
This month, I’m excited to explore a period rich in ballet history. 1844 was a year that saw the rise of the Romantic Era in ballet – a time when passion and sentiment took centre stage. Choreographers, like the visionary Jules Perrot, embraced dramatic storytelling and technical flourishes that brought the graceful world of ballet to life in thrilling new ways.
As Meg gallops through the streets of 19th century Derbyshire, my mind buzzes with images of ethereal ballerinas, exquisite tutus, and grand, sweeping sets. I envision shimmering gowns adorned with sequins and layers of tulle. I can almost hear the delicate flutter of wings on the stage!
Speaking of ballerinas, wouldn't it be delightful to take a peek into the life of a dancer from this era? Their world, with its demanding training and intense performances, must have been full of discipline and dedication. Can you imagine being a ballerina during a time when dance schools were more rigid and costumes heavier? What challenges did these ladies face? I can't wait to dig deeper!
Of course, no time-travelling ballerina could pass up an opportunity to admire the fashion! The early 1840s saw the evolution of the Victorian silhouette with its emphasis on feminine beauty. While I’m not sure if a ballerina could fit into those elaborate crinolines! I imagine the delicate embroidery on a ballerina's shoes and the exquisite artistry in the embroidery of her skirt. Perhaps we can borrow some of those decorative elements for our own tutu designs today.
Oh! Just this week, I found the most exquisite embroidered ballet shoe – complete with lace details – hidden away in an antique shop! I am delighted, darling. I do believe that a bit of 19th-century charm can truly bring any ballerina's ensemble to life. My rucksack, always packed with treasures from my travels, has a special pocket for such treasures, filled with notes, sketches and little trinkets to bring those bygone days into my life.
You know, it's not just about the costumes. The very spirit of ballet from this era is something I truly cherish. Imagine, for instance, the intricate choreography that graced the stages in this year. I long to see a live performance of La Esmeralda, a story ballet from this very era that took Paris by storm. The themes of forbidden love, intrigue and the tragedy of destiny captivated audiences back then – themes that resonate with us even today.
The story of the dancer, the music, the costuming, the history…it’s truly enchanting. To bring back the history of this era in the way I best know how, I am delighted to announce that I'll be performing "La Esmeralda" – the ballet, darling, not the actual tale – in a spectacular production at The Royal Opera House in London this July! You are all most welcome to attend. And it would give you an excuse to buy a fabulous pink tutu, of course!
There you have it, my lovelies! My exciting adventure through the year 1844! The next few weeks will see Meg and me hopping back into the saddle and riding off to the next enchanting epoch in ballet history. Don’t miss out on my next blog post where we explore the magic and allure of ballet in the years that followed!
In the meantime, do keep twirling and keep shining. Until next time!
Your Time-Travelling Ballerina,
Emma
P.S. Do visit my online shop on www.pink-tutu.com! I have a brand-new line of tutus, all hand-designed with a vintage 19th-century aesthetic! My favorite is the 'La Esmeralda' tutu with the black velvet ribbon and tulle layers that give a breathtakingly beautiful impression of delicate flight. Do you want to be like one of the iconic ballerinas from this golden age? Just visit the website.
You know you deserve to wear pink! 😉 💖
