Post #2279: Welcome to www.pink-tutu.com, my darlings!
It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina blogger here, Emma! As you all know, each month, I jump aboard my trusty, sparkly pink Shire horse, Magic Meg (with her gorgeous white mane and tail and those shimmering gold hooves!) and zoom through the corridors of time, ready to soak up the history of ballet and bring back all the best bits to share with you. This time, I've taken us back to November 11th, 1850! Buckle up, sweeties, it's going to be a fabulous ride!
Now, let me tell you, it wasn't all twirling in pink tulle and romantic waltzes back then. In 1850, ballet was a bit more dramatic and fierce! This era was all about strong storytelling through dance and complex ballets showcasing athletic feats. Imagine tutus that resembled beautiful, flowing dresses, but more like grand costumes than what we'd see today. They weren't the cute little skirts we wear for class, that's for sure!
My travels led me to Vienna, where the esteemed ballet master and dancer, August Vestris Jr., was wowing the audience with his performances at the Vienna Hofoper. Now, he was considered one of the greatest dancers of the time! He moved with such power and precision, showcasing those classic balletic steps with grace and effortless strength.
Can you imagine? That was the same year "Giselle" was being performed by the renowned Fanny Cerrito, one of the greatest ballerinas of her day. "Giselle," a story about betrayal and sorrow, is such a classic ballet – I've seen many stunning performances of it myself.
The amazing thing is, in 1850, there was an emphasis on emotion in dance. Dancers weren't just showcasing technical ability but were deeply invested in portraying the story's emotional core. I actually found an article that describes Cerrito’s performance: "She moved like a dream, and every movement told a tale," a bit melodramatic but, you know, I love that dramatic storytelling vibe!
And did I mention the gorgeous tutus and costumes? Oh my! This era was known for its elegant, richly decorated designs, and the artistry in the clothing itself was a masterpiece! Now, while they weren’t exactly the vibrant pinks I adore, the colour palettes were stunning! I mean, imagine emerald green silk paired with delicate silver embroidery. Breathtaking! I managed to snag a lovely velvet rose from an antique costume for my collection!
Back home in Derbyshire, England, ballet was blossoming too! In 1850, there was quite a scene, and you could find performances all over. From the theatre at the Buxton Opera House to the grand halls in Chesterfield and Sheffield, the Derbyshire locals had a real passion for the art! It wasn’t all about the Royal Opera House back then, and these little regional venues provided a platform for the development of young talent – just like me!
Let me know what you thought of this month’s post, darlings. And keep checking back for more exciting pink tutu adventures. Remember, there's a pink tutu out there for everyone!
As always, dear readers, you can catch up on all my previous pink adventures on www.pink-tutu.com! And of course, keep a lookout for my ballet performances – my fundraiser performances in support of my time travel is going well. My favourite performance will be next week at Derby's Guildhall Theatre. Do come and join me for a delightful evening of classical ballet, and maybe even wear your own pink tutu for some extra fun! Until next month, stay pink and sparkly! ✨💕
Emma xoxo
P.S. My fabulous new rucksack is brimming with new treasures, stories, and fascinating bits and bobs about the history of ballet, from around the world. I can’t wait to show them all to you next month. Did I tell you it's a stunning shade of blush pink, with delicate ballet slipper embroidery? Perfect! Now, who wants a slice of strawberry cake while we discuss our favourite pink ballet costumes? 😉💕
