Hello fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you off on another delightful journey through the history of ballet! This month, I’ve traded the cobbled streets of London’s West End for the elegant halls of 1852, 3rd March, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of tutus to be seen!
Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire with the golden hooves and snow-white mane, whinnied excitedly as we crossed the threshold of time. I adjusted the straps of my blush pink tutu, which, let’s be honest, looked simply exquisite against the backdrop of the 19th century! I love my new rucksack too; a beautifully worn leather one from a little shop in Derbyshire, full of hidden pockets for the trinkets and tales I’m about to gather!
Before I share all the fabulous ballet adventures, I’ll admit that I did spend the first couple of hours just oohing and aahing over the fashions! The ladies of London were so exquisitely dressed – full skirts, velvet jackets, and intricate hairstyles adorned with feathers and jewels. Even the men looked so dashing in their frock coats and top hats! I longed to join the waltzing crowds and try my hand at a victorian quadrille!
However, our focus this month is on the ballet! So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of ballet on this glorious day in history, shall we?
Ballet by the Bay
The world of ballet was buzzing with excitement in March of 1852. I took a trip to the prestigious Parisian Opera House to catch a performance of “Le Corsaire,” a ballet with a captivating tale of pirates, adventure, and of course, love! You can imagine my delight as I slipped into the theatre; the atmosphere was electric! The women were sporting some serious sparkle in their hair, while the men’s perfectly polished top hats practically radiated confidence! I even saw a young woman with a tutu tucked beneath her cloak, I'm sure I recognised her from the Paris Ballet - oh to have been young and carefree like that again.
The Rise of the Romantic
This time period saw ballet undergoing a delightful transformation – it embraced a more passionate, emotional style that mirrored the themes of the time. Stories of doomed romances and valiant heroes were centre stage, and the dancers were captivating audiences with their expressive movements and captivating storytelling.
Think delicate jumps, fluid extensions, and movements inspired by nature, and you have the key ingredients of romantic ballet! It truly was a beautiful blend of art and expression. The music, by composers like Delibes, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky, helped paint those romantic scenes in your mind.
Stepping Into The Spotlight
Of course, the stars of the show were the ballerinas themselves! Imagine, I saw the legendary Fanny Cerrito, considered one of the finest ballerinas of her time! Her talent, grace, and dramatic intensity was quite breathtaking! Another favourite of mine, Marie Taglioni, a graceful artist with delicate moves and exceptional control, had also reached new heights of fame. Their dances, often accompanied by beautiful floral headpieces, evoked the ethereal nature of this ballet era. It's no surprise they inspired so many artists and musicians with their incredible ability.
My Finds of the Month
My rucksack is brimming with incredible discoveries from this visit to the 19th century. I’m sure you're all excited to hear all about them!
- I found an old score for “Giselle," one of the most beloved ballets of the era. The romantic storyline of the betrayed peasant girl who becomes a woodland spirit is truly heart-wrenching. I even got my hands on a miniature model of the costume of Giselle, such intricate details – I can't wait to use it for inspiration when designing new balletwear!
- While visiting a London costume shop, I discovered a charmingly faded copy of “The Complete Guide to Ballet Fashion.” The intricate embroidery on those tutus and bodices - absolutely dazzling!
Inspiration for Your Tutu
My pink-tutu-clad friends, I hope you’ve found inspiration from this ballet journey into 1852! What was happening in ballet world this month reminded me of something crucial - ballet is constantly evolving. I’ve discovered that every time I travel through time, I learn something new and inspiring, something to push me creatively and push ballet to the next level! I believe the secret is in never losing your enthusiasm.
And don’t forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com to share your ballet journeys with me, my darlings! Until next month, stay curious, stay colourful, and of course, wear pink!
