Hello lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and this month, my time machine (Magic Meg, the pinkest shire horse you ever did see!) whisked me off to 10th October 1853. Oh, the fashion! The drama! The sheer joy of ballet!
It was a thrilling ride, let me tell you. Imagine, just you and your trusty steed, galloping through a kaleidoscope of time, arriving in a world just brimming with wonder and possibility.
But first, let's dive into the world of ballet on that fateful 10th of October!
A Time Capsule of Ballet: 1853
In 1853, the world of ballet was changing! There was a real shift towards a more athletic style. You can still see traces of the elegance of the romantic era, of course, but we were also seeing the beginnings of what we now call "classical" ballet. This period saw the birth of new choreography, innovative pointe work, and a newfound focus on precision and technical mastery.
Sadly, a lot of those glorious, flamboyant ballets from this time are sadly lost to history. But a couple of names to remember are Paquita and La Fille mal gardée. These were two hugely popular ballets, both showcasing the talents of brilliant dancers of the day like Marie Taglioni (oh, I'd give anything to have seen her dance!)
Now, let's get back to my 1853 adventure!
Pink Tutu Time Travel - An 1853 Dress Diary
Let's start with the fashion! Oh my heavens, I practically swooned when I saw the elaborate gowns and ballrooms in 1853. We’re talking layers of silk and lace, puffed sleeves, corsets (ah, the corset life), and those divine bustles – talk about a fashionable rear-view mirror!
Even the ballet fashion was captivating. Think frilled tutus with a romantic feel. They might have been a little heavy on those tulle layers, compared to our modern designs, but they certainly had a flair for the dramatic. Oh, and speaking of dramatic... the ladies wore flowers in their hair, jewels galore, and those glorious high heels! You wouldn't be caught dead in anything less!
Of course, a true ballerina never goes without her own pink tutu – it's just good sense, isn't it?
Speaking of which... as always, my rucksack was packed with essentials, because who knows when a ballet-related discovery might turn up?! This time, my trusty friend came filled with the most enchanting collection of vintage ballet prints – oh, to have such elegant costumes at the tips of our fingers nowadays!
The excitement for a new ballet era was definitely in the air. Everywhere I went, I could feel the pulsating rhythm of change and invention. Ballet, back then, was not just a dance, but a way of life! They really took ballet fashion, costumes and movement so seriously, they were practically artists, crafting these exquisite and breathtaking displays of artistry.
From Derbyshire to 1853: A Ballad of the Pink Tutu
Now, if you'll excuse me, darlings, I must away to London to check out my latest fashion finds from the Victorian era – it's not easy keeping up with the latest trends from different centuries! And I'll be off again in a flash of pink tutus and glitter for another time-traveling adventure next month!
Remember, keep your eyes on the world of ballet, you never know when you might spot the next trend. And, as always, wear a pink tutu proudly – you’ll turn heads all over town!
Until then, stay sparkly!
Your dear Emma,
XOXO
