Hello, lovelies! Emma here, back from another incredible time-traveling adventure, this time to a delightfully different December in 1858! Did you know it's my mission in life to spread the joy of the pink tutu? Not just on stage, but in everyday life! And as a ballet history enthusiast with a touch of wanderlust, I achieve this by hopping onto the back of my trusty steed, the glorious Magic Meg – a pink sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a magnificent mane and tail like spun white silk. Yes, we are a duo that turns heads, and quite often cause a stir in whatever era we land!
Today, I'm spilling the tea (and pink sparkles!) on what ballet was like back in 1858, so settle in with your favourite hot drink and a comfy cushion. As always, you can find me posting once a month over at www.pink-tutu.com, where I share all my experiences, along with my fabulous outfit picks!
I always feel a thrill when I set off on these journeys, a flutter like the delicate choreography of a delicate pas de deux. This time, Magic Meg whisked me across the English countryside (don't worry, she's environmentally friendly, fueled by ballet inspiration!) towards London, the epicentre of the world of ballet in the mid-nineteenth century.
London in 1858: Ballet at the Royal Opera House
My first stop was the iconic Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, a glittering temple of ballet! Stepping through the grand doors, the air thrummed with anticipation, with a hush falling over the audience just before the curtain rose.
It was an evening of breathtaking beauty! The opera house itself was a spectacle in its own right, glimmering with chandeliers and overflowing with dazzling fashion - think luxurious velvet gowns and feathered headdresses!
Now, the dance itself wasn’t what I expected. Unlike today's focus on intricate choreography and athleticism, 1858 ballet was more about graceful, elegant movements. Think flowing lines, lyrical poses and a refined grace. Imagine watching swans glide across a lake – that's what the dancing evoked.
This era was all about "ballet d'action", dramatic stories told through dance. There were dramatic pirouettes, soaring leaps and beautiful flowing gestures - everything you’d imagine in a ballet from a bygone era! The storyline was based around the legendary and often-controversial ‘The Ballet of the Seasons’, with each dance reflecting a different season – quite magical in its simplicity.
The choreography was crafted by the talented Arthur Saint-Léon, renowned for his exquisite dancers and their enchanting stage presence. You could practically feel the romance in the air!
I couldn’t help but wonder what stories these dancers held, these pioneers of the stage! My imagination conjured up their training, their dreams and their dedication to the art. My heart felt as light and twirling as a ballerina's in a fouetté!
The Costumes: An Era of Romance and Ruffles
Of course, I couldn't resist peeking at the ballet costumes – and what a sight! While today we have our bold contemporary designs, these dancers were draped in layers of billowing silk and tulle, creating an ethereal silhouette. And the colour palette – oh, my dears – think pastels, flowing white, delicate shades of pink… ahem … you know my weakness! They weren't wearing tight tutus just yet. This was the age of voluminous, sweeping tutus – layers and layers of tulle flowing around their lithe figures, creating a stunning, ethereal effect.
But my favourite piece was a beautiful pink-tinted, long, silk-lined ballet dress - its sleeves reaching to her elbows and the softest shade of blush pink that I can't wait to add to my own collection! It was exquisite, and I'd wager that even back then it would have turned heads – like my tutu does!
Gathering the Treasures:
My little rucksack, which is adorned with delicate, sparkling pink butterflies, was quickly filling up with exciting items. My finds include a beautifully worn copy of 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare', a hand-written script of ‘The Ballet of the Seasons’ - a treasure that made my heart leap like a ballerinas grand jeté!
After a quick change, and I do mean quick – I wouldn’t want to miss the after-party – I found myself back in my favourite Derbyshire cottage, a cup of chamomile tea in my hand, and a story to tell about a night that swirled with romance, music and magic! My love for all things ballet just blossomed further!
Do join me again next month for another tale from the ballet world, past or present, through my unique perspective. It's always an adventure in pink, and you never know who we'll encounter along the way!
Yours in the swirl of pink tutus and ballet dreams,
Emma x
