Hello darlings! Welcome back to my monthly ballet time travel adventures on www.pink-tutu.com. This month, we're waltzing our way back to 1861, the year of...well, you'll see! Buckle up, it's a grand tour!
My beautiful pink shimmering tutu twirls gently in the breeze as I climb onto Magic Meg. She's a majestic pink Shire horse with a flowing white mane and tail, and of course, golden hooves (it’s just good taste). Meg patiently waits for my cue and then we’re off, back in time. You wouldn't believe the magic of travelling on a horse like Meg. The wind in my hair, the rush of the past - it's exhilarating! My leather rucksack is strapped onto my back, ready to collect another treasure trove of stories and ballet delights from this era.
September 1861 - a time of swirling petticoats, exquisite ballrooms, and the thrill of seeing a live performance! What better way to step back in time than a ballet, right? Imagine the magic of gaslit chandeliers illuminating the elegant dance of ballerinas! It truly brings a shimmer to my soul!
We arrive at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, the very heart of London's ballet scene. There's a buzz of anticipation, of excitement, and frankly, a hint of drama that’s truly delicious. This very month, on the 9th, the theatre hosts the premiere of "Sylvia, or The Nymph of Diana", a three-act ballet created by the beloved choreographer, Arthur Saint-Léon. Imagine, a dance based on classical Greek mythology. It must have been incredible, with swirling movements and the ethereal beauty of ballet at its core!
Now, darling, the real excitement of ballet history isn't just in the dances - it’s also in the fashions! The Victorian era, you see, brought about an enchanting evolution in ballet attire. The stiff corsets of the 18th century were giving way to lighter fabrics, showcasing the natural grace and flexibility of ballerinas. They were moving towards what we now know as the romantic ballet style, bringing the tutu in its beautiful beginnings! This era was so instrumental in laying the foundation for modern ballet. I'd love to know if you can imagine a time without a tutu! It’s frankly unthinkable.
But darling, the world of ballet isn't just London! Just across the English Channel, Paris was teeming with a buzz of ballet innovation. Think of this - the great ballerina, Marie Taglioni, was a legend in her time! Can you imagine being the daughter of a famous dancer, debuting at the Paris Opera at the age of 15? Well, in 1861, her brother Paul Taglioni had a career in its own right as a choreographer! Ballet in 1861 was truly a family affair. It truly gives me chills, how these stars lit up the stage and were instrumental in bringing us ballet as we know it today!
It's this interconnectedness of ballet around the world, my darlings, that fuels my own love for the art. From the elegant dances in London to the blossoming of Parisian talent, and even across the pond, in America where dancers like Fanny Elssler graced the stages of the time, the passion for ballet was truly infectious!
But what would ballet be without its dazzling wardrobe? This era, dear readers, was a treasure trove of fashion! The long skirts and puffed sleeves of the Victorian period became an influence on the costumes of ballerinas. It was all about grace, elegance, and, of course, that romantic allure.
This period is really what kicked off a real wave of evolution in fashion for ballet! As for myself, dear readers, I am a strong proponent of wearing the colour pink and tutus for all occasions, just as I would have encouraged the ballerinas in 1861. It is so fabulous to witness a vibrant wave of colour, a statement of elegance. A bit of a fashion riot perhaps? Don’t we all want to look as pretty as a ballerina?
I often carry back to my own time little treasures from my time-travelling adventures - bits of lace, a faded programme, maybe even a button or a drawing. But the true treasures are the stories - the stories of these early ballerinas, the tireless passion for their art, and the undeniable beauty they shared with the world.
Now, you wouldn't believe what's tucked away in my rucksack this month! I managed to snag a few sketches of stage costumes. Can you imagine? One, particularly breathtaking, is of a ballet shoe! It's adorned with a ribbon woven from the softest, most delicate white silk and trimmed with pearls! My fingers are tingling just thinking about the artistry behind that intricate detail.
After a day spent basking in the glamour and excitement of 1861, I bid farewell to this enchanting period and my beloved Meg carries me back to my time. The wind is now blowing through my hair again, this time carrying a melody of bygone days. As the carriage whisks us away, the last thing I hear is the music of the orchestra.
As always, I'll be here next month, with more ballet stories, adventures, and fabulous fashions from the past. And if you, dear reader, are just as passionate about ballet and want to join my movement to embrace the power of a pink tutu, then let’s all stand together and embrace a world of elegant fashion, timeless dance, and inspiring beauty!
Until next month, dear friends, happy twirling!
