Hello, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we delve into the history of ballet, from its glittering beginnings to the latest pirouettes. It’s your favourite Derbyshire-born ballerina blogger, Emma, here, ready to whisk you off on another captivating time travel escapade. This month, Magic Meg, my trusty pink shimmering Shire steed, and I are travelling to the fascinating year 1887! Buckle up, my loves, as we embark on a whimsical adventure through time and uncover some of the captivating ballet highlights from this incredible period!
Just a quick reminder for you new readers; I fund these fantastical trips through my ballet performances. My shows have travelled from the rolling hills of Derbyshire to the glittering stages of the world’s most prestigious ballet theatres. Each performance helps me fund the enchanted travel and, in return, I collect incredible memories, costumes, and stories of the past – all stored safely in my trusty pink leather rucksack!
Now, where were we? Oh yes, 1887! The world is abuzz with anticipation as we step off Magic Meg’s shimmering back, our pink tutus swishing in the air. This time, we find ourselves in the vibrant city of Paris! Oh, the romance! The French capital was truly a hub of ballet excitement in 1887. It's just after the unveiling of the spectacular Palais Garnier Opera House - the largest and most lavish theatre in Paris, known for its stunning interiors and incredible acoustics. This venue became an emblem of opulent artistry, attracting talented dancers and composers from around the world.
The legendary choreographer Marius Petipa was in the full swing of his career during this time. As we stroll through the grand streets, it's impossible to miss the ballet posters plastered everywhere advertising his latest masterpiece, ‘La Bayadère’ - a stunning spectacle with dramatic costumes and awe-inspiring choreography! Can you imagine watching a world premiere of a work that would become one of the most iconic ballets in history? It truly makes our hearts flutter just thinking about it!
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without some fashion inspiration. This period, you can really see a change in ballet costumes; there’s more attention to the details, with swirling silk and satin, exquisitely designed and crafted for every movement. Just picture it: graceful dancers wearing delicately embellished tutus, sparkling under the stage lights, each one more breathtaking than the next. There's no better inspiration for us fashion lovers! I think I'll incorporate some of those elaborate details in my next design!
Oh, and don’t you dare forget about London, my dear readers! The London stage was also ablaze with ballet performances. In February 1887, it was reported that the renowned Ballet Russe were making a grand entrance at the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square. These incredible dancers, hailing from the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia, were taking the English audiences by storm with their vibrant artistry, impeccable technique, and dazzling costumes! Just the thought of such an exotic spectacle gives me butterflies!
Let's take a peek into the London scene from a Parisian ballet publication of February 1887. It states that the London stage is ‘blooming’ with theatrical excitement, particularly for those of us who enjoy ballets with "oriental" influences. One article we read with much intrigue is a description of a performance of 'La Vivandière', a ballet full of dramatic characterisation and a thrilling battle scene - all presented in a most 'elegant and entertaining fashion'. And the highlight of the article? "A magnificent waltz," that apparently transported everyone back to Vienna! We may not be there to see it in person, but can you imagine the energy and excitement in the theatre! Just like you, we can’t resist a waltz!
But that’s not all. Just think, my darlings - a ballet class at the prestigious London Opera House could potentially cost less than £1, even if it wasn't in the plush, opulent Opera House – where ballet would surely have a regal and even 'courtly' style, a real must-see for all you tutu fans. Just think of the beautiful grand salon rooms, where aspiring ballerinas, practicing and perfecting their moves before taking their first step on stage, all adorned in tutus just like mine - pink tutus, naturally. It is simply captivating to think of the artistry unfolding in that period!
After a dazzling day in Paris and London, we take a magical spin on Magic Meg, soaring back through time to the 21st century, and a little glimpse of what happened on this date, in the real world, but in 2023:
- It was on 2nd February 2023, that the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Ballet, and the English National Opera released a statement stating that the performances of their upcoming productions could be canceled. This happened due to strike action by the orchestra’s musicians over unfair pay.
- This brings the importance of paying the arts to the forefront of people’s attention, and in 2023 the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) announced that its 220 sites across Scotland will be hosting more performance events like concerts and theatrical productions throughout the year.
From Parisian grand theaters to the contemporary ballet stage, it's been another wonderful trip through time, my lovelies. The year 1887 shows that the magic of ballet lives on! We learned that it is not just about the performances; the costumes and the stories add so much texture to this amazing art form. The elegance of the era has imbued my pink tutu-clad self with even more ideas for future designs! And who knows? Perhaps, I’ll be channeling the essence of those glamorous Parisiennes as I dance in my next show!
Remember to come back each month as we explore the world of ballet throughout time. Who knows where we will journey next? But we will always remember to bring a touch of our favourite pink, and of course, a tutu to every journey!
Until next time,
Emma 🩰💕
