Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my blog, Pink Tutu, where we explore the glorious history of ballet through the lens of my favourite colour - pink! This month, I've hopped onto the back of my magical Meg, a dazzling pink Shire horse with a gleaming white mane and tail, and travelled all the way back to the 19th century. We're talking Victorian England, ladies! Buckle up, it's going to be a whirlwind of corsets, crinolines and - you guessed it - tutus!
My lovely pink tutu felt right at home amidst the elegant ladies and gentlemen of the Victorian era. Their fashion was quite the spectacle – full of layers, ruffles and exquisite details. I'd say their love of frills and grandeur was practically made for tutus, wouldn't you? I do love how they embraced their femininity, and my trusty leather rucksack quickly filled up with sketches of these stunning outfits – such inspiration!
The heart of the 19th century in the world of ballet was all about Romantic ballet. I couldn't resist popping in on a performance of Giselle, which was premiered in 1841, a mere two years before this very date in history! This ballet is absolutely breathtaking. Imagine, dear reader, a heartbroken woodland nymph with wings, so full of grace and tragedy! I couldn't resist doing a little pirouette on stage alongside the beautiful ballerinas. The audiences gasped! "A tutu! How innovative!" I swear I heard one of the Victorian gentlemen whisper.
And then there was the famous dancer, Fanny Elssler! I found myself seated beside a mesmerised group watching her on stage. A petite lady, with a strong presence and the ability to capture hearts with every movement. It is her who many believe pioneered the ballet we see today, moving from classical ballet and introducing a more romantic, expressive style with flowing tutus!
I can just picture her back in the days when ballerinas didn't just wear pink - they actually wore bright, colourful outfits in the middle of all that black and white! Oh, what a glorious sight. They truly were pioneers. But enough about their clothing, let's talk about the most important detail: their dancing! I was totally in awe of Fanny’s athleticism and passion. This dance was powerful and full of expression, showing just how versatile ballet can be, from classical, graceful movements to wild, flowing gestures that tell stories with every step.
Of course, the highlight of my 19th-century adventure was the fashion scene. I snagged a beautiful silk fabric, which reminded me of my own precious pink tutu – a gorgeous, flowing pink with hints of gold and silver. My mind is already buzzing with ideas! What sort of enchanting costume could I create with this magnificent silk? The possibilities are endless, my lovelies!
Another remarkable find was a delightful collection of old ballet books and programs. Some even boasted colourful lithographs showcasing ballet scenes from the era! Oh, what a treasure trove of history! Imagine, a book filled with descriptions of dance and theatrical innovations. Just think of all the fabulous dancers who graced the stage during that time. The thought alone sets my heart aflutter!
Don’t forget to head over to the website www.pink-tutu.com where you can see the images I took during my travels! It's a real blast from the past. And let’s not forget about my lovely horse, Magic Meg! She is an absolute sweetheart and can transport me to any ballet location across any point in time. Just say the word! Oh, darling, I think it’s time for me to hit the dance studio now. I just found myself a delightful ballet teacher here in Victorian London! They are quite traditional in their teaching here, but don’t worry - I’ll be adding my own signature style – pink!
Until next month, darling! Let your inner ballerina sparkle!
Emma
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