Hello darlings, it's Emma here, and oh, what a week it has been! This time, Magic Meg and I went soaring through time to a most splendid era – the 19th century! It was a ballet whirlwind of new discoveries and vibrant colours. Let me tell you, even the dust sparkles with a little extra je ne sais quoi back then.
Now, you're probably thinking, “19th century ballet? That's centuries ago, how was it even a thing?” Well, darling, ballet is anything but stagnant, and believe me, the 19th century was an absolute treasure trove for the art!
Fashion and Fancies:
I started the trip by putting on my best pink, a frilly creation with a shimmering pink ribbon around my waist. I matched the colour perfectly with Magic Meg's beautiful pink saddle adorned with crystal accents, her white mane and tail cascading like spun silk in the wind.
Landing in the bustling streets of Paris, the air was filled with the sound of music and laughter. And then I saw it - an entire parade of tutus! There were ladies sporting bright colours – blues, oranges, and emerald greens – in every imaginable shape. A far cry from the classic white tutus we often associate with ballet. These tutus were elaborate, with layers upon layers of tulle and sparkling trims. The fashionistas back then were masters of layering, darling! And as I browsed a little, the fabric store was a wonderland of velvets and satins, the richest materials you've ever imagined. Honestly, they were practically begging to be transformed into dazzling ballet costumes!
My bag was filling fast. I snatched a little piece of vintage ballet fabric and an elegant feathered fan – these little souvenirs are my way of collecting stories and memories of the ballet past. You never know what stories they might whisper if you hold them long enough, darling.
The Stage:
Oh, my darlings, the shows were something else entirely! Imagine grand opera houses, filled to the brim with enthralled spectators, with beautiful ballets in full swing. I was completely taken by the energy of it all. I saw an entire production dedicated to a beautiful mythical creature – "La Sylphide". And, my dear friends, the ballerinas were incredible! So graceful and fluid, as they told a tale with every flick of the wrist and bend of the knee. My bag couldn't possibly hold all the programs and posters, but I managed to find a beautifully detailed sketch of a graceful dancer in mid-turn – just breathtaking.
It seems, back then, ballet was about more than just graceful movements. It was a theatrical spectacle, darling. Every performance, a full-blown immersive experience, brimming with elaborate set pieces, dramatic costuming, and passionate storytelling. Truly captivating!
A Moment in History:
Of course, this trip wouldn’t have been complete without visiting the one and only Marie Taglioni! Oh my, she is truly a legend, a revolutionary in the world of ballet. She challenged the rigidness of classical ballet, embracing lightness and ethereal movements. I even heard stories about how her exquisite dancing in "La Sylphide" had the whole world captivated. Imagine being THAT influential. I nearly fainted in excitement, just hearing it all! I can't wait to recreate some of her choreography in my own ballet class this week.
Ballet Everywhere!
This trip was truly a blast from the past, a journey through the evolution of ballet. It really made me see how the art form has changed, and how much of it remains a powerful expression of movement, emotion, and artistry, in ways we can appreciate to this very day.
I do hope I've convinced you, darlings, that wearing pink tutus and travelling back through time is simply divine. Don’t hesitate, take a leap of faith! It's all a little bit magical, isn’t it?
Until next time, my lovelies! I’ll be busy trying out some 19th century ballet techniques with my students. You know I simply can't help but share my love for the dance!
Find me on www.pink-tutu.com where I post about ballet and share all my stories, darling!
And as always, keep those pink tutus close. You never know where they might take you.
