Welcome back to my Ballet Tutu History blog, darlings! This is post number 915 and today we are travelling back to 10th July, 1849. It's been quite the week, what with my whirlwind trip to Vienna last week, but this week we are back in London, ready for a very exciting historical fashion exploration. Oh, and I found a new milliner who sells the most darling feathered hats!
So, let's get on with our trip down memory lane and dive right into the exciting world of ballet tutus and what was happening on this date back in 1849.
The Romantic Era
We are right in the middle of what is called the 'Romantic Era' of ballet - such a dreamy name, wouldn't you say? Back in 1849, ballet was full of flowing tutus and romantic, even fantastical stories. Think ballerinas like Fanny Elssler, a legend of the Romantic period, she's truly an inspiration.
Fashionable Feathers and Ballet Bonnets
Think of feathers and ribbons, delicate lace and, of course, plenty of pink. Pink is, of course, my favourite colour (as you all know!) and it's definitely the colour of the moment in ballet fashion! You might even see some gorgeous tulle skirts in pale shades of blue and even lilac. It's a feast for the eyes! Imagine tulle gathered up to make a puff of a skirt and it's this softness that embodies the spirit of the Romantic Era - just dreamy and delicate!
The Importance of Tulle
We have to thank tulle for revolutionising ballet. Back in the early 19th century, dancers wore what were called 'panniers'. These were massive, heavy, and pretty much impossible to dance in. Thankfully, along came tulle. It was lightweight, airy, and it helped bring freedom of movement to ballet, enabling dancers to leap, twirl, and express themselves in ways that had never been possible before. You know I'm a bit obsessed with tutus - and that obsession really started with this wonderful, wondrous fabric!
Famous Faces at The Royal Opera House
I was at The Royal Opera House earlier this week and they've just got back from a wonderful trip to Vienna - it was all very fashionable! Back in 1849, the likes of Fanny Cerito were gracing those very stages, making ballet history. Cerito's work was especially celebrated, and the Romantic Period is remembered as a time of stunning artistic achievement in ballet - a true golden age.
Dancing to the Beat of History
Ballet's changed so much over the years, hasn't it? Imagine all the different styles and how they've evolved! It's a constant, beautiful journey, isn't it? One thing that hasn't changed, though, is the magic and wonder that a ballet performance can bring - those feelings never go out of fashion, do they? I can always find something that truly speaks to me. Maybe you need to embrace the ballet bug yourself? There's no better way to travel through history than through ballet, so what are you waiting for? Grab your pink tutu, get your tickets, and get ready to be swept away by the beauty of ballet.
From Derbyshire With Love
Let's just pause here, shall we, to imagine those stunning tutus and feather-trimmed bonnets! Isn't this what we do here at Pink Tutu? A chance to escape from our own everyday life and live a bit through history, and even experience those times again in our own way. Well, it’s time to wrap this blog post up, but remember to join me again next Tuesday for another historical voyage through ballet history. Oh, and feel free to share your love of all things ballet and, of course, all things pink tutu with me. Don't forget to subscribe to my website! I promise to bring you the best ballet, fashion, and history finds in the coming weeks. Have a wonderfully pink-filled week and see you back here next Tuesday.
Lots of Love,
Emma
