Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time-travelling correspondent, back with another instalment of your favourite Ballet Tutu History blog. Today, we're setting our dancing shoes in the swirling mists of the year 1859 - a year full of elegance, romance, and, of course, the glorious dance of ballet!
Fancying a trip to Paris? On this very day in 1859, September the 13th, a new ballet, "Le Lac des Cygnes" (that's Swan Lake to you and me!), graced the stage of the Imperial Theatre in Paris. And believe me, it was quite a sight! It's almost impossible to imagine the impact this new production had on audiences - it was, to put it simply, the epitome of ballerinas' dreams! And although I've yet to be back to 1859 in my travels, from what I hear, it seems they are still performing it at the Imperial Theatre today!
Imagine yourself transported to the heart of Paris, to this breathtaking venue. The plush, velvet seats, the gentle murmur of conversation, the rustle of silk gowns as ladies settle into their seats. Then the orchestra strikes up, a surge of excitement rolls through the room, and the curtain rises!
But before we enter the fantastical world of swans and princes, let's take a closer look at the ballet tutu of this time! I have to confess, my darlings, the tutus in 1859 are quite different from our contemporary creations! We're talking fuller skirts, made from many layers of stiff, horsehair netting and tulle, each painstakingly shaped and supported by a frame. I daresay these tutus weren't the most comfortable to dance in, but imagine the air of sheer magic and effortless elegance they exuded! A dream come true for a budding ballerina like myself!
Speaking of ballet dancers, the world was ablaze with incredible talent in 1859. You have to remember that women weren't always welcomed onto the stage! In fact, the first ballerina to be awarded a place at the Paris Opera Ballet was not until 1681! Imagine what it must have been like to dance your way into history in that period. It must have been exhilarating!
But to tell the truth, in my travels through history, it's not just the ballet that excites me. The clothes! Oh, my lovelies, you've never seen anything quite like the fashions of 1859. Full-skirted dresses, with bustles and crinoline, beautiful lace details, gloves, and hats - I dream of wearing those gowns! Imagine me, a pink-tutu-clad whirlwind of fashion history! My friends tell me I could have taken them right by storm with my "modern" way of dressing... or so they say!
Travelling by train through the picturesque countryside in England this year is quite the experience. Just think of all the exciting destinations that would have been waiting for you: Derbyshire (where I am from!), London, Brighton, Paris! Imagine gazing at the fields rolling past as you listen to the soothing clatter of the wheels - and not to mention, enjoying the luxurious, grand, and fashionable decor on the trains in 1859!
My journey through time has taught me so much about the captivating history of ballet and the amazing artistry of the dancers who brought it to life. I've found the biggest lesson is to never let your dreams fade. Just as a dancer tirelessly trains for her dream performance, never give up on your own goals and ambitions. The world is your stage, darling, and you are the ballerina in your own life!
Well, my darlings, it's time for me to pack my bag and my tutu, and set off for my next exciting journey. Do come back and visit my little blog next Tuesday - you never know what ballet adventures I'll find myself on!
Keep dancing,
Emma
P.S. I'm completely obsessed with everything pink, so make sure to join me over on www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest in ballet and fashion. It's going to be a colourful adventure!
