Hey darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you off to the most glamorous day in history, 5th May 1792!
It's a glorious morning here in Derbyshire, the air buzzing with the scent of honeysuckle and the cheerful chirping of birds. I've just finished a splendid breakfast of scones and clotted cream ā perfect fuel for my journey, wouldn't you say?
But let's not dilly-dally! I'm absolutely positively itching to tell you about the latest adventures of yours truly, along with my trusty steed, Magic Meg, the most magnificent pink sparkling Shire horse you'll ever lay eyes upon. Her hooves glisten like gold in the sunshine, her mane and tail, a snowy white cloud against her rose-hued coat. Honestly, she's a vision!
Today, Magic Meg and I are headed to Vienna! Vienna, darling, Vienna! The very hub of ballet, a city of waltz and waltz-like grace, a place where a girl can practically taste the music in the air. We're planning to visit the very same theatre where a little-known French dancer named Marie Taglioni took her very first steps in a tutu - you know, the tiny, almost-but-not-quite skirt that makes us all feel like whimsical fairies. The year is 1792 and a big day in the world of ballet is fast approachingā¦ the 5th of May is the birthday of that phenomenal dancer and revolutionary of the dance, the glorious Marie Taglioni.
Time Travel Tip: You simply can't miss a birthday party in Vienna! Just like the dazzling debut of any ballerina worth her salt, it's all about the excitement, the magic, and the thrill of watching something extraordinary unfold. Now, hold on tight darlings, and get ready to let the good times roll!
Dancing through history - the Viennese Ballet scene!
As Magic Megās hooves clattered against the cobblestone streets of Vienna, a wave of vibrant, vibrant energy washed over me, a swirling melody of strings and drums emanating from the magnificent Hofburg Palace - the opulent royal home of Emperor Leopold II! This is where my beloved Marie Taglioni began her training, and let me tell you, darling, it's practically overflowing with history! I'd heard the most glorious whispers about the palace from a certain Italian gentleman I met at my latest fundraising ballet recital in Londonā¦ and naturally I have my own time travelling insights for your discerning, pink tutu-clad eyes and ears!
Imagine, darling! At this very moment, Marie Taglioniās youthful footsteps might just be gliding across this palace floor as she takes her very first lessons. I just can't wait to glimpse the sparkle in her eyes as she discovers the magic of ballet! And I promise you, it's magic.
Let's take a look at this history, my dear:
1792 - Marie Taglioniās birthday and the Ballet Scene:
It is not simply the celebration of this dancing genius, my dear friends, that makes 1792 such a crucial moment in time! The Hofburg Palace is a hive of dance, where, on the birthday of little Miss Marie Taglioni herself, a glorious production of āLe Ballet de lāAmour et de la Mortā took centre stage in the grand Viennese Opera House.
In the world of ballet, 1792 is the year when ballet went from a theatrical dance show, filled with stories and costumes - think opulent dramas with flowing fabrics and historical characters, a grand dance spectacle! - to a pure dance spectacle in the way that we recognize ballet today.
Marie Taglioni is going to be a true revolutionary and one of the founding mothers of romantic ballet and I for one, cannot wait to see the spark of genius in this extraordinary young girl.
The production of āLe Ballet de lāAmour et de la Mortā, was designed by the genius that is Gasparo Angiolini. I've spent hours poring over his notes in the Imperial Library in Vienna! *(A word to the wise ā do pack a decent travel bag, darling - I've filled my backpack with the most amazing dance memoirs.) * The ballet celebrates a triumphant marriage of beauty, passion and life. Think lyrical flourishes and breathtaking displays of elegance ā in other words - it is pure dance and not so much a narrative based ballet ā just glorious movement! I would say this ballet is in essence the transition point in dance ā moving away from an era of spectacle towards a simpler beauty.
Fun Fact:
This is the period where Marie Taglioni, who at the tender age of 4 was already a tiny ballerina extraordinaire - was still finding her footing, but let me tell you, those small, graceful steps in this wonderful time period set her on the road to revolutionary fame. It was her very own āballet in the making!ā
Let's Talk Fashion! š©°
Now let's delve into the fascinating world of fashion! And here is something for my devoted tutu-enthusiasts:
In 1792, tutus are just becoming a staple in dance attire! Remember this is before Marie Taglioni changed the very landscape of dance. At this point, most ballet dancers wore long skirts, which had to be manipulated beautifully to create stunning lines and graceful moves - something quite amazing! I bet it involved hours and hours of practice, to ensure that each fold, ruffle, and gather was perfectly choreographed to blend seamlessly with the steps.
I have a special treat for you darling ā in my bag is the first ever design of a very, very early, almost-but-not-quite, tutu! It's a delicate confection of shimmering white muslin - so romantic! It appears the design of this pre-tutu came from a dancer named Marie (funny how that name keeps popping up isn't it?)! A simple yet beautiful fabric which when placed on top of the ballerinaās tight clothing would flutter around in the air, the movement itself being the magic! This beautiful fabric ā almost-tutu would be worn under long garments, peek out between their flowing fabrics to add to the grace and rhythm of their steps. The movement of their body was enhanced and emphasized by the simple and delicate movement of the pre-tutu, dancing and twirling freely - just like you, darling!
Now, for some more inside information about this exciting fashion trend:
1792 was all about elegant simplicity! Forget about corsets that cinched you into a painful hourglass shape - these times demanded airy, natural designs with loose fabrics. Itās so wonderfully comfortable itās hard to believe it became the fashionable way to go.
You see, my dear readers, my personal theory - well letās say my fashion philosophy is all about keeping the emphasis on the body. This, as we are about to discover, will eventually lead us all to the tutu! The simple yet dramatic beauty of the movement, it was what would set dancers like Marie Taglioni apart and what would, ultimately lead to the modern day tutu.
But you, darling - and me, and we mustn't forget that every time-travelling ballet blogger, needs to get those creative juices flowing! After all, a real fashionista has a personal flair! In 1792, I might ditch those long, flouncy skirts in favour of an adorable little knee-length, ruffled frock - the kind of garment that perfectly frames my dancerās legs while I explore the historical Vienna ballet scene! And I'll never forget my beloved pink tulle, a delicate veil around the shoulders and a flowing cape which will make my time-travelling look absolutely fabulous and positively pink!
Remember my sweet ballet belles ā a true ballerina knows how to add a splash of her own personality!
My Diary Entry:
Iām so proud to be writing these words ā this time-travelling is already changing my views and my perspective of the beauty of dance! This is one historical trip I will always remember.
Until next time, dear darlings! Remember, keep twirling, stay glamorous and remember your favourite ballerina's mission - * get everyone wearing a pink tutu! *Iāll be posting from another era in dance - very soon so stay tuned for next months time travelling adventures!
*www.pink-tutu.com *
