Hello lovelies!
It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, back with another whirl through the pages of history! This month, Iâve travelled all the way back to April 4th, 1823 â just imagine the beautiful blooms! Spring is truly a magical time for dance, and my senses were positively tingling as I trotted through time on the back of Magic Meg. She was resplendent, as always, her pink shimmer catching the sunlight and her golden hooves glittering as we landed in the heart of London!
Speaking of magical, I felt as though Iâd been swept back in time, surrounded by elegant carriages and the charming, slightly chaotic energy of a city in its prime. Everywhere you looked, there was life, from the bustling markets overflowing with fruit and vegetables to the ornate theatre entrances adorned with golden banners, just beckoning you to enter the world of dramatic art!
I just love the style of this era, and my pink tulle tutu really felt right at home. I actually purchased a couple of these stunning fans, one with delicate painted blossoms, the other with an image of a playful ballerina â wouldnât you know, my leather rucksack was practically overflowing by the end of the day!
What was happening in the world of Ballet on 4th April 1823?Well, darling, imagine my delight when I discovered that London was buzzing with talk of a new Italian dancer - Mademoiselle Taglioni! This incredible ballerina was about to grace the stage in the premiere of a ballet entitled âLa Sylphideâ. Imagine my thrill, I actually went to see it! (I have a particular penchant for the Italian school of dance, so glamorous!) âLa Sylphideâ is, by all accounts, the first true ballet dâaction. Imagine, a story brought to life by expressive dancing, oh, to be transported by movement, by the emotion in every graceful leap, every breathtaking pirouette.
Letâs just say my dance-obsessed heart nearly burst with joy during this stunning spectacle. Now, thereâs a secret â and I wouldnât tell you if it werenât for our little pink tutu family! â Mademoiselle Taglioni was actually dancing barefoot for the first time! Quite a statement in an era where heavy pointe shoes were considered essential. My darlings, she is considered a pioneer in ballet and revolutionised the dance scene â we have to remember her! I mean, how beautifully shocking for the audiences of the time! Imagine, this graceful creature, flitting across the stage with the lightest of touches! This incredible story makes it all the more exciting to think that the ballet world is in for a whole lot of new beginnings.
It was truly fascinating to see how this era's ballet costumes, while still incorporating some flowing elements, were quite a bit different from my pink tutu! We're talking lots of layers of tulle, with intricate trimmings and elaborate decorations. Think layers and layers of vibrant colours. There were even some lovely costumes with dramatic, layered skirts.
But back to Mademoiselle Taglioni, my darlings! Itâs so refreshing to hear of such an original style of dance â Iâm sure we will all be seeing more of the new âSylphideâ approach in the years to come! Iâm planning to catch the second show later this week! My trip back to the Regency Era wouldn't be complete without another dance-filled evening!
My lovely ballet-mad blog followers, I do encourage you to step back in time. Every era holds treasures and inspirations for us modern dancers, for each generation of dancers has shaped and moulded what we enjoy today! Don't let your journey through ballet stop there.
Keep an eye out for those new dancing styles as well! Thereâs so much more for us to discover. Itâs really exhilarating and refreshing! And, donât forget to share your own thoughts on all things ballet in the comments! Until next time, happy dancing and remember,
Everyone wears a pink tutu inside!
**Love,
Emma**
P.S. Donât forget to check out my new post on www.pink-tutu.com on how to make your very own Regency Era hair piece!
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