Hey everyone, it's Emma from Pink-Tutu.com! I'm absolutely delighted to take you all on a historical dance journey today, whisking us back to the dazzling year of 1739. As a ballerina, I can't resist dipping my toes into the past, uncovering the origins and evolution of our beloved art form.
You know how much I adore ballet, from the majestic grace of a pirouette to the mesmerising stories unfolded through the delicate movements. And it's always such a joy to witness its history coming alive – even if it involves a bit of time travel, which I confess is funded by my street ballet performances. My fellow Derbyshirians know all about my street showmanship, of course, and it's such a thrill to get everyone dancing, whether it’s in the town square or under the twinkling city lights.
Today’s topic, though, is a trip back to the exciting year of 1739. The world of ballet was in the midst of an exquisite transformation – a real ‘grand jeté’ into its future, if you will. I’m thinking of that incredible sense of movement and beauty that the dancers at that time exuded! You can just picture those elegantly styled dancers in their elaborate, shimmering costumes, pirouetting gracefully across the stage! I, for one, would have been the first in the queue to buy tickets to their performance. And I’m not just saying this because I have an addiction to pink tutus and have a penchant for pink and frilly anything, mind you!
1739 marked the arrival of a brilliant choreographer and ballet master: Jean-Georges Noverre (also known as ‘the Father of Modern Ballet’) - oh my goodness, wasn’t he a visionary? He revolutionized ballet as we know it. I’ve studied many of his dance masterpieces – you know me, always eager for knowledge, and I've just fallen in love with his innovations!
He put dramatic narratives at the heart of ballet. I can’t imagine how exciting that must have felt for audiences of that era. No longer just a display of elegant moves and breathtaking positions, ballet had transformed into a complete and captivating theatrical experience. And did I mention Noverre encouraged dancers to tell stories with their bodies and emotions? How wonderfully artistic, isn’t it? It’s almost as though they became characters, immersing themselves in the dramatic world. I’m picturing an ethereal elegance, captivating emotions expressed with just the flick of a wrist or the flick of a gaze!
What was it like back then? In 1739, dancers were performing for monarchs, aristocrats and members of society's elite in London’s gorgeous and stately theatres. Now, that’s my idea of an evening! I love nothing more than putting on a shimmering tulle tutu and my latest ballet shoes – my favourites are always custom-made – and catching a performance! And speaking of fashion, this period, in the 1700s, was absolutely glorious! Think sweeping gowns, sumptuous silks, extravagant jewelry – I'd imagine myself strolling around in those elaborate dresses and headwear. It’s the ultimate vintage glam! Oh, and the hairstyles! Absolutely heavenly - think intricate curls and towering coiffures! And then you'd have to wear that huge hoop skirt and all those flounces, as much as I love them, it does look a little tricky when it comes to performing!
One thing’s for certain: the world of ballet has come a long way! Even with a love of tutus and my passion for pink, I think even I would have had to draw the line on the style of the dresses – sometimes I imagine them being too busy – imagine performing a beautiful grand jeté or a fouetté – wouldn’t want to be distracted! You know what they say: “Form follows function.” - the perfect mix of ballet history and fashion sense!
1739’s Ballerina Style:Let's talk fashion for a moment! I just have to imagine how fabulous and exquisite these ballerinas were in 1739 – my mind is dancing, as is my favourite sequined pink tutu. Here's my vision of their wardrobe:
Whimsical Watteau Pleats: The ball gowns of that era were utterly charming and romantic, thanks to those delightful Watteau pleats. You know the ones, a sweeping cascade of fabric at the back that flowed effortlessly as the dancers moved across the stage, making their every move so incredibly dramatic! And the skirts - simply dazzling, as if a shimmering dream. You see, those elegant pleated skirts gave the ballerinas that incredible movement - they would just move so beautifully on the stage. They would certainly have helped them to perform a beautifully flowing ‘pirouette.’
Precious Pink Pearls and Shimmering Silks: Can you picture this? The women wore exquisite embellishments with beautiful lace, the kind of thing I see in the high-end boutiques. They wore intricate jewellery, but of course, the star of the show was the dazzling pink pearl - think stunning brooches or gorgeous earrings - absolutely timeless! And all the rich velvets and silky fabrics for their costumes, each woven with intricate threads of gold and silver, must have sparkled under the dim lighting. They looked like characters straight out of a fairtale – so incredibly stylish and dramatic! I would be a little afraid to perform on stage with those embellishments - they'd have me distracted all night!
Even in this fashion frenzy, let’s not forget the ballets that set the stage on fire. You’ll have to picture that sense of theatre – it must have been simply magical – no screens to distract you, just sheer artistry and beauty! And I must add a tip for all of you in Derby and the surrounding counties: a ballet performance always calls for an outfit worthy of the show. I recommend a tutu for the ladies and gentlemen in a lovely cravat. I have my eyes set on the upcoming street performance in our next performance in Buxton; I can already picture my own outfit - the full tulle with the most dramatic feathers - perfect! And you'd never believe it but some of my designs have been inspired by history – the pleats on this month’s skirt come straight from my recent research. Oh, what a lucky coincidence!
Here are a couple of ballets to remember, each one leaving audiences in awe:
The Ballet d’Action - Oh, I adore a bit of drama on stage, and this ballet brought the power of theatre alive. Just imagine: an unfolding narrative, a captivating plot - think romantic intrigue, powerful emotions! Now, don't get me wrong - I love an elaborate stage, but this ballet had minimal set designs and instead, focused on the power of storytelling through movement. They weren't relying on elaborate backdrops - the beauty lay in the dance itself, its artistry and elegance.
L’Allegro e Il Penseroso – Imagine, two distinct contrasting themes, like ‘the jolly one’ and ‘the thoughtful one.’ That's the magic of this ballet: a celebration of light-hearted merriment and introspective reflection all within a performance! That contrast was captured through the stunning choreography – one scene overflowing with joy and vigour, the other a moment of calm and deep contemplation – an exceptional performance with the full dramatic panoply on stage. I can't even imagine what those elaborate scenes must have looked like on the grand stage – the sheer magnificence!
These captivating ballets captivated audiences all over Europe. I can only imagine their grandeur and opulence – simply beautiful.
It's incredible to see how the magic of ballet continued its journey back then. I just love exploring these forgotten chapters of its history. Just imagine, the world's leading ballerinas gracing the stages of 1739, inspiring audiences with each beautiful gesture. It makes me want to pull on my pink tulle tutu and join them in their exquisite dance. I mean, who knows where time travel might take me next!
So that’s my latest ballet history journey, right from my little pink-tutu filled studio in Derby!
Keep on dancing, stay curious and remember: life is always an incredible stage! And most of all, wear a pink tutu!
Until next time!
Lots of Love, Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
