Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident time-travelling tutu enthusiast, ready to take you on a whirl through the archives of ballet history. This month, we're shimmying our way back to 5th May, 1702!
Grab your pinkest tutus, because this journey's going to be fabulous! Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire horse, is pawing the ground with excitement as we prepare to gallop back to a time when powdered wigs and breeches were the height of fashion. Now, I don't usually wear my pink tutu on these historical jaunts, as a 18th century audience wouldn't quite know what to make of it. Imagine the whispers and gasps! But, my leather rucksack is always packed, ready to collect some historical treasures and stories for you all back at www.pink-tutu.com!
This time, I'm eager to see what's on in the world of ballet! Back in 1702, ballet was still developing into the beautiful art form we know today. It was all about courtly grace and elaborate dances performed in magnificent palaces. Just imagine, waltzing amidst towering chandeliers and gilded furniture!
Now, imagine a ballerina without a tutu! Seems a bit drab, don't you think? Back in 1702, they didn't have the fluffy, frothy loveliness of a tutu. Instead, ballerinas adorned themselves in opulent dresses with extravagant decoration. A symphony of lace, ribbons and feathers, a sight to behold! I can picture it, now, ladies with sweeping skirts and ornate bodices swirling around the stage, every movement a celebration of grace and elegance.
My trip back in time begins with a quick journey to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris, home to some wonderful dance manuscripts. I love getting a feel for how ballerinas back in the day used to describe their steps in meticulous detail! This trip always sparks some creative inspiration. Perhaps I can try a historical ballet number next time I perform!
The opera houses and theatres were definitely abuzz in May 1702, but I can't give you a detailed schedule of performances because unfortunately, detailed records from that time period are sparse. What a shame, wouldn't you agree? The stories of those performances are lost to time, which is why my journey through history is so important. I aim to unearth hidden gems and bring forgotten stories to life for you!
But don't you fret, darling, there are always snippets of intrigue! In 1702, a young French choreographer named Louis de Pury was making waves. His innovative style with music and movement is definitely one to admire.
And, back in London, audiences were enraptured by the dazzling performances of The Lovesick King. This theatrical extravaganza with ballet included beautiful dance sequences, showcasing the talent of the day.
You can imagine the sheer magic of seeing these performances, the excitement of the crowds!
Of course, no journey through time is complete without a touch of shopping. Luckily, London's streets were filled with gorgeous brocades and silks. Imagine, darling, having the choice of an infinite rainbow of colors for your stage attire! This inspires my current design project – a line of ballet costumes inspired by the extravagant styles of 18th century London! You can expect a dazzling, swirling combination of historical accuracy and contemporary fashion sensibility. We'll be unveiling the first collection at the grand ballet gala in July!
While it's difficult to say exactly what the performances were like back in 1702, just imagine the enchantment of the time! The anticipation in the air as the orchestra begins, the excitement of the crowds. A shared experience that continues to inspire dancers and audiences all over the world today!
This month, as you practice your pirouettes, take a moment to imagine the world of ballet in 1702. Maybe you’ll even try designing a costume inspired by that era, and maybe even try to move like a dancer from centuries past! Remember, darling, every twirl has a history. Let’s continue to share this magnificent art form with the world and encourage everyone to join the dance!
Till next month, remember, stay twirling and keep it pink!
Your Emma xx
