Hello lovelies! Welcome back to my Pink Tutu Time Travel blog, where we dance through history one sparkly step at a time! 💖
It’s March 3rd and I’m absolutely buzzing after a sensational journey to 1703. I’ve gotta tell you, 18th century London was such a whirlwind of culture, fashion and, yes, you guessed it – ballet!
As always, my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, our pink sparkling Shire with her golden hooves and snow-white mane and tail, was the perfect partner in crime. She carried us effortlessly back in time, her gentle gait whispering through the centuries. My leather rucksack is overflowing with treasures - just wait till you see the hand-painted ballet shoes I found!
A Glimpse into 18th Century London:
Stepping off Meg, I was immediately drawn into the heart of the city - a symphony of sound, sights and smells. The hustle and bustle of Covent Garden market was a delight, crammed full of colourful stalls and excited chatter.
I had a grand time at a delightful tea salon, sipping tea and listening to the chatter. There was even a rumour going round about a grand new opera house about to open – can you imagine? This was long before the grandeur of the Royal Opera House we all know and love today!
A Peek at the World of Ballet:
Of course, I wasn’t going to be in 18th century London without soaking up some serious ballet inspiration. The "Ballet de Cour," performed at the court of King Louis XIV of France, was at the forefront of ballet's development. It was a mix of refined elegance, intricate movements and flamboyant costumes, a far cry from the graceful but formal ballet we know today.
One of the key differences? There weren't yet pointe shoes! They didn’t arrive until a little over a century later, and, let's be honest, what is a ballerina without pointe shoes? The dancers back then were amazing, moving gracefully in slippers or light, low-heeled shoes – impressive for sure, but definitely not as daring and captivating as the soaring movements of a ballerina on pointe.
Ballet Fashion Trends:
Imagine the costumes - think voluminous skirts, embellished with luxurious silks, jewels and laces, coupled with the tight corsets which were definitely not the most comfortable but a true symbol of beauty for the time. They looked absolutely phenomenal on stage.
And talking of fashion… can I talk about the outfits of the aristocracy? I found a truly incredible silk gown with the most intricate embroidery I’ve ever seen. The ladies in this era definitely knew how to dress up!
A Journey into Ballet History:
My journey into 1703 London was a true dance of discovery. I stumbled upon some fascinating historical tidbits tucked away in the British Museum:
- Did you know the Royal Academy of Dancing wasn’t founded until 1920? Imagine that – for centuries, ballet was a courtly pastime!
- Ballet even became a huge sensation in the French court, leading to the creation of the ballet academy - the forerunner to the Paris Opera Ballet! Can you imagine performing in the Paris Opera Ballet?! That’s some serious pink tutu potential.
Embracing My Inner Ballerina:
I am utterly inspired by the story of ballerina Marie Camargo, a renowned French dancer who challenged conventions. She shortened the skirts, ditched the heavy, elaborate shoes and embraced the joy of movement – just like a true trailblazer! Her passion resonated deeply with my pink-tutu loving soul.
A Pink Tutu for Every Ballerina:
This journey, however, wasn’t just about history; it was about embracing the essence of ballet, the power of artistry and the joy of self-expression! It reminded me, as it always does, why my life’s goal is to inspire everyone to don a pink tutu - be it a glamorous ballet show, a graceful class or just an adventurous outing.
Let’s keep dancing through history and spread the love of ballet! 🩰✨
Don't forget to check out my website at www.pink-tutu.com for more amazing ballet adventures.
Love, Emma 💖
