Hello fellow twirling enthusiasts! It's Emma here, back with another adventure from the magical world of ballet! October is always a special time of year - the crisp air, the falling leaves, and of course, the exciting season of new ballet productions. This month, my trusty pink steed, Magic Meg (she’s a shire, with golden hooves and a white mane and tail - so sparkly!), whisked me back to 10th October, 1703, for a delightful dive into the history of dance.
It was truly fascinating! Even back then, ballet was making its mark, although it wasn't quite the dazzling spectacle we see today. Think flowing silk robes, courtly steps, and a distinctly different aesthetic. Yet, the passion and artistry shone through!
As I galloped through the streets of London, a vibrant city bursting with energy, my eyes darted from the richly decorated shops to the lively street performers. This journey took me right back to a time when dancing wasn't solely confined to the stage - it was a form of expression deeply ingrained in everyday life. Imagine, having the chance to dance at court, participate in masked balls, or even simply enjoy a lively jig in a pub!
The rucksack on my back was practically bursting with the treasures I discovered - antique dance manuscripts, hand-drawn ballet costumes from the period, and even a snippet of a song that was used to accompany a dance performance. It was such a thrill to uncover these gems and glimpse a world of dance unlike anything we see today!
What was happening in the ballet world on this very day, 10th October, 1703?
It might seem like a quiet day in the world of ballet, but appearances can be deceiving! Whilst no formal performances were recorded on this exact date, let's look a little further back.
In the early 1700s, ballet was deeply tied to the courts of Europe. As the 10th of October falls into the season, imagine beautiful ballrooms ablaze with light, gentlemen in their finest suits bowing to ladies with fluttering fans. A grand display of dancing and courtesy – just as a well-planned and choreographed ballet, but in real life!
There were also notable dancers at this time, like the graceful Louis XIV, a patron of the arts who truly understood the impact of ballet and pushed its artistic development. He believed ballet was a refined art form, which should reflect beauty, poise, and grace. So whilst formal performances may not have graced the stage that exact day, the legacy of dance continued to evolve within these noble courts, laying the foundations for the modern-day art form we cherish so dearly.
Of course, no ballet adventure is complete without a little shopping! You wouldn't believe the treasures I found hidden in a London haberdashery - beautiful silks, sparkling jewels, and oh, the fabrics! It's hard to imagine that such stunning garments were available then, as vibrant and as exciting as a peacock's tail feathers.
Time for a Tutu Tip:
For the daring among you who dream of wearing pink tutus - don't be afraid to embrace the spirit of historical fashion! Think flowing gowns with delicate ruffles, or a touch of elegance from a past era with lace and pearls. You'll be surprised how a little creative touch can add a touch of history to your wardrobe.
After all, dance isn't simply about a few twirls on stage - it's about freedom of expression and allowing your imagination to take flight! And it's definitely a passion we can all share, no matter the century!
Join the Pink Tutu Revolution!
If you want to join me on this fabulous journey, remember to check out the www.pink-tutu.com website for new posts each month, and share your favourite tutu moments with me using #PinkTutuTimeTravel. And remember, with a dash of pink and a sprinkle of sparkle, the world becomes a brighter, more graceful place. 💖
Until next time,
Emma
P.S. I'll be sharing more about the amazing dances I've discovered on my travels in my next blog! Stay tuned! ✨
