Post Number: 529
Hello my lovely ballet-loving darlings! Emma here, back with another thrilling tale from my pink tutu-filled time travels! This month, we're stepping back in time to 1st January, 1705, and what a vibrant world it was!
Remember how I told you about my gorgeous pink sparkling Shire horse, Magic Meg? She’s an absolute dream, isn’t she? Well, this time, we're travelling by sleigh – imagine, a beautifully ornate sleigh pulled by eight white horses with their manes flowing in the winter wind! We landed right in the middle of London, where the air was crisp and the scent of pine filled the frosty morning air.
I immediately whipped off my fabulous pink wool shawl and fastened it securely over my pink tutu - after all, it’s not only fashionable but surprisingly warm, too! – before heading into the bustling city centre. The sights and sounds were extraordinary! The streets were a whirl of horse-drawn carriages, bustling shops selling the finest silk and lace, and elegant ladies dressed in the most extravagant gowns imaginable! I confess, I might have slipped into a haberdashery to admire a few feather boas – my inner shopaholic just can’t help herself!
As I continued my adventure, I found myself at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, the heart of theatrical London. Here, I discovered that January 1st, 1705, marked the beginning of a groundbreaking era in the world of ballet. A new style of dancing, infused with a powerful and dramatic style, was sweeping the continent – I can't even tell you how excited I was!
You see, this new style, later known as Ballet d'Action, focused on storytelling and conveying emotions through movements. Think of the expressive leaps and powerful poses we see in modern ballets today! It's like watching a silent movie but with every bit as much drama and emotional intensity! This wasn't the elegant and highly-controlled style of court ballet - this was something truly groundbreaking.
I'm happy to tell you that even back then, there were so many incredible female dancers, pushing the boundaries of what was considered feminine and beautiful. I especially admired Marie Camargo – an absolute star in this new dance form! Imagine: a fearless and vibrant woman in stunning costumes, spinning, jumping, and expressing her artistry on stage! She became known as the first "female dancer" and, honestly, how incredible is that?
Just by looking at some of the programmes for the time, it became clear that ballet wasn't just an elegant and charming art form; it was also an immensely popular form of entertainment! And you know what, it still is today, right?! We all love watching these talented artists move gracefully across the stage!
Of course, I took a trip to the local shop for all my supplies. Imagine this, my dears! There was a shop that specialised in providing silk, feathers, and all the materials needed for ballet costumes! I snapped up a gorgeous pink feather boa and a set of delicate silver sequins for my collection, along with a tiny silk ballet shoe charm. My collection of treasures from the past continues to grow and will definitely grace the front of the latest www.pink-tutu.com blog posts.
By the evening, the streets were filled with festive energy as Londoners celebrated the New Year. And guess what? I attended a wonderful ballet performance! A small troupe of dancers from Italy and France came to share their talent, and it was amazing! It was just about as fabulous as watching a modern production, if you can imagine! It just goes to show how much the ballet world has always embraced passion and art.
As the clock struck midnight, I had to bid farewell to 1705, but not without gathering up a plethora of memorabilia. My leather rucksack is packed to the brim with programmes, costume sketches, and fascinating anecdotes. I even found a beautiful embroidered pink satin dance pouch from one of the performances! It was pure perfection!
My heart feels brimming with gratitude, not just for all the lovely ballet history I've found today but also for the vibrant stories of courageous female dancers who made their mark on this era. I hope their energy inspires us all to embrace our individuality and create a world where every single one of us wears a pink tutu, regardless of where our heart or passion takes us.
See you all next month with another pink-tutu filled time travel escapade! Until then, may your tutus twirl beautifully and your lives be filled with joy, grace, and a little bit of pink sparkle!
Yours truly,
Emma xox
