Hello darling dears! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballet enthusiast, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet – www.pink-tutu.com! Today, I’m whisk-ing us all back in time to 4th April 1706, and let me tell you, the history of ballet back then was as vibrant as a pair of new pointe shoes!
For this time-traveling adventure, my trusty steed Magic Meg, a pink sparkling Shire horse with hooves like gold and a mane and tail of purest white, has deposited me right in the heart of...drum roll, please... London! I love the vibrant energy of the city, particularly back in the 18th century, where ballet was just starting to blossom on the scene.
Time Travelling Back to the Birth of English Ballet
As we gallop along the cobblestone streets of London, imagine all the bustling market life - street vendors peddling their wares, gossiping maids in their colourful outfits, and the faint scent of wood smoke and spices dancing in the air!
Back in this era, the word "ballet" was still relatively new to the English language. But did you know, our little journey takes us right to the very beginnings of a very important theatrical moment in English history? This year, 1706, witnessed the first ever English opera performance. Imagine the excitement, the anticipation in the air as a curious mix of aristocracy and common folk flocked to see these performances, wondering what the "Ballet d'Opera" would be like. It was a combination of ballet, drama, and music, and it was all the rage.
But why is that such a big deal you ask? It meant the seeds for English Ballet were planted right there in the 18th Century. Imagine the thrill, seeing these pioneering dances, each step a mini-revolution, bringing something new and dazzling to the stage. I can almost hear the murmur of applause in the theater, feel the gasps as they marvelled at the stories told through dance.
Back to My Journey – Searching for Ballet Tales and Treasures
Now, imagine me, your faithful Emma, whipping around London's theatrical heart in my signature pink tutu, my leather rucksack slung over my shoulder. I've come prepared, armed with my notepad and a pencil to jot down the tales of those fascinating early ballerinas who are starting to etch their names into English ballet history. My mission: to find out all I can about how they danced, what they wore, the stories they told through their steps, and what makes this moment in history such a beautiful stepping-stone on our beloved ballet journey.
Fashion and Fun – A Blast From the Past!
Let's talk fashion! This was the time of elaborate, voluminous costumes, and they were breathtaking, especially for those with the good fortune to own fine materials! They’d swish around the stage in beautiful satin, brocades, velvet, and lace. Imagine – frills, feathers, and elaborate hairstyles that made me think of those stunning historical period dramas, with their elegant characters who never seem to get a single strand of hair out of place.
On My Way to My Next Stop!
Today, I’m making my way to The Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. This iconic theater was home to these first Ballet d'Opera performances, and I can't wait to take a peek inside and feel the energy that thrummed in its very walls! I want to walk where the greats danced, feel the echo of their passion in every corner. It's a real time traveler’s dream, isn't it? And just you wait – I’ll share a whole separate post with pictures of my findings!
And of course, as always, my pink tutu is getting a lot of looks today. I find it never fails to turn heads! Especially back then! You know me and my penchant for bright colours. Who needs to blend in when you can stand out and make a statement!
But wait – my lovely time travelers! This is just the tip of the iceberg! In my next post, we'll be back at www.pink-tutu.com, uncovering even more gems from this pivotal period in English ballet history. What were the most famous pieces, and which dancers are considered the true trailblazers of early English ballet? Make sure you come back and let’s keep the magic of pink tutus and time travel flowing. Until then, keep dancing and always, ALWAYS, embrace your inner pink-tutu ballerina!
Until next time, darling dears!
Your always-pink Emma 💖🩰
