Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another blast from the past! This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg – with her sparkly pink coat and hooves like pure gold – whisked me away to 10th October, 1707, and let me tell you, it was a most eventful day in ballet history!
First things first, let me introduce you to my current collection! It's filled with beautiful ballet treasures, a sparkly feather boa, and a few dainty hand-sewn satin slippers - just imagine them twinkling on the stage! You can bet I snagged a beautiful silk fan too.
Now, on with our story! Imagine me, in my dazzling pink tutu, arriving in a London teeming with carriages and bustling with activity, and the most fabulous thing I found was a delightful little ballet performance at the Theatre Royal!
You see, dear readers, on this very date, 10th October 1707, a special little ballerina was celebrating a most special day: her birthday! This little ballerina’s name was Elizabeth (known affectionately as ‘Bessie’ by all) and she had quite the flair for the dramatic, just like all of us here in the world of pink tutus, I’d say!
Little Bessie was part of the company of dancers and musicians led by the legendary John Weaver, the kingpin of British ballet at the time.
Bessie was not only an extraordinary dancer, she also happened to be one of the first female choreographers! Just imagine the world of possibility. Bessie wasn't just graceful and graceful; she had a wild, independent spirit – a true pioneer of her time! I hear her performance was quite spectacular, and the London society flocked to see her.
As for John Weaver, he was a man who understood the transformative power of movement and sound, blending elements of pantomime, opera, and ballet. It was during his reign that ballet became a true sensation in London, filling the city with elegant, lyrical steps, expressive mime, and stories spun on the stage. It was like a fairytale, my dears!
Can you imagine, dear readers? You walk through a cobbled lane and suddenly, you're whisked away into a story told with music, dance and dramatic flourish!
This was, however, not only Bessie's special day, but also, on this same date in 1707, a royal birth announcement thrilled the country! Little George (we all know him as King George II, the first Hanoverian king to sit on the British throne!), made his appearance in the world. You see, Bessie and George – a double act of delightful proportions – both entered the world on this particular date. The future monarch and the little dancer! Quite the storybook start, wouldn't you say?
What happened next, dear readers? Well, the theatre scene flourished.
Imagine the world back then, the world where audiences would have been transported from the everyday humdrum to a world of dancing dreams! Can't you see their faces, lit by candlelight as they watch dancers swirl, their imaginations set alight with beautiful costumes and wondrous stories. It's truly enchanting!
Oh, and speaking of costumes, I do believe you’ve noticed a change in the silhouette!
Now, this is something special: in 1707, fashion was changing drastically! Forget those stiff corsets and layers upon layers of skirts! The styles of The Sun King, King Louis XIV – that iconic era of extravagance – had taken over and became all the rage.
They began to adopt more supple lines, with flowing gowns with ribbons, bows and embellishments, all adorned with bright hues – inspired by those incredible ballets of the court. And just think, dear readers, that meant the fabric became so much lighter – which made the dancers move like clouds!
It really was an amazing period of artistic blossoming! Can't you imagine seeing these beautiful ballerinas in their lighter, freer flowing garments taking center stage and expressing stories with such grace and passion, capturing hearts and inspiring dreams!
While in the time of Louis XIV, men and women danced with poise and sophistication. Their garments reflected that elegance and grace!
Back in 1707, and even into the 1730s, this 'new' fashion style caught like wildfire – all the leading ballerinas wore costumes with more flexibility! No wonder I couldn’t resist collecting a few tiny silk shoes to bring home to my own collection!
It seems there is a ballet story to be found on almost every day!
I truly believe every day is a day to be celebrated in our world of pink tutus. After all, there’s so much beauty and elegance to find when you open your mind to new possibilities – both in the past and in our modern-day world.
If this historical ballet tale sparked your own interest, I have more ballet tidbits from past times tucked in my little ballet bag.
This journey is not just a history lesson. It’s an invitation for all of us – you and me! – to step into our own world of creativity, expression, and imagination. Let's spin our stories on the stage of life, whether it's dancing through the streets of our cities or stepping onto our favourite stage.
Let your imagination fly, dear readers. Every day, every twirl, and every moment, is a story to be told!
Now, tell me what's your favorite thing about ballet history? I love hearing about the fashion – those frills and embellishments! Do leave a comment – and let’s spread the love of pink tutus everywhere we go.
Keep twirling, darlings,
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my shop where I sell all kinds of pink-tutu-related goodies, perfect for adding some ballerina-inspired magic to your wardrobe. Just click here to explore our fabulous world! [Insert shop link].
Remember, there’s a little ballerina in all of us. Don't be afraid to let it shine! 💖
