Hello, darling ballet-lovers! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu clad time-traveller, back with another adventure from the magical world of ballet history! It’s January 1st, 1710, and as I sit here, nestled amongst the cobblestone streets of London, the first hints of dawn are painting the sky a glorious rosy pink (perfect for my pink tutu, wouldn’t you say?) My loyal steed, the dazzlingly pink Meg, with her golden hooves and flowing white mane, snorts softly, letting me know she’s ready to whisk me back to my own time. But first, let's rewind a bit and dive into this exquisite day.
Now, 1710 wasn't exactly a boom year for ballet. Opera was king in this era, with a grand new Opera House flourishing in London. It's where the great Handel held court, dazzling audiences with his majestic operas. While opera reigned supreme, ballet still found a special niche – it wasn’t confined to a stage! Think stately courts, grand ballrooms, and gatherings of the highest aristocracy, all buzzing with elaborate dances and a flurry of swirling skirts. It was a world where the most skilled dancers could earn favour and fortune, not just applause! Imagine the glamour!
Queen Anne, our magnificent monarch, was known to be a fan of the intricate dance styles of this era, particularly the lively “Menuet.” Imagine the royal court, all grandeur and silk, swirling with beautiful ladies and dapper gentlemen, moving gracefully to the music, and you've got a picture of what this day might have been like. It would be a feast for the senses, wouldn't it? I simply have to add "watching a Menuet performed at a Royal Court" to my Time Travel Bucket List!
Today, however, my main objective is to gather some rare historical ballet gems. Now, London's vibrant markets are my hunting grounds, where I’ll browse for antique manuscripts and sketches showcasing the dance forms popular at the time. My trusty rucksack, filled with ancient dance instructions and fascinating stories of legendary dancers from the 18th century, is already starting to feel full! My biggest wish is to find a portrait of one of the celebrated French dancers, possibly the charismatic Mlle. Camargo, who's known to have travelled to England.
I’m planning to head to Covent Garden next, the heart of London’s theatre district, and get a glimpse of what the grand houses looked like before the likes of Sadler’s Wells and Covent Garden Theatre, the iconic buildings we know today, were erected. Just a few blocks away, on Drury Lane, lies the home of the original King's Theatre - the very first building purpose-built for Italian Opera, dating back to 1705. Can you imagine how many historical stories are trapped within its walls? This makes my dancer's heart skip a beat with excitement!
My day concludes with a performance at a local Inn, as I find it delightful to share the stories I've uncovered. After all, who doesn't love a bit of a theatrical interlude, eh? Especially when it's set in a charming historic inn! The locals are always eager for a glimpse into the world of ballet. Sharing the magical beauty of dance with them and spreading the love of the pink tutu is my way of saying “Thank You” for the chance to immerse myself in this magical world!
Now, before I bid you adieu for now, I must confess – a part of me desperately wishes I could witness the grandeur of a performance at the Court of Queen Anne! Just imagine, dear readers! To grace the very floor where monarchs like Queen Anne herself would dance! This would be a day for the dance books, for sure! But for now, it's time to hop onto my shimmering Meg and zip back to the present, armed with even more enchanting tales and beautiful inspiration from the past! Keep an eye out for the next installment of my Pink Tutu Time Travel blog, coming to you on www.pink-tutu.com next month. Until then, may your days be filled with dance, fashion, and fabulous pink tutus!
