Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where history meets fashion and every month, we take a magical journey through time, fuelled by the sheer love of all things ballet!
This time, we're zipping back to 2nd February 1710. I know, a date that may not immediately scream "ballet" at you, but trust me, there's plenty of twinkle and excitement in this time period. You know how much I love delving into the history of our beloved dance, and today, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, is ready to whisk us back to a time of exquisite gowns, glittering jewels, and the beginnings of what would become a truly iconic art form.
As I'm writing this, Meg's stamping her golden hooves impatiently. I can tell she's excited! It's amazing, how my magnificent, pink-sparkling Shire knows where we're going. Her white mane and tail fly behind us as we take to the sky, a shimmering pink and white blur against the heavens.
Back to the Ballroom
The year is 1710, a time of vibrant culture and aristocratic extravagance. Just picture this, dear readers: gentlemen in their finest breeches, ladies sporting majestic gowns that could easily have graced the pages of a Jane Austen novel, and... wait for it... dance!
This was a time when balls were held with extravagant flourish. Gentlemen and ladies danced in pairs, performing waltzes, minuets, and gavottes with incredible grace and poise. The movement was controlled and elegant, with the focus on refined steps and gestures, the very seeds of what we see in ballet today!
You see, even back then, dance wasn't just for the socialites! Theatres across London, and beyond, were alive with the energy of skilled performers. It wasn't exactly the "Swan Lake" of the 21st century, but it was laying the foundation, inspiring young girls and boys with its passion and artistry. The French Royal Academy of Dance, founded in the 17th century, had started teaching ballets, though in the 18th century this would shift to more opera and stage works with some dance included!
I mean, just imagine, waltzing with a gentleman who actually holds you close in an intimate embrace! The elegant twirls and curtsies of the era... just imagine all the grand ballrooms where these magnificent steps were first performed! This was the beginning of a revolution in the world of movement, and it's utterly enchanting.
Ballet Across the Pond
Now, let's zoom back across the ocean for a second. Did you know, dear readers, that even in 1710, ballet had already reached North America? Though, it wasn't as developed as in Europe. Imagine this: dancers, clad in gowns and tights, performing elegant movements on a rudimentary stage under a flickering gas lamp. Now, you can almost picture it, can’t you?
There were some early signs of ballet in America as well. Boston's King Street Theatre began offering dance classes as part of their curriculum. There were also traveling performers showing off their talents around the colonies! Even if it wasn’t quite full ballet as we know it, it’s lovely to imagine the people enjoying these forms of dance and art.
A Day in the Life
Back in Derbyshire, I just popped over to 1710 to see how a typical day went for young dancers, though a lot would have depended on their station. I saw some young girls practicing basic ballet moves! Though they wore simple gowns rather than tutus, they were starting to refine their skills at the earliest stages.
Even though ballerinas didn’t have our tutus yet, I found so much inspiration. It just goes to show that ballet, in some form, has been around for centuries. Imagine all the emotions these young girls were feeling; passion, joy, excitement and most importantly, an enduring love for dance.
Of course, being from a village like Bakewell, there were no grand theatres or classes in 1710! However, some of the people from Bakewell traveled to nearby towns like Chesterfield or even the grand city of Derby itself to catch performances or a lesson or two. They might’ve gone for a fancy masquerade ball with music and dancing – something much simpler but still with elegance and flair, as part of the social scene.
It's important to note, that while we often associate ballet with women, the gentlemen also played an important role in those early stages of dance. Just as today, there were male dancers captivating audiences with their athleticism and elegance.
I imagine this period in history to be so full of romantic dances. Perhaps those very romantic scenes in the films set in 18th Century London might have been inspired by these dances.
Time For Fashion
And now for my favorite part – the fashion! Now, while the ladies didn't exactly rock tutus yet, 1710 was all about elegant and beautiful attire. The styles of clothing in this era were extravagant with corsets, panniers, stomacher and layers and layers of skirts, giving an airy silhouette, much like the modern dancer’s tutu in many ways, a delicate air of refinement.
It really is fascinating to see the evolution of dance, costume and even the music as they continue through history. While it might not have been full-blown ballet in the way we understand it, the dancing itself is captivatingly fascinating! It’s like looking into the first little bud of what eventually became the ballet we know and love!
My Mission - Pink For All
As my magical Meg takes me back to the 21st century, I can’t help but feel the pink tutu dream starting to get brighter. With these images from history in my head, I think this pink tutu vision is getting stronger. As for the world of dance back in 1710, let’s all make this year all about embracing our passion, for ballet is a language that has transcended time and distance.
Don’t forget to keep sending in your photos! Have a little fun with it! Dance in your best tutus (or an amazing pink ballgown in its stead!), and tag #PinkTutuTimeTravel!
Until next month, my lovelies, keep twirling, keep dancing, and remember: pink is the color of joy!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
