Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's your favourite ballet-loving, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, and today, we're whisking ourselves back to the 18th century! This month's adventure takes us to 4th April 1710, just a few months after my favourite era - the dawn of the Romantic ballet - and I couldn't be more thrilled!
Let's hop on the back of Magic Meg (the pinkest, sparkliest shire you've ever seen!) and gallop off into history!
From Derbyshire to the Theatres of Europe
I was lucky enough to grab some fab pink silk fabric from my last time-trip, and let me tell you, it's perfect for this time period. I've had my talented seamstress, Henrietta, craft me a lusciously pink tutu (pink is just always the perfect choice!) which is flowing with frills and embellishments. It's sure to make an impact amongst the ladies of fashion.
I know, I know, the early 18th century? Whatâs there to see in ballet, darling? Well, that's where we, pink tutu-clad time-travellers, have a delightful advantage! Whilst true ballet as we know it hasn't quite bloomed yet, there were already many fascinating performances and precursors to our cherished form!
Royal Court Dance and the Ballet-Comédie
In the Parisian salons, court dance was all the rage. Youâd find ladies in gorgeous gowns performing a medley of elegant steps and elegant postures â so very graceful! We can see glimpses of what became ballet, you know. Itâs all about refined movement and elegance. The royal ballet was a fantastic showcase for skill and artistry. Oh, I wouldn't miss the royal ballrooms for the world, filled with beautiful costumes and such a sense of elegant sophistication.
However, the real treat for us ballet lovers in 1710 would be to see the emerging form of âballet-comĂ©die.â Imagine it: theatrical dramas infused with enchanting dance! I love a story, and seeing ballet combined with drama sounds positively delightful. This genre blended singing, acting, and movement to tell captivating tales. The movement of these performers â elegant, bold, even acrobatic in parts â are like building blocks to what we enjoy today. And to imagine! This movement combined with music and a story makes me practically faint with delight!
A Day of Ballet Delights!
Just think, darling! We could visit the Comédie Française in Paris to witness one of their fascinating ballets-comédies, a real theatrical spectacle with dance interwoven into a play. Oh, just imagine, perhaps a love story? Perhaps a noble sacrifice, set to music? It simply delights me to the core! And just the sheer energy of a live performance in such a theatre - so exciting! It would make any time-travelling ballerina's heart flutter.
Then perhaps we could venture across the Channel to London! This era marked the rise of the theatre in London and it was a vibrant and flourishing world of entertainment, particularly within the royal courts! We canât forget the fascinating courtly dancing at the palaces too! Now that's a day for any dancer - watching and participating! Imagine waltzing with the nobility or performing a minuet with a dashing gentleman in a powdered wig! Simply exquisite.
Fashion Through Time!
And wouldn't the fashion be just divine? Imagine ladies in sumptuous satin gowns with exquisite embroidery and layers upon layers of lace! They wore corsets, towering wigs, and intricate jewelry. Itâs an exciting fashion era! A truly elegant and refined world!
And to think, while the ballerinas of today often sport bright colors and simple tutus, the dance costumes of this time were more elaborate and ornate. But then, imagine how our ballet shoes and the modern day "pink tutus" would seem to the fashionable folk of this era!
Fashion for Every Time Traveler
Now, let's bring our time-travel back to present-day. Even if we can't hop through the ages quite like me, we can still channel that era's glamour in our own way! How about embracing some of those gorgeous elements from this period into your own style? Think flowing fabrics, elegant necklines, a hint of shimmery embellishment, and perhaps a hint of pink in your outfit, dear! And never underestimate a little vintage shopping! You could find a dress or blouse that evokes this era's style and turn a simple ensemble into something truly remarkable.
Oh, and for you ladies in love with the colour pink like myself, imagine all those pink hues - itâs a feast for the eyes!
The Pink Tutu Blog: Inspiring Everyone to Dance
I'll be back next month with a brand new exciting journey into ballet's past. Until then, let's remember to dance, to celebrate our shared passion for this magical art form, and to spread the pink tutu love everywhere we go!
Do tell, darlings! What exciting era are you hoping I will visit next? Share your thoughts in the comments! I simply adore hearing from my lovely readers.
Remember, ballet is not only about what's happening on the stage - it's a community, a family! So grab your tutu, step onto that imaginary stage, and share your joy for this wonderful world of dance!
Until next time, Your Ballet Time Traveller,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
