Hello my darlings! Itās Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome back to my blog! May I just say, I am so excited for this monthās journey ā weāre heading to the 18th century, specifically the 5th of May 1710. Just picture it: powdered wigs, elegant ladies, and a whole heap of ballet history in the making!
You might think Iām a little too into the past, but honestly, how could one not be in love with the beauty of balletās history? And, as you know, every month I dive into the annals of time, grabbing all the ballet treasures I can on my magical horse, Meg.
For the uninitiated, Meg is no ordinary steed. Oh no! Meg is a pink sparkling Shire horse, with golden hooves, a flowing white mane and tail ā absolutely divine! She's not just my mode of transport; she's my best friend, my trusty travel companion, and of course, perfectly complements my pink tutu ensembles.
Speaking of tutus, this time we're on a quest for the original ballet tutu. Remember, back in 1710, dancers weren't sporting the fluffy creations we associate with ballet today. The real star was the āRobe Ć la FranƧaiseā, a flowing, floor-length gown. You can bet your bottom dollar Iāll be rummaging around for any sketches, descriptions or even a scrap of fabric related to those early garments!
So, picture this: itās the 5th of May 1710, and I'm landing (or rather galloping!) into the heart of the English countryside. Iāve got my trusty pink tutu on ā naturally ā with a dashing pair of riding boots, just in case we need to make a quick getaway (you know, those pesky time bandits who like to try and snatch our historic ballet finds!)
My leather rucksack is at the ready too, because who knows what ballet treasures await me in this fascinating era? It could be a precious sketch of an early ballet, a diary entry mentioning a dance, or even a faded fragment of a dancer's costume! I simply can't wait to see what hidden gems await!
A Peek Into The World of Ballet in 1710
Now, imagine being transported to London! 1710 wasnāt exactly a boom period for ballet, it was more about theatrical dance and Masquerade Balls - you know, the ones where everyone dresses up in extravagant costumes. But, even in this less formal context, there was plenty of ballet happening!
Imagine this scene: I'm at one of these magnificent masquerade balls, decked out in my fabulous pink tutu, of course! (Let's be honest, the more pink, the better when it comes to time travel!) I'm swirling around, trying my best to be as fabulous and graceful as the ballerinas in the French courts at this time, (They're absolutely the masters of la danse and we'll be taking a trip over there in the coming months, oh my, I canāt wait to be dancing with Marie Antoinette! ).
In 1710, the likes of The King's Theatre, London, would have been buzzing with dancers. The theatrical works of John Weaver and his rival John Rich are considered pivotal for bringing ballet to English audiences ā and that's something worth celebrating!
This was the era when people began to truly embrace ballet's potential ā they realised it could be more than just courtly entertainment, it could tell stories, inspire emotions and truly transport people to another world. Now, doesn't that just get your dancing shoes hopping with excitement?!
And So It Begins...
As usual, Iām bubbling over with ideas. Perhaps Iāll hold a masquerade ball of my own, a āPink Tutu Extravaganzaā, with all the dazzling glamour of 18th century theatre and the grace of true ballet, mixed with the joyful pink that just makes me smile! But enough of that, back to my journey.
The history of ballet is bursting with so much character, from the elegant lines and steps to the dazzling costumes. But there is also something fascinating about this era. A time when dancers like me, in our pink tutus, could have been waltzing around in balls with powdered wigs, while still trying to discover what it truly meant to be a ballerina. And thatās the kind of journey I just have to take!
Iām so thrilled to share this time travel adventure with you, and I promise to bring you back plenty of ballet stories and perhaps even a new pink tutu inspired by the fashionable fashions of 1710! Don't forget to check back next month for the latest instalment of Pink Tutu Travels, and until then, happy dancing!
Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com and if you're thinking about coming to my next performance (thatās how I fund my fabulous time travels, you know) just drop me a message! You might even catch me on Instagram @pinktutu, if youāre feeling daring enough!
Love and sequins,
Emma, Your resident pink tutu wearing time traveller xx
