Hello, my lovely pink-loving ballet bunnies! 🩰 Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's July, and the sunshine is simply divine! 🌸 I can already imagine those pretty pink tutus swirling in the summer breeze… I can almost hear the music of my favourite waltzes and the swish of the silk! ✨
It’s been a glorious month of adventures with Magic Meg! This month, I took a whirlwind trip back to 1710 – yes, the 18th century! Now, 1710 wasn't quite the heyday of the ballet, as we know it today, but trust me, it was full of captivating dance, fashionable folk, and some seriously interesting historical finds. 🕰️
Let me tell you, my dear readers, that even though ballet as we know it hadn’t fully evolved back then, the art of dancing and entertainment was very much alive. Imagine, the theatres were brimming with life and excitement! I had to pinch myself because - the outfits…oh my! Corsets, lace, wigs…it was like stepping into a portrait come to life! The ladies were so elegant in their panniers and powdered wigs! It felt a bit like a historical fashion show! 💖
My trusty steed Magic Meg galloped right into London! 🇬🇧 The London stage was a vibrant scene in 1710! 🎭 They had these wondrous plays, some of which involved song and dance. Imagine Shakespeare on the stage, and then a bit of a ballet! Now, it wasn’t full-fledged classical ballet yet. Think of it more as an entertainment element to add to the theatre experience. But, it gave me a little glimpse into what eventually led to ballet’s development as an independent art form. 🩰
Speaking of the theatre…have you ever heard of the Haymarket Theatre in London? I absolutely had to visit! It’s still around today, actually! And believe me, in 1710, this place was the hub of theatrical brilliance. It was known for it's operas and dances! Just like you can visit Covent Garden now, you could go to this fantastic theater! ✨
Now, if you're thinking that fashion was more like gowns and petticoats back then, think again! 🤯 There were actual dancers performing dances which we’d recognise today. Imagine the French ballet steps appearing as entertainment at these London theatres! I absolutely loved this period of dance - It was like the exciting start to ballet, before the incredible growth that came to follow!
Of course, my trip wasn’t just about dance! You can’t travel to 1710 without getting lost in its glorious historical wonders! 🖼️ My rucksack is bursting with souvenirs - a small collection of beautiful vintage fabric that’s perfect for my pink tu-tu creations, a feather from a rare book about the stage which I am keeping as a bookmark and the scent of a historical flower I had made into a beautiful perfume - a sweet scent I can smell when I think of this adventure! 🌸
In this era, ladies and gentlemen were dancing for enjoyment and entertainment - you could even find dances specifically for the court of King George the First. It is so incredible to think how something as simple as dance has become the refined art form we have today. The early influences on what became ballet are still evident today and you can clearly see them when you enjoy the grand classical pieces at your local ballet! ✨
This trip took me back in time, allowing me to learn how much the world of dance has changed and yet, how much of the fundamental magic of movement and emotion remain the same! ✨
So, as always, my dears, stay stylish and keep dancing!
Remember to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest, and let’s get everyone wearing a pink tutu! 💖
Until next time,
Your Ballet Time-Traveling, Pink Tutu-Loving, Emma. 🩰 💕
*P.S. I have some incredible ballet items and stories from my time travel adventures that I would love to share! Tell me about your ballet experiences and your favourite historical times in the comments! *
