Post 638
Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back with another dazzling dose of time travel. February's crisp air is making me yearn for a good pirouette in the grand old opera houses of days gone by, so I thought I'd journey back to 1714, a date that holds a special place in ballet history – or should I say, Royal Ballet history!
As always, I climbed onto my beautiful Magic Meg, our majestic shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing mane the colour of spun moonlight. Her pink sparkling coat shimmered as we took off, a delicate ballet of grace and speed as we shot back in time. This month, my leather rucksack is brimming with a sense of anticipation. You see, it was on this day in 1714 that The Royal Ballet Academy had its grand debut, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. It was the first time ever a Royal Ballet school, in a royal theater, opened its doors for all the budding dancers of London to attend.
The London scene must have been buzzing with excitement. As a true ballet fanatic, I felt my own heart skip a beat. Imagine the beautiful outfits the students would have worn, the thrill of the theatre’s anticipation – and I simply cannot imagine the exquisite grace of the Royal Academy’s first ballet performance! There are always whispers of historical time travelers getting to see these special moments – it’s like being transported into one of the iconic Ballet Stories!
Now, let’s dive into the fashion, shall we?
Can you imagine a roomful of aspiring dancers in 1714? They were likely sporting beautifully corseted bodices, richly coloured fabrics flowing around their skirts, and yes, my dears – shoes that were precursors to ballet shoes! Imagine the elegance, the passion, the fire that fuelled the ballet classes. In my own world, I’ve already designed a series of outfits inspired by the 18th century. The rich burgundy of the bodices paired with the intricate lace edging will certainly be the new "IT look" in Derbyshire this year.
And don't forget about the shoes! They had something called "slippers" back then, which were, well, slippers – made for the grace of dance. They paved the way for our lovely modern pointes.
Speaking of which, the Royal Ballet has a remarkable history, stretching back even further. The "Academy" itself was a brilliant fusion of artistic passion and aristocratic influence, marking a key shift in the development of ballet itself. It’s where dancers could hone their talent under the guidance of acclaimed masters. To have access to that training must have been a life-altering moment for these eager young dancers!
And what about the first show? The program remains a mystery, lost to the whispers of time. But don't you find that more exciting, darlings? The power of ballet's magic lies in its constant reinvention, its endless potential. Imagine a performance in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane: the glow of candlelight, the velvet seats, the expectant faces – pure theatrical magic.
As I journeyed back to the 21st Century, I knew the impact of that little seed sown in 1714 - The Royal Ballet Academy - it became a crucial milestone, influencing the path of ballet to where we are today. I couldn't help but wonder what those pioneering dancers would think of the world of ballet today, with its soaring heights and dramatic stories told through movement. Perhaps, somewhere in the cosmic time flow, they see our grand ballets, the tutus of all shades, and the dedication that continues to shine in our contemporary ballets.
And that brings me back to the question of the day: Who's with me in celebrating the magical world of ballet? And of course, who wants to see the world awash in beautiful pink tutus?
To that, my lovely followers, I shout: Encore!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all your time travel fashion needs!
Until next time, my sweethearts!
XOXO Emma
