#BalletHistory during 1714 10 October

Hello my darling dancers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! I'm Emma, your resident time-travelling ballerina, and this month we're going all the way back to the year 1714. It's a special year for a couple of reasons! First off, Queen Anne, the last monarch of the House of Stuart, passed away on the 1st of August, leaving the British throne to her distant cousin, King George I of Hanover, paving the way for a new era, the Hanoverians! It's also the very same year the beloved opera singer, soprano Francesca Cuzzoni, took the world of opera by storm, dazzling audiences with her extraordinary voice, leaving a lasting legacy on music history.

This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, (she's a pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a white mane and tail, you know!) is pulling a pretty carriage straight back to London town, ready for some historical explorations and perhaps some ballet history sniffing out. Of course, I'm adorned in my pink tutu (it’s my newest design, I call it "1714 Sparkle") with the fluffiest pink boa I could find in Derbyshire and a jaunty pink feather in my hair, my ballet rucksack brimming with wonder. After all, the pink tutu isn't just an outfit – it's a statement, a call to joy and elegance! My dream, darling dancers, is to have everyone, everywhere, rocking a pink tutu! Imagine the world in a flurry of pink, a whimsical dance of joy and grace. Now, who's ready for some 1714 ballet action?

You might be surprised, but ballet existed in 1714! Although not as prevalent as it is now, ballet was already starting to establish its place on the world stage. This era is referred to as the ballet d’action, a dramatic and narrative style, which focused on stories and plots, giving dancers expressive and engaging roles beyond the technical spectacle. Ballet classes were growing popular among the upper classes, with dancers developing their technique and skills under the tutorship of prestigious ballet masters. This is what my heart is made for - that graceful dance, the exquisite technique!

I’m sure you can imagine my excitement at being in London in 1714! Oh, the fashions! While we might not see the sleek, minimalist tutu styles of today, they did wear bodices, frilled sleeves, and elegant fabrics in vibrant colours, much like my own wardrobe! It wasn't so much about a costume designed specifically for movement but rather a symbol of beauty and elegance that brought a delicate grace to their gestures.

This is what's exciting about time travel: we can rediscover and honour those trailblazers of the past! But alas, my darling dancers, this is where I need your help. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to locate any traces of dancers or ballet performances happening in 1714. I'm talking names, stories, theatre venues... even whispers of an exciting premiere. My rucksack needs all the stories! So, I implore you: let me know if you know of any!

The journey itself, with Magic Meg, was spectacular. We galloped through picturesque landscapes, stopped by bubbling brooks, and let the breeze blow through my pink feather as we glided along. But soon, the vibrant buzz of London took over. It was incredible. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, I was enthralled! Covent Garden is where a lot of theatre happened, with plays and other entertainment attracting big crowds, making it the ideal place to look for dance and ballet shows.

While I couldn't unearth any definitive ballerina names for this time period, the thrill of exploring London, the heart of theatre and entertainment, was exhilarating. I picked up an old, beautifully printed book of theatre listings in Covent Garden, an intriguing clue perhaps about a performance. A faded pamphlet describing the fashion trends of the era gave me valuable insight into the styles dancers would have been wearing.

I am determined, however, to uncover the hidden world of ballet within London. My investigation will continue! Perhaps in my next blog post, I'll find more information! Until then, let's dream of pink tutus, keep our eyes on the past and keep our dancing shoes ready!