Hello my darling dears! Emma here, back from another mind-blowing journey through time. As you know, I'm on a mission to spread the joy of the pink tutu across the ages, and this month, I took Magic Meg for a trip back to 1714, a year brimming with exciting developments in the world of ballet!
It's the 11th of November, and the chill in the air makes me crave a cozy ballet class, but before we get to that, let's embark on our journey. The journey this time was filled with elegant gowns and powdered wigs! Did you know that this was the very year when a brilliant French choreographer called Louis de Cahusac started putting on regular ballet performances in Paris? How exciting! Just imagine the sheer excitement of that first glimpse of graceful ballerinas taking to the stage. I can't even tell you how jealous I was!
It was also a time of great fashion excitement. Think towering wigs, panniers that made every woman look like a perfectly puffed-up confectionery, and silk, velvet and lace galore! The elegant outfits certainly would've given even the most sophisticated ballet dancer a run for their money!
Speaking of ballerinas, guess who I bumped into on my little escapade? drumroll please None other than the very influential composer and dancer, John Weaver! Oh my, was he ever a charming gentleman, and he was kind enough to share a fascinating story about a little known dance style called ‘Ballet Comique’ - you see, it wasn’t always just dancing, but also incorporated drama and music. It made for quite a show, don’t you think?
Oh, I have to share the fascinating find in my rucksack this month! Just look at this glorious program from one of those ballet performances that Mr. Weaver so eloquently described. It’s a little bit creased, but it has survived over 300 years and is beautifully handwritten! You can see the careful lines, the elegant flourishes, and it truly brought history to life in front of my eyes. I must admit, I couldn't resist taking a few pirouettes myself on that historical stage, in my little pink tutu, naturally! The echoes of the past whispered encouragement, reminding me that the power of dance is universal and timeless.
Of course, I couldn't resist doing some shopping during my stay! I managed to get my hands on some exquisite pieces, perfect for a budding ballerina. Imagine - an exquisite brocade shawl that wouldn’t be out of place in any ballroom! Oh, the things I could imagine, and how much I wish my own clothes could be so elaborate! Sadly, most of my wardrobe has to be practical for jumping and spinning on stage!
What’s new in the world of ballet today? Well, there are amazing shows being put on all around the world! We've got our usual line up at the Royal Opera House in London - they’re performing Swan Lake and Nutcracker! That always gets me in the Christmas mood. But we have new exciting premieres in the pipeline! Right here in Derbyshire, I’m especially excited for a new modern piece coming to the Buxton Opera House. And, speaking of ballet performances, remember you can follow my career at www.pink-tutu.com and find out where I'll be next performing! It’s how I afford those trips to the past - after all, one has to keep Magic Meg fed!
As always, my darlings, wear your pink tutus with pride! Don’t forget, there’s nothing more wonderful than twirling into a different time with a smile on your face, and a spark in your eye! Don’t let anyone tell you differently - we all have the ability to bring a little bit of magic into the world. Now, I must rush off for my evening class - I just couldn't resist slipping into a vintage tutu from my collection. You'll find pictures and details of my new finds on my website, so come on, join me in the wonder of dance, and let's make a world where pink tutus reign supreme! ✨💖
Until next time!
Emma xx
