Post #648 - December 12th, 1714
Hey lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! As usual, it's been a whirlwind of twirls and time jumps since we last met. December, my favourite time of the year! The air crackles with anticipation, the festive spirit is all around, and let's be honest, who doesn't love twinkling lights and mince pies? But before we delve into all the glittery goodness of the holiday season, let's hop back in time to a very special date: 12th December, 1714.
Remember Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire steed with those glorious golden hooves? Well, we're off on another exciting adventure!
This month, we find ourselves in the heart of London, just a little while after the Hanoverian King George I ascended to the throne. It's a time of change and transition, with the theatre scene undergoing its own transformation. Opera is beginning to take centre stage, and a little birdie told me a certain Mr. Handel has some big plans in store!
The grand, candlelit theatres are teeming with eager audiences, dressed in their finery. Ladies with powdered wigs, shimmering silks and swirling skirts fill the boxes, all eager for a taste of this new operatic world. Now, I can't help but wonder – did anyone ever dance onstage in their own pink tutus back then? My dream of pink tutu world domination isn't a brand new concept after all!
Anyway, back to our story! You wouldn’t think that ballet, a dance form synonymous with elegance and refinement, was already quite the rage, but it was!
A peek inside my ballet history rucksack (stuffed full of lace trim and old dance shoes – they don’t make them like they used to!) reveals some thrilling snippets of this time period. Apparently, back in 1714, Monsieur Balon, a talented French choreographer, was doing incredible things! He was already creating a sensation with his exquisite ballets. He travelled all the way from France to London and set the dance world on fire. It was quite a scandal back then when a foreign dancer arrived and brought a new way of dancing – can you believe it? Foreign dancers, what an idea!
So, this month I’ve packed a stunning, shimmering silk gown, an elegant pearl necklace and a tutu fit for a duchess. With my trusty ballerina flats on, I was off to the Royal Opera House. My heart did a little pitter-patter as I entered that historic building. My imagination danced with the thoughts of the performers, the audiences, the gaslight flickerings – oh my! I felt completely immersed! I am so passionate about learning about these legendary moments of ballet. Do you think my dancing was as impressive as Monsieur Balon's?
The evening was a whirlwind of excitement. Imagine: The music of a live orchestra, a grand ballroom filled with swirling dancers, and that sense of utter joy as you lose yourself in the magical world of performance. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of witnessing real artistry!
Speaking of which, let’s take a peek into my latest Ballet Fashion Finds:
- Velvet bodices! A key element of any 18th century dancer's wardrobe. I am absolutely smitten with the rich colour, especially deep crimson and royal purple! The combination of velvet and delicate lace makes the entire ensemble simply breathtaking.
- Frilly lace skirts. My love for tutus is limitless. But during this era, even they had some pretty serious competition: Long, sweeping lace skirts, layered with satin for that extra touch of sparkle – just divine! They danced with such fluidity, elegance, and graceful lightness, truly embodying the French ideal of feminine beauty. And I found a pair of silk leggings in a little vintage shop. I think they're a real bargain!
- Men in their finest breeches! Imagine men performing ballets in tight trousers! So sleek, elegant, and surprisingly graceful – a reminder that ballet has always celebrated the beauty of movement and the joy of dance.
- Hair with curls galore! Oh, these exquisite wigs with their intricate hairstyles – and who could forget the divine hair-bows with feathers, lace, and glitter! My fingers are itchy just thinking about designing a wig! I mean, it would make such an amazing dance statement, right?
Oh my, it was such an incredible time travel adventure! I think I’ll add that period to my “top 10” for all-around historical fun!
*Until next month, darling dancers, keep twirling, keep dreaming and don't forget, *every ballerina is a queen! **
Lots of love from Emma, xx
P.S. Don't forget to check out our online store, www.pink-tutu.com, for all your ballet fashion needs! You might even find some vintage finds, like the leggings I spotted in the historical shops of London!
