Hello darling tutu lovers! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, and welcome to the 666th post on www.pink-tutu.com!
This month, Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves, whisked me back to the year 1716. Just picture it, a cobbled street, quaint little shops, and the tantalising scent of freshly baked bread hanging in the air – the most wonderful aroma! You’ll just have to take my word for it, my lovelies, because back then there wasn't a Starbucks on every corner like we have today!
Now, back to our ballet escapade. In 1716, ballet was all about courtly entertainment, so picture beautiful ballrooms, exquisite costumes, and grand performances held within the confines of the aristocracy. I mean, where else could you find a ballerina swirling in a pink satin dress and dazzling in jewels fit for a queen? It was positively breathtaking, and, needless to say, my rucksack, full of beautiful ballet items and stories, was already brimming by midday!
On June 6th, 1716, the royal court was abuzz with excitement, not just because of the spectacular ballet performance at the palace, but because a new era of dance was dawning in France! This is the year Monsieur Noverre, the brilliant, visionary choreographer, took over the Opera Ballet in Paris. And, let me tell you, my dears, this wasn’t just any old choreographer!
Noverre’s philosophy of ballet, known as “ballet d’action”, challenged the old-fashioned court ballets. Instead of focusing on complex technical steps, his pieces were dramatic and emotional. Noverre believed that dance should tell a story, convey emotions, and truly connect with the audience. His bold vision marked a major turning point in the world of ballet!
While this pivotal change was happening in Paris, across the Channel in England, audiences were swooning over a new generation of ballet dancers. The English ballerinas were renowned for their lightness and grace, and their captivating performances were enthralling audiences across the kingdom.
To get into the spirit of 1716 ballet, I donned my pinkest, fluffiest tutu and took a dance class in a local village hall. Picture this – a long wooden floor, sunlight streaming through the window, and a lovely teacher leading us through some enchanting choreography. Now, this might seem different from your modern ballet classes, but trust me, there's a captivating beauty in the simplicity of those older steps, and it really connected me to the spirit of the time. And naturally, I took a group selfie after, because how could I not capture such a perfect moment?!
While ballet was taking centre stage, the world of fashion in 1716 was equally extravagant and charming. Think pastel-hued gowns, intricate embroidery, and beautiful lace – it was all so delicate and romantic! Now, I don’t know about you, darling tutu lovers, but I'd absolutely love to wear some of those delightful gowns on a daily basis! Can you imagine a pastel-pink, silk dress with intricate embroidery, perfect for swirling and twirling around the stage or dancing through the town?! Ah, to be a ballet dancer in 1716!
During my time travelling adventures in 1716, I, of course, had to indulge in a bit of shopping. What is a tutu-loving ballerina to do?! I mean, where else could I find some wonderful silk for a new tutu or discover stunning ribbons for my ballet shoes? And it's no surprise I left with a hefty shopping bag bursting with delightful goodies. After all, a ballerina's life is incomplete without a wardrobe full of pink delights!
The people in 1716 were truly captivating, always willing to share their stories with me, even though their dialect took a bit of deciphering! I learnt so much about their lives and traditions, from the dances they loved to the fashion they adorned. The energy was so infectious!
As my time travelling adventure concluded, I realised that despite all the centuries that separate us, the passion for ballet and beauty has remained constant. After all, who doesn't love a delightful swirl and twirl in a pink tutu?
It’s a privilege to share these time-travelling experiences with you, darling tutu lovers. Let's keep dancing, keep swirling, and keep celebrating the magnificent history of ballet! Don’t forget, join me next month as I embark on a brand new journey to explore the past.
Until next time, wear your pinkest, most magnificent tutus and dance with all your hearts! And remember, my mission is to see the entire world in a pink tutu, one beautiful dance step at a time.
Until next time, darlings, keep it pink!
Emma xoxo
