Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels. It's Emma here, ready to whisk you away to the most glamorous night in 1716 - a night at the opera! Now, if you think a pink tutu is a modern trend, you're in for a shock, darling! Tutu-liciousness is truly timeless, as I discovered in my most recent time-hopping adventure.
But before I gush about the stunning costumes and theatrical wonder of this era, let me tell you about my journey. As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, with her dazzling pink coat and golden hooves, carried me through time. She knows I can't be seen on a dusty, old cobblestone street, so she galloped straight into the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where the magic unfolded. I slipped off Meg's back and settled in to see what was on the bill for the 10th of October 1716.
Tonight's show: an opera titled āAmadis de Gauleā by Antonio Vivaldi. This spectacular operatic tale told of chivalry, adventure and courtly love - think knights, dragons, and damsels in distress!
Now, you might be thinking, āEmma, no tutus at the opera? Itās a tragedy!" Well, while the dancers didn't twirl in classic, romantic tutus that we see today, their outfits were pretty magnificent. Think richly coloured gowns, beautiful fabrics, and intricate designs, all in an explosion of vibrant shades - think shades of velvet, taffeta, silk, with lavish gold accents, feathers, and jewels, just absolutely de-lighted-ful!
I felt a tiny bit disappointed that tutus hadn't quite reached their full potential, but let me tell you, these ladies knew how to move. They danced with grace, elegance, and precision, bringing the tale to life. Each gesture and pose flowed with the beautiful melodies of Vivaldi. It was so beautiful, so powerful, a true testament to the art of performance.
And oh, the opera house itself was truly exquisite, just gorgeous darling! With its velvet-draped boxes and chandeliers dripping with crystal, the theatre itself seemed to hum with an energy all its own. It's no wonder opera was the hot ticket in town! Everyone in London's society - from lords and ladies to merchants and playwrights - flocked to these grand performances. The scene felt straight out of a painting.
Speaking of paintings, I just had to snag a few sketches and notes for my Ballet Time Travel blog. Did you know the ballet as we know it now hadn't fully arrived yet? Ballet wasnāt a big, organized theatrical production just yet. It was just starting to be a bigger deal in France at this time, a little like how opera started in Italy and spread. Ballet as a performing art had begun to break free from court balls. So much was still evolving!
Itās funny to think how ballet changed, it's amazing to see how an art form adapts, grows, and evolves over time.
So, as you can imagine, I was practically glued to my seat, taking it all in! It felt so vibrant, a bit more theatrical, itās fascinating to think how things have changed, what are your favourite eraās of ballet, darlings?
Of course, no ballet lover worth their pink shoes would leave an opera without exploring the fashion scene. After the final curtain fell, I headed out of the theatre, and just my luck! A lovely shop called "La Belle Mode" just happened to be next door. Oh, it was full of pretty delights! Gorgeous lace, elegant brocade, tulle, silkā¦ I could have spent hours in that boutique! The designs were so much more whimsical and flamboyant than the styles back in Derbyshire!
After a whirlwind of shopping, it was time to bid farewell to the 18th century and head back to the familiar scenery of modern Derbyshire, with my head spinning and my pockets full of lovely fabrics from La Belle Mode, as always a must-have when you are on a balletomaneās shopping spree!
I even managed to grab a few scraps of the fabric used in āAmadis de Gaule.ā Maybe I can create my own 18th century tutuā¦ thatās an idea I might try next week.
Until next month, lovelies. Stay pink, stay twirly, and may your love of ballet continue to sparkle!
And remember: a pink tutu is always appropriate - even if itās a century away from itās actual popularity.
Emma x
