#BalletHistory during 1718 08 August

Pink Tutu Time Travels - Post #692: 1718, A Dash of Dance in August

Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! It's August 8th and oh my gosh, are you ready for this one? Let me just say, this month’s adventure was practically born to be pink, like a delicate blush blooming on a summer rose.

This month, my faithful steed, Magic Meg, took us on a gallop back to August 8th, 1718. Now, this time period wasn’t exactly known for its grand ballerinas (sorry to be a party pooper), but trust me, you wouldn’t believe what we stumbled upon!

Before we delve into the glorious details, let me quickly show you what I've found for this month’s 'Pink Tutu Loot': cue the dramatic opening of my sparkly leather rucksack. Firstly, look at this exquisite embroidered fabric! It's clearly intended for an aristocratic dress, and the delicate floral motifs are the perfect touch of colour – a little like the faint blush on a ballet slipper, don’t you think? Imagine this paired with a delicate pink tulle – absolutely divine! I've also got these fascinating historical notes about theatrical productions. They may not be about ballet directly, but there are hints of something grand and dramatic, much like a graceful arabesque, and that, my lovelies, gets me all aflutter!

But, I’m digressing!

Back to 1718. Imagine, my darlings, bustling, cobbled streets, cobbled with uneven bricks like a stage floor calling for a carefully planned pirouette. The scent of horse dung and blooming roses intermingling – it was as enchanting as a beautifully crafted set.

You see, even back then, the world had an enchanting, almost balletic energy to it. That’s why, you see, our mission for the month was simple, elegant, and utterly Pink Tutu approved: we set off to find that hidden dance within the world, no matter how subtly it revealed itself!

As we journeyed, my eye was caught by the grandeur of London's Drury Lane. This magnificent theater, an architectural marvel, stood proud and stately like a graceful ballerina. Now, there was a ballet company resident here at the time - but sadly, I didn't arrive quite at the right time to see them dance.

But fear not, lovelies, my journey wasn't over!

We galloped across countryside, past sprawling meadows and bustling markets - it was truly magical, with the golden hooves of Magic Meg catching the sun, like a glitter of perfectly-timed footwork on a stage! The vibrant colors, the bustle of trade, it was like an unchoreographed dance. Every movement, every detail, was bursting with story, just like the most delicate ballet sequence.

Now, did you know that back in 1718, music itself played a vital role in setting the mood for any performance? Music was not simply a background element, it was like the music itself telling its own story – and even influenced fashion and dance moves! Can you imagine?

Our journey was filled with so much beautiful energy - It truly was the stuff of ballet dreams. But don't take my word for it, let's go straight to the highlights, shall we?

My 1718 Ballet Bucket List:
  • Fashionable Fabrics: Did you know back in 1718, the color pink was HUGE! Pink was seen as feminine and playful - you could practically hear the whispers of ‘pink tutu’ in the air! And my darling, those fabrics, they had texture – think luxurious velvet and delicate silk, the kind you dream of twirling in. Sadly, the dresses of the time were not quite pink tutu appropriate (alas!), but still – the spirit of pink tutu lives on. And my hunt for a pink tutu dress was not in vain - that glorious embroidered fabric is a hint of what's to come, don't you think?

  • Drama and Dance in Drury Lane: Though I arrived too late to witness a ballet, it didn’t stop me from absorbing the essence of its magnificence. You see, while ballet had become more established in France and Italy, its spirit was reaching every corner of Europe. The fact that London’s prestigious Drury Lane had a company of dancers tells us so much. It hinted at the power of dance, its allure, its ability to evoke feelings and stories even in its nascent stage. And what better inspiration for a pink tutu-loving dancer than to feel the legacy of those early ballets!

  • The Power of Music: Think of it - music telling stories, driving fashion, even dictating movements - all part of the theatrical experience. Can you imagine how captivating that must have been? This idea is what truly sets my creative wheels spinning. What kind of music would fuel a Pink Tutu story today? That's food for thought for all of us, isn't it?

Pink Tutu Time Travel Lessons:

Here is what we learnt on this adventure:

  • Ballet isn't always what you expect: Just because you can't spot it on the surface, it doesn't mean the essence of ballet, of storytelling, of beauty in movement, isn't there. The essence is found everywhere, always there to inspire! I truly believe that.

  • Embrace the Power of Pink: Back in 1718, Pink was symbolic of the feminine and the whimsical! Isn't it amazing to see that even back then, pink was all about feeling empowered and embracing that beautiful softness that pink represents? This is a timeless story we need to continue telling through fashion, dance, and our Pink Tutu adventures, lovelies!

  • Time Travel Isn’t Just for History Books: Time Travel allows us to uncover the emotional threads that connect us, as well as the more ‘factual’ details. That's what gives me the inspiration for each of my monthly blogs.

My Darling, what's on your Ballet Bucket List for this August?

This August, let's all be bold enough to see the *balletic stories woven within our own everyday life. We can all embrace the artistry in our own lives – after all, it's *all around us.

You never know what awaits us in the month of September… What adventures await on Pink Tutu Time Travels? Whispers, with a delicate hand gesture that is purely the essence of grace, Only time will tell!

Love,

Emma

*Pink Tutu time traveler, writer, dreamer. *

[ www.pink-tutu.com ]

#BalletHistory during 1718 08 August