Happy New Year, my darling ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and I'm just back from a whirlwind trip to the year 1719. You'll never believe the incredible stories I have to share!
As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, carried me through the annals of time, her golden hooves leaving shimmering dust in their wake. We landed with a soft, magical thump in the heart of London, just as the clock struck midnight on January 1st. It was an age of powdered wigs, lace ruffles, and a new dawn in ballet!
Stepping out of the carriage (Meg likes to stay discreet when we time-travel), I could feel the energy of the city buzzing around me. But before I dove into the swirling streets of 18th century London, I took a moment to admire my reflection in a nearby shop window. Let's just say, my pink tulle tutu was certainly a sight to behold, even in that bygone era! It wasn't a traditional look, of course, but it certainly made a splash! Imagine the faces of those good folk as they passed, startled but curious at my unusual, sparkling attire! I’m sure it sparked their imaginations!
Speaking of the imagination, 1719 was a year full of it! It was the year the iconic Italian choreographer, Francesco Ballerini, arrived in London with his dazzling troupe, and boy did they put on a show! The stage was awash in elegant movements and graceful jumps. Ballerini had a remarkable ability to tell a story with his body, using every muscle to bring characters to life! Imagine! Dancing with such passion!
Now, imagine a ballet show with a troupe, but NO tutus! You see, in the early 1700s, the tutus that we know and love had yet to emerge. But Ballerini's troupe did wear beautiful, billowing gowns and elegant stockings. Some were adorned with exquisite embroidery and even ribbons and flowers. Oh my goodness! Fashion! It must have been incredible! I can’t wait to find out more about these garments - it is my aim to collect examples from all eras! They'll make lovely additions to my ballet-themed fashion collection!
And of course, no journey back in time would be complete without a peek into the world of ballet classes! I sneaked into a dimly-lit room, filled with earnest young dancers learning the elegant techniques of the day. No fancy studio, mind you! No ballet barres with fancy padding! Imagine being surrounded by cobblestones, dust, and candlelight. You know, my lovelies, the more I time travel, the more I appreciate the luxury and conveniences we have today! But these ballerinas of 1719 were just as determined and dedicated, their eyes full of the fire of passion! And they certainly had talent! I found a charming young dancer with such delicate footwork and an incredibly strong core! It is almost an envy I feel at how well they balanced! It put me to shame! This inspired me to add some new stretches into my daily regime!
Now, one of my favourite aspects of my time travels is meeting fellow dance enthusiasts, collecting their stories, and perhaps learning a little something about my own history! As a Derbyshire girl, you know I just have to take any chance I can to learn about our beautiful local dances! Now, while we are on the subject of Derbyshire dancing, my investigations have revealed something fantastic! Can you imagine, Derbyshire was a centre for theatrical performance in 1719! There were all sorts of shows happening here - dramatic plays, musical performances, and yes, ballet! I even found evidence of a new ballet troupe coming together to show their skills and their stories in these small, candlelit theatres! How fabulous is that?! You might say I am a little giddy! As the famous London dance halls of 1719 beckon, there’s so much to do!
But for now, my dear dance-loving friends, it's back to the present day. Time travel takes a lot of energy (and lots of those beautiful pink tutus - more on that in my next post!), but I am ALREADY planning my next time trip - a trip back in time to explore ballet history in its more, well… let’s say, "alternative" moments!
*Do join me at the next Pink-Tutu post for some real historical fun! Follow me on pink-tutu.com, you won’t regret it! *
Your lovely time-travelling ballerina, Emma.
P.S. As always, a small gift from my travels is tucked away for you lovely readers, some words of wisdom about the world of ballet! Here’s a bit of a 1719 saying for your own reflections on how dancing will lead you on: “Just like a dancer gracefully navigates the stage, we must approach life with fluidity, grace, and confidence.” Remember this my lovely dancers!
P.P.S. I’ve already been inspired by the 18th century looks! I just ordered an exquisite pair of lace-up stockings to show my support of this era's style - what do you think about vintage stockings in a tutu?
