Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels, where history meets sparkle and every day is a ballet class! This month, we're stepping back in time to April 4th, 1719, and believe me, it's a trip you won't want to miss!
As you know, dear readers, my heart beats for ballet. It's the history, the costumes, the incredible athleticism - I absolutely adore it all. And of course, what's a time travelling ballerina without a fabulous ride? Enter Magic Meg, my dazzling pink shimmering Shire horse, with golden hooves and a mane and tail that could rival a cloud. Magic Meg knows just where to go in history, and she even helps me pick out the perfect pink tutu for the occasion. This time, I've chosen a dreamy tulle number adorned with vintage-inspired rosebuds - absolutely darling, don't you think? 🌸
So, what was happening in the world of ballet back in 1719, you ask? Well, we're stepping back to the Baroque period, a time when the stage was set for grand dances and intricate costumes. Let's just say it wasn't all tutus back then - they were more of a Victorian invention! The ballets of the time were far more formal and often contained a dramatic narrative.
My first stop on this time travel escapade was the Paris Opera Ballet. They were performing a ballet called "Le Triomphe de l'Amour," a tale of Cupid's victory over love's enemies. Imagine! This is like a dream for any dancer! The dances were complex and demanding, often requiring a mix of balletic movements, pantomime, and elaborate court dances. Can you picture all the shimmering silk and the intricate movements of these brilliant dancers?
And what about the fashion? You know how much I love a good outfit! The ballerinas were clad in luxurious silk and brocade, their skirts sweeping behind them with a graceful swoosh. The dancers' faces were meticulously made-up with a pale complexion, rosy cheeks, and a dash of rouge. Think elegant elegance! I was utterly enthralled - my inner fashionista was swooning!
Next, I trotted on over to London, the hub of social and theatrical activity back in 1719. It seems this time of year was an especially bustling time in the theatre, with various productions including Shakespeare, operatic works, and theatrical dance productions. My rucksack was getting filled with exciting sketches and descriptions for the Pink Tutu website, along with tidbits on ballet performances from all over the world - what a feast for the senses!
Speaking of, you all know my passion for the theatre. So imagine my excitement when I discovered that The King's Theatre, then a favourite haunt for London's elite, was presenting a ballet called "The Temple of Love." Talk about a beautiful name for a ballet. I snuck into the show (Meg's hooves barely make a sound, especially with that magical pink shimmer), and boy was it fabulous. I can’t tell you all about the costumes - that's a secret I'm keeping for a future blog post - but imagine all those amazing feathered headdresses! I simply had to scribble everything down for the website!
And that’s not all. London was brimming with dance instructors teaching classes all across the city! It turns out, these dance classes weren’t just for young ladies, they were open to both men and women and a hot spot for social interaction and dancing. Oh, the elegance and the joy of movement!
Back home in Derbyshire, my ballet-loving heart skipped a beat when I discovered a tradition of ‘Morris dancing’ right back in 1719! I mean, have you ever seen a troupe of Morris dancers? They wear these beautiful colourful clothes and have their own distinctive steps. It’s so incredibly vibrant! Even in my pink tutu, I had to add my own twirls and leaps to join in the dancing fun!
My trip to 1719 was packed with discoveries about the beautiful history of ballet and how it touched people all across the globe. The passion and artistry were so evident! And as I said, I absolutely love learning about all those different cultures - it gives me ideas for my new tutu designs, after all! You’ll love my newest line coming out next week with designs inspired by this era and, you guessed it, lots and lots of pink! 🌸
My heart truly belongs in the theatre, whether in 1719 or in my modern Derbyshire home. So why not join me? Get out those tutus, practice those arabesques, and find the dancer in your heart! And don’t forget to share your favourite ballet memories with me in the comments!
Until next month, when we’ll be visiting yet another amazing time in history. Happy dancing, lovelies! ✨
