Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, and September 9th has always been a special day for me. Why? Well, this day marks the anniversary of my most recent ballet time travel escapade, back to 1719!
Remember my trusty steed, Magic Meg? This majestic pink sparkling shire horse, with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, took me on a magical adventure. As I adjusted my shimmering pink tutu and fastened my trusty leather rucksack, excitement bubbled within me. This journey, unlike most, wouldn't take me to a grand opera house or a bustling ballet studio. No, this journey was about experiencing the genesis of ballet, a period ripe with innovation and intrigue.
1719 was a time when ballet, as we know it, was in its infancy. Imagine a time before "Giselle" or "Swan Lake", before Tchaikovsky or Stravinsky! My quest led me to London, the heart of theatrical and societal life at that time. I yearned to understand the ballet's humble beginnings and discover its influence on the cultural landscape of the 18th century.
My arrival in London, atop Magic Meg, turned a few heads. Even though the London streets of the day weren't as bustling as our modern metropolises, my pink tutu still caused quite a stir. Luckily, Meg's sparkle masked any raised eyebrows with pure, unadulterated joy! I galloped into Covent Garden, a vibrant hub of artistic creation. You see, back then, Covent Garden wasn't solely dedicated to theatre. It housed a vast marketplace bustling with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, and even wild animals. A strange mix indeed!
This was also the time of the very first Royal Opera House. But as it happened, it hadn’t been built yet! A fire had consumed the previous opera house only a year prior, leaving its audience, and indeed the ballet world, reeling. This wasn't the glamorous and luxurious environment we see today, filled with towering chandeliers and sweeping velvet curtains. Instead, it was a bustling theatre scene bursting with creativity and daring performances.
A highlight of my time in London was seeing the iconic 'The Loves of Mars and Venus' by the French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau, an influential figure in ballet history. His captivating music provided a mesmerizing soundtrack for the theatrical spectacle of the performance, igniting my love for this historical period even further.
Of course, no journey through time would be complete without some historical fashion! London's bustling marketplaces presented a kaleidoscope of colour, textures, and fabrics, all carefully chosen for their luxurious sheen and lavish ornamentation. Ladies adorned themselves in flowing gowns, shimmering silks, and intricate headwear. And the gentlemen? Elegant breeches, frilly lace cuffs, and knee-length coats with intricate embroidery.
And for a bit of historical fun, I collected an exquisite hand-painted silk fan in Covent Garden, a delicate souvenir to add to my growing ballet collection. Now, let me tell you, a silk fan wasn't merely a decorative item, it was a silent language in itself. With each flick and twirl, women communicated subtle expressions, flirtations, and even concealed whispers of hidden messages. Isn't it fascinating how things we now deem simple can hold such weight and elegance in another time?
Speaking of elegance, what is going on in the world of ballet in this present time, September 9th, 2023? Oh, the joy! I have tickets to a spectacular show in Birmingham Royal Ballet. I'm utterly excited to experience the brilliance of their choreography, a breathtaking spectacle for the senses. Later, I'm planning a whirlwind of shopping, a delightful spree for new ballet shoes and, of course, an adorable little pink tutu.
So until next month my lovelies, remember - ballet is a captivating journey, full of vibrant colours, elegant movement, and magical stories that transcend time itself! Now, I need to finish packing. What am I going to wear for Birmingham? Maybe something from my Victorian era collection…
Love, Emma xx
