Hello, darling tutu lovers! Emma here, back from another thrilling time travel adventure. This month, Magic Meg and I took a delightful trip back to the Georgian era, landing smack bang in the middle of June 6th, 1720! Can you believe it?
Now, let's be honest, 1720 was not known for its tutus. It was more about panniers and powdered wigs. But hey, that's what makes time travel so much fun, right? A little dose of history, a dash of fantasy, and all the whimsy we can muster to add a touch of pink wherever we go!
First, let me tell you about the fashion! It was such a contrast to my beloved tutus, yet I was charmed by the elaborate gowns and delicate lace of the ladies. I especially admired the elaborate headpieces adorned with feathers and jewels. Even with no tutus in sight, there was an elegance and grace to their style. You could just imagine the swirling skirts of a minuetto or a courante. Perhaps a splash of pink in the form of a ribbon or a flower would have made it extra delightful.
We found ourselves in the heart of London, the air bustling with activity and the scent of pipe tobacco lingering in the air. Now, imagine this – Magic Meg and I were practically floating amongst the carriage horses and their drivers, dodging elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen hurrying to their destinations. I must admit, being a fashionably pink-clad ballerina with my gleaming tutu in the midst of that scene was a sight to behold, I'm sure!
Now, here’s the real treat for you, my dearest ballet aficionados. Did you know that ballet, even then, was starting to weave its magic? The grand King Louis XIV was still in charge, but things were changing. People like Michel de la Barre were pushing the boundaries with their innovative ballet creations. This was a pivotal era in ballet's evolution!
And on June 6th, 1720? The Royal Ballet Theatre of London was already up and running! Can you imagine the excitement? Although we were slightly ahead of the theatre's heyday (it wasn’t until the late 18th century that it really boomed!), it was amazing to feel that connection to the rich history of dance.
We did get a chance to catch a peek at the repertoire at the Theatre Royal, a forerunner to the Royal Opera House (it's always fascinating to see how theatre spaces evolve!). While they didn't have a pink-clad ballerina on stage (how I would love to be in the premiere of one of those shows!), I collected some of the programmes and pamphlets from that era in my trusty leather rucksack.
Now, here's the truly magical part: I got to peek behind the scenes, imagining those young dancers practising their arabesques and bourrées. Maybe, just maybe, they had a whisper of tutu inspiration, yearning for the ethereal beauty of a pink one, much like my heart!
Before we set off on the road with Magic Meg, we even caught a glimpse of an upcoming ballet! It was a "L'amour triomphant" – love triumphing, of course! A perfect title, if you ask me! Even then, romance was a key ingredient for a great ballet, right?
Time travel is full of delightful discoveries, isn't it? Each adventure reminds me of the powerful journey that ballet has been on. So much inspiration and magic have shaped our beloved art form.
As you all know, my dear tutu lovers, it's not just about history; it's about feeling the energy, seeing the vision, and appreciating every step that led us to where we are now. I'll leave you with this: Let’s keep the love for ballet and our glorious tutus alive. Because even back in 1720, dance had that special sparkle. I know you all are out there twirling in your pink tutus, bringing joy to the world, one pirouette at a time. Keep up the wonderful work!
Much love and happy twirls,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Traveller
[Insert pink ballerina emoji here]
www.pink-tutu.com
