Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another delightful journey through the magical world of ballet. This month, we're waltzing back to 1720, and trust me, it's a tutu-tastic adventure!
My trusty steed, the dazzling Magic Meg (her pink sparkle is truly mesmerising), and I have just returned from a delightful jaunt to London. We even had a fabulously posh stay at a lovely hotel (and yes, they had hot water!). This journey was a little bit special, though, as we celebrated 7th July!
Now, I know what you're thinking - what on earth could possibly be exciting about July 7th in 1720? Well, my dears, that's exactly the beauty of time travel, and my little pink tutu is just the thing to make a statement across the ages.
Firstly, imagine the fashion! The ladies of the court were swathed in gorgeous silk, their faces powdered and their hair piled high with elegant ribbons and jewels. Of course, I made sure to visit a local seamstress and pick up some beautiful lace trims for my tutu collection (itās essential to keep up-to-date with the trends!). I even managed to find some beautiful, hand-stitched satin to create my own replica of a 18th-century ballet dress - how exquisite! I am truly smitten with those intricate patterns and soft, flowing silhouettes.
Speaking of silhouettes, my heart almost leapt out of my chest when I stumbled upon a ballet performance in Covent Garden! It wasnāt exactly the refined ballet we see today. These dances were still called āopera-balletā, with elaborate theatrical storylines full of passionate love affairs and tragic heroines (just a bit like today, darling!). And even if it wasnāt quite as ātutufiedā as my taste, there was something charmingly romantic about these dances. Just think, darling, these were the building blocks of what became our much-loved, graceful ballet!
There wasnāt much ballet history specifically to write about in 1720, you know, nothing terribly spectacular like a Parisian ballet boom or anything! Still, that didn't stop me from diving headfirst into the time period, taking notes and collecting trinkets for my little pink rucksack! I even picked up an old manuscript from a travelling Italian opera troupe (all about dancing with knives - quite scary, actually! I was happy to let Magic Meg deal with any potentially murderous moves!).
Remember, darlings, every step of the dance is important, and every year in the history of ballet is part of its evolution. Whether itās a small movement or a grand leap, each piece adds to the beauty and richness of this fascinating art.
Hereās a little snapshot of my time in 1720:
London, London, London! Oh my, what a vibrant city! The bustling markets and the grand houses made me feel like I was in a romantic novel, full of swirling gowns and secret encounters (and maybe a little scandalous gossip ā nothing I couldnāt handle, of course!). The theatres were buzzing with excitement, showcasing dramatic performances that were incredibly entertaining even if not necessarily āballetā as we know it.
Coffee is King! Coffeehouses were the hub of 18th-century London, places for intelligent discussion, social gatherings, and a chance for gentlemen to puff their pipes and ladies to take a delicate sip. They served as news centres and literary clubs. I tried their concoctions, but the only thing I could compare it to was overbrewed tea! My tutu and I stuck with chamomile, it was the safer bet, darlings!
Dance and Be Merry! It may not have been as focused on intricate footwork as weāre used to today, but ballet in 1720 was still captivating. Think theatrical storytelling, grand gestures, and a lot of passion. Oh, the drama, darlings! There was this particular play that featured a passionate love story between a countess and a handsome duke, with elaborate costumes, dancing swordsmen, and heart-wrenching ballads. It was definitely a theatrical experience that would make the modern ballets a bit jealous of the romance!
The Art of Fashion I could lose myself for hours in 18th-century London shops! While I adore the beautiful ball gowns, I love that they started using panniers (it just makes their skirt so full!), the corsets (giving that gorgeous cinched waist) and beautiful lace for those stunningly detailed bodices! But really, darlings, if you're ever looking to truly stand out in any historical setting, nothing screams "Fabulousness" like a bright pink tutu - it's time travel approved, trust me!
I even bought a stunning new set of feathered hair combs for my own hair. Oh my, you should have seen Magic Meg trying to graze a beautiful wild flower patch! All the ladies were in a bit of a panic as they never saw anything quite like it ā pink! Well, Magic Meg couldnāt resist. But at least now I can give them a demonstration in how to make it sparkle for themselves!
Iāve found this visit to be wonderfully insightful and truly tutu-rific, reminding me once again of balletās rich and ever-evolving history. My little pink rucksack is now brimming with these historical treasures, just waiting to be shared with you. But remember, my darlings, every time travel adventure is about discovering your own personal journey!
Until next time, letās make it a balletlicious week!
Much love, Emma (xx)
www.pink-tutu.com
