Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com!
September is already whispering of autumn leaves and cosy nights in, but I can’t let go of the sunshine glow just yet, especially as this month’s time travel takes us back to the radiant summer of 1720. My darling Meg, my magical pink Shire with the golden hooves and shimmering mane, is all prepped up for our grand adventure – and my heart is practically doing pirouettes just thinking about it!
This month's historical hop is taking me all the way back to 1720, a time when ballet was just starting to blossom in Europe! Now, we all know the French claim to be the kings and queens of ballet, but little do they know the vibrant world of ballet was starting to flourish elsewhere too! So saddle up, dear reader, as we journey back to explore what was happening in the ballet world on September 9th, 1720, and discover the hidden gems of ballet history!
Oh, and before we set off, let me just gush about my new tutu. A dream in blushing pink silk with a delicate tulle overlay, it’s the perfect shade for an elegant dance through the 18th century! The soft pastel is just what this era calls for – imagine all the sumptuous ball gowns and powdered wigs I'm about to encounter!
So, let's pack our bags, make sure my leather rucksack is ready for new treasures (I always keep an eye out for those little ballet tidbits and forgotten stories!), and let's get time-travelling, darlings!
Back in Time: Ballet Beyond the Court!You'd be surprised to know that whilst French courtly ballets were all the rage, ballet was taking root in other European nations as well! As our horses clip-clop through the streets of London, the capital of England is abuzz with exciting theatrical events. The opera houses are ablaze with activity – with dancers and musicians coming together to create spectacular spectacles. Imagine the excitement of Londoners flocking to see ballet in its infancy, filled with a buzzing, electrifying energy. I just can't wait to see these pioneering performances!
And wouldn't you know it, but this very day, the esteemed choreographer, John Weaver, premiered his innovative dance work "The Loves of Mars and Venus," at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. Imagine, a performance based on Greek mythology – truly divine! The English ballet world was coming alive, with new, unique talents like Weaver pushing the boundaries of what was considered dance at the time.
The Tutu Trend of 1720: Simplicity is Key!Fast forward from the 18th century to the present day, and we all know how big tutus have become. Those magnificent, enormous creations have become a symbol of ballet for a reason. But let’s think about ballet costumes in the year 1720 - and you won't find the same billowing silhouettes we associate with classic ballet today.
In 1720, ballerinas would have been adorned with flowing silk skirts and simple blouses - a lot less extravagant than we might imagine, but with its own unique beauty. I'm eager to see what they might call "fashionable" and how it has impacted the future of ballet attire.
My 1720 Wish List: Ballet History Shopping!I am quite a vintage fashion enthusiast, aren’t I? This time, my shopping list is filled with period ballet books and pamphlets. Imagine discovering a dance treatise, its pages whispering tales of dance steps and artistry from the past! My collection is only as complete as my imagination allows!
I also have a secret wish - a 1720s ballet costume! Think elegant silk and a whisper of soft ruffles. Who knows, I may find some interesting inspiration for a new look in my ballet repertoire. Maybe I can bring a little 1720s flair to my next performance... just a thought!
Ballet Beyond the Pages:Time travel is a constant whirlwind of inspiration! You might not find full-length ballets from 1720 on Youtube just yet, but that’s why this journey is so special. Seeing these historical threads in dance weaves a fascinating tapestry of ballet's evolution!
I can't wait to return and share my 1720 adventures with you. I’ll be scouring those dusty old archives, soaking up every bit of ballet history, and I know my new collection of 18th-century dance gems will be so fascinating! I am ready to immerse myself in this incredible period, and I'll share it all with you - the ballet trends, the forgotten stories, and everything else I discover in the fabulous world of ballet history!
Until next time, keep swirling and twirling those tutus, my loves! 🩰💖
Emma xx