Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving, time-travelling ballerina! It's been another month, another magical journey through the annals of ballet history. This time, I found myself transported back to the year 1720! Can you believe it? ๐คฏ It was a rather momentous year in the world of ballet, you know, so buckle up, my dears, because we're diving headfirst into a sea of tutus and tap shoes! ๐
1720 - A Year of Transformation!
I touched down on the cobblestones of London, a whirlwind of pink tulle in my wake. Magic Meg, my trusty shire steed, patiently nibbled on some conveniently nearby clover while I marvelled at the grandeur of the city. ๐ฐ This was, after all, the year of La Comtesse de Sรฉgur, one of the first French ballets with fully developed characters and story! ๐คฉ I just had to get a peek into its magic, don't you think?
So, off I went, navigating bustling markets and bustling crowds with a flick of my tutu, my trusty leather rucksack (filled with an array of intriguing ballet trinkets, naturally) strapped comfortably onto my back. The music from the Theatre Royal was simply intoxicating. It called to my soul like a siren's song! ๐ผ
Dancing Delights: A Look at the Shows!
The production I saw was an absolute whirlwind of movement and emotion! La Comtesse de Sรฉgur, I learned, tells the tale of a countess and her unfortunate love story, with plenty of intricate dance steps and playful mime. ๐ญ It truly was a joy to behold!
However, London wasn't the only place bustling with ballet that year. While I was so enthralled by my experience at the Theatre Royal, I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping (one must keep up with the latest trends, right?!) and discovered that in the same year, a ballet titled La Folie de France premiered in Paris. ๐ซ๐ท How exciting! I even spotted some delightful examples of the iconic "ballet shoes" of the period! You know, the flat slippers with ribbons that tied up the ankle? Pure magic, my loves. ๐
Fashions for the Fantastical!
Speaking of magic, the outfits in these productions were absolutely breathtaking! Think shimmering satins, lush brocades, and exquisite ornamentation. ๐ซ Just imagine: a cascade of pearls around the neck, flowing skirts of silk, and feathers that whispered in the breeze! They would make any ballerina's heart sing. ๐ฅฐ The gentlemen's costumes were just as captivating โ think velvet breeches, elegant waistcoats, and swords that twinkled in the candlelight. It was an absolute feast for the eyes!
And you know me, I had to try it all on! ๐ Luckily, my time travelling rucksack has some surprising magic of its own... ๐
A Touch of Magic for You! โจ
And now, dear friends, I have a little something for you: a touch of 1720 magic to sprinkle into your own lives. For every one of you who leaves a comment on this post with a description of what you'd love to see in a modern ballet, I'll select five lucky souls and gift them a piece of hand-painted fabric depicting some of the fabulous outfits of 1720! Imagine crafting your own costumes, creating dance masterpieces, or just reveling in the artistry of these historical fashion gems! โจ
So, tell me, darlings, what kind of magical stories do you envision dancing across the stage? I can't wait to hear your inspirations and to continue our dance through time! ๐
Don't forget to check back next month for another enchanting journey with your favourite pink-tutu clad ballerina!
Love and sparkles,
Emma ๐