Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, back with another post from my Pink-Tutu time-travelling adventures! Today, we're venturing all the way back to December 12th, 1721 - can you imagine?!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg, a sparkling shire horse with a mane and tail like spun white silk and golden hooves, pawed impatiently, ready for our journey. I adjusted my pink tulle tutu, a masterpiece of flouncy layers, and secured my leather rucksack, ready to collect all the wondrous ballet history bits and bobs this era had to offer.
With a gentle "Giddy-up!", we were off!
The landscape whipped past in a blur of colour and sound, and soon we were in 18th century London. The streets were cobbled and bustling with people dressed in elegant frock coats and long gowns. I took in the sights and smells - the fragrant scent of spices and the crisp London air.
Oh, my darlings, ballet was quite a different beast back then! While we've got our dazzling ballerinas pirouetteing and grand jeté-ing, the focus back then was on grand, elaborate ballets that resembled operatic spectacles. You wouldn't catch me leaping over a stage in these days, though it would be an honour to witness these shows!
In 1721, opera and ballet were still very much in their youth. Theatre was still dominated by courtly entertainment, but some were pushing for something different! We wouldn't see a true "ballet" as we know it until much later. Think stately figures in flowing gowns and extravagant costumes rather than light and bouncy.
But despite the lack of twirls, this era did have a captivating style all its own. Imagine elaborate courtly dances with richly embroidered silks and gowns with dramatic plumes. I even spied a ballet dancer - and let me tell you, the artistry of the costume was exquisite, with intricate pleats and delicate embroidery! I filled my rucksack with clippings from that day's newspapers and even snagged a scrap of that spectacular costume - I just can't resist a beautiful detail, even if it's only a piece of fabric!
I couldn't leave London without a visit to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane - the hub of theatrical brilliance at the time! Even back then, this beautiful theatre was bustling with theatre-goers, eager to experience the stories on stage. They had something called a 'pantomime,' which featured singing and dancing alongside the play - much like a modern musical! Sadly, no ballet on this particular day - but a 'pantomime' certainly sounds like an exciting treat!
It's not always about pirouetteing, darling! Sometimes it's the beautiful fabrics and intricate designs that capture my eye. After all, the right dress can make even the simplest movement an artistic statement! This journey definitely confirmed the timelessness of fashion, with details that would inspire the ballerinas of today.
After a quick spot of afternoon tea at a quaint tea shop, we galloped back to our own time, Magic Meg and I, ready to share these delightful discoveries with you.
So, as you're slipping into your pink tulle tutu for your next ballet class or show, spare a thought for the intricate world of ballet in the 18th century! It was an era of majestic movements, ornate costumes, and captivating spectacles - even without the rapid fire fouettés we love so much!
Until next time, remember: embrace your inner ballerina, darling, and never shy away from a touch of pink! 🩰💖
XOXO, Emma
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more time travel tales, ballet tips, and stylish musings!
