Hello my darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, back with another historical adventure!
This month, my dear Magic Meg (she’s a shimmery pink Shire horse with golden hooves, if you haven’t met her) and I galloped back to the 4th of April, 1722.
Can you believe it? Over 300 years ago! 🤯
We were on the cusp of the Enlightenment era, a period bursting with creativity, intellect, and – hold your breath – some truly stunning dance trends. This is how I imagined myself: A blush pink tutu, sparkling with tiny rhinestones, paired with a matching bodice cinched at the waist. Think, a little bit "Marie Antoinette" a whole lot of '18th-century-swish' but with the ballet flavour only a true tutu devotee like me can appreciate.
*What's happening in the ballet world? *
Back then, "ballet" wasn't quite the same as we know it. There wasn’t even the word "ballet" used yet, at least in this way! The dancing was grand and courtly, showcasing precise, elegant movements – very "formal ball" in my imagination.
I headed straight to the theatre, the pulsating heart of 18th-century entertainment. The performance wasn’t quite what I was expecting. The dancers, dressed in long, flowing gowns, were more like "living paintings" than graceful, agile ballerinas. Still, their theatrical movements were enchanting! The choreography was filled with beautiful poses and dramatic flourishes, the likes of which we wouldn’t see in full bloom until the rise of ballet’s great masters.
And that's where my lovely rucksack (stuffed full of tulle, silk ribbons, and a small pocket for scribbling down observations!) came in. The rucksack is essential, you know, for my little "ballet historical snippets" and bits of "future inspiration." I discovered that during this period, dance was more than just art - it was considered a noble and courtly pursuit, the skill of aristocrats and royal courts.
I got to sit by a friendly fellow ballet enthusiast, who even had a pair of pink silk opera glasses (the ones with little ribbons you wear to your eye)! It seems people are always interested in ballet and fashion - across time periods!
A Glimpse into Ballet History
That's the beauty of time travel, isn’t it? Seeing how ballet has evolved through the ages. Every period offers a different flavour, a new approach to the art form. From the grandness of the French court ballet, to the precise grace of the Russian school – we are the fortunate inheritors of these incredible dance traditions!
Dress Like a Lady
My, but the 18th century knew a thing or two about fashion! Their silk and satin frocks are just so utterly charming. I particularly loved their use of embroidery and lace! This period was all about intricate detailing and a little bit of extravagance. It makes you long for a wardrobe overflowing with silks, feathers, and ruffles. It reminds me that even if I couldn’t dance a "Grand Jeté" back then (my feet wouldn’t allow it – those pointe shoes didn’t exist yet!), I could absolutely strut a fancy dress that would put even the most opulent French lady to shame! 😉
*My Favourite Find! *
My most exciting find, nestled amongst the fashionable Parisian dandies and ladies, was a handwritten, delicate journal belonging to a ballet dancer from this time period. The leather-bound book, decorated with pearl and feather, holds fascinating descriptions of practice routines and choreographic ideas. This discovery, nestled snugly in my rucksack, is like a little ballet time capsule, a whispered conversation across the centuries.
Oh, the joys of travel! Who would have thought you could be swept back centuries and find something to remind you of how fashion, art, and love of dance transcend the barriers of time? It's moments like these that remind me of the enduring magic of ballet, and the beautiful world we inhabit – tutu or no tutu! 🩰
* Until next month, my sweet darlings! Keep twirling! * 💖
Don't forget to check out our new website www.pink-tutu.com 💖
I would love to hear about your ballet history journeys! Leave your comments below and tell me what your favourite ballet time period is, or what kind of outfit you would wear if you had the chance to time travel. Let’s get everyone wearing a pink tutu!
Love,
Emma 💕
