Hello my lovely tutu-twirling readers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-loving ballerina and time-travelling extraordinaire, back with another exhilarating escapade through the captivating world of ballet history. This month, I'm whisking you away to a fascinating day in the past, October 10th, 1722. Buckle up, my darlings, because you're about to be swept away by a whirlwind of grace, elegance, and the extraordinary history of ballet!
As always, my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg – a shimmering pink Shire with a flowing white mane and tail, and golden hooves to match my sparkling personality – and I are ready to take on the adventure. With my leather rucksack filled with my favourite pink tutu and the latest edition of "The Complete Ballet Handbook", we're prepared for whatever historical ballet delights await!
Today's journey finds us in the heart of London. I love London – the vibrant city has always held a special place in my heart! Imagine, ladies, a city bursting with the sounds of carriage wheels and bustling markets. The air filled with a delicious aroma of roasted meats and chimney smoke.
My destination? A rather peculiar spot, you might say: the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. It was here, in the year 1722, that "The Devil to Pay, or the Wives Metamorphos’d", an original, rather comical play was premiering. Now, this play is fascinating because it features one of the earliest mentions of "dancing," and the involvement of a famed ballerina called Mademoiselle Camargo. Now, ladies, this wasn't like our ballet today, but still, I was thrilled! Imagine, dancing right there, in the grand, swirling, almost mythical, backdrop of 18th century England! I mean, what a fab opportunity to snap a pic with the famous Mademoiselle Camargo! I bet her costumes were divine! I must have spent a good couple of hours at that theatre, trying to catch glimpses of Mademoiselle Camargo.
Speaking of costumes, you all know how much I adore those decadent historical ballet costumes, and they’re simply heavenly. Can you picture a powdered wig, with those intricate and grand gowns? Just the concept of the powdered wigs has me swooning. Oh, and I think I might have added some powdered lace and feather details to my latest pink tutu collection in inspiration from today! Who doesn’t love a touch of theatricality? I mean, after all, isn’t life just a series of beautiful and graceful moments, waiting to be embraced?
Anyway, back to my travels: The 1722 scene of "The Devil to Pay..." was a rather special treat – a dance included within the play itself, and not just a separate performance! It makes me think about the origins of ballet. Ballet was so integrated into the plays of this era, it was all just one huge, colourful performance! I have to confess, I could just picture myself being swept off my feet in one of these dance-heavy dramas! How fab! It’s the kind of dance I’d love to recreate with Magic Meg and the girls at the local theatre, don’t you think? It's the kind of dance that makes you think, imagine and lose yourself.
Even with all this fantastic dance buzz around in London, I knew that across the Atlantic there were some really fascinating happenings! Did you know, on October 10th, 1722, the legendary "Dance of Death" was being performed in France. It’s thought to be a performance of great gravitas and religious importance. Even though France was miles and miles away from London, Magic Meg had no problem with all those journeys. It felt good to travel and get a taste of both London and French ballet in just one day, like I was stepping between worlds.
I had to include France in my time travels, for that famous French balletic flare, you know. Can you just imagine, a world of French ballet! What’s better than seeing France on a good ballet day? The vibrant, charming streets of Paris. Imagine me with my pink tutu – all pink tutu ladies dream of seeing Paris! So much fashion history here in Paris, the dresses, the fabric and the elegance – they all influence the creation of my fabulous pink tutus!
However, I’m afraid my journey back to Derbyshire, my humble abode and the inspiration behind my pink tutues, has arrived. I have got so much ballet to discuss and tell my Derbyshire family, you just can't stop a girl with a love for ballet. Remember to catch the next pink-tutu adventure at the start of next month. Until then, dance on, lovelies! And always, remember to dance with a pink tutu in your heart!
Stay stylish,
Emma 💕🩰✨
P.S. If you have any pink tutu related ideas or tales to share, or any time-travel wishes for next month’s ballet adventure, just leave them in the comments section below!
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