#BalletHistory during 1723 07 July

Hello fellow ballet-lovers! Emma here, back with another exciting adventure from the world of Pink Tutu Travels! This month, I'm whisking you away on a delightful journey to the 1720s, a time when ballet was truly taking centre stage in Europe! But before we dive in, grab a cup of Earl Grey and put on your finest pink tutu!

As you know, I adore the beauty and history of ballet. Each month, I travel through time with my magnificent steed, Magic Meg, a dazzling pink shire horse with golden hooves and a mane like spun silver. We journey through eras, exploring the evolution of dance, the artistry, the fashion, and the stories of those who brought it to life.

Today, I'm pulling back the curtains on a date etched in my memory: the 7th of July, 1723.

It's always a delight to see the excitement in my blog readers' eyes as they read about our journeys. You've been with me through every whirl and pirouette, and today's story will definitely have you swooning with its sheer romance and dazzling grandeur. But it all began in my Derbyshire home, tucked away in the quaint rolling hills.

As usual, I started the day with a rigorous ballet class. The crisp Derbyshire air, the soft thud of my feet on the wooden floor, the feeling of grace and control as I worked through the exercises… It's a sensation that always grounds me. But today, a new excitement pulsed through me. Today was the day for our adventure, and Magic Meg awaited.

Her magnificent pink coat gleamed like polished amethyst in the early morning light. My trusty leather rucksack, overflowing with historical documents, a new pink ballet tutu, and the ever-essential blush pink lip gloss, sat nestled on her back. She nickered softly as I pulled on the reins, a mischievous glint in her golden eyes.

It’s magic, you see!

With a flick of the reins, we vanished in a burst of swirling pink mist, and landed gently in a cobbled square in Vienna. I was on the doorstep of one of ballet’s most opulent periods: the Rococo era.

And believe me, the scene before me was everything I'd dreamt of!

Imagine Vienna abuzz with life, with cobblestones polished by centuries of carriage wheels, ornate buildings adorned with delicate rococo flourishes, and the air thick with the sound of music and laughter. It was the perfect backdrop for a vibrant ballet world!

That's why we headed straight to the Hoftheater, the Imperial Court Theatre, a stunning masterpiece of Baroque architecture, fit for a princess! Today, a grand opera, "Pygmalion," based on the myth of the sculptor who falls in love with his statue, was being performed.

It was truly a sight to behold.

Inside the grand auditorium, velvet seats glowed in a palette of deep blues, emeralds, and rose, and the atmosphere shimmered with anticipation. Ladies wore exquisite gowns with silk panniers and towering wigs, gentlemen in powdered wigs and elegant court suits.

As the music began, a captivating story unfolded. The story was simple yet compelling; love and beauty found through the power of art. But what truly captivated me was the spectacle of the dancers.

I knew I had to capture these dance stories in my rucksack, a veritable treasury of ballet magic. The dancers’ steps were a fluid blend of intricate patterns and graceful, controlled gestures, quite unlike the style we know today! The men were elegant, showcasing a strong, stately dance form, while the ladies displayed both poise and expressiveness in their movements. The dancing was all about captivating audiences with their refined art and virtuosity.

The Rococo era, a period characterized by elegant, intricate art, had infused every aspect of ballet!

The costumes, with their extravagant embellishments, were almost works of art in themselves. Imagine: elaborate panniers, laced with satin and delicate beadwork, beautifully fitted jackets, adorned with rich embroideries and trims. The colours, my absolute favourites – shades of pink, peach, ivory, and silver, set against lush fabrics such as brocade, satin, and velvet. The male dancers were a feast for the eyes, dressed in opulent silk breeches and waistcoats. Such grandeur was meant to mesmerise and delight, and delight they did!

I stood transfixed, the ballet story unfolding around me with grace and enchanting artistry. It truly was an exquisite symphony of colour, sound, and movement, a splendid demonstration of the burgeoning ballet world in 1723.

Of course, being me, I couldn’t simply be an observer. There is always a place for pink, and every adventure needs a bit of personal flare!

*And so I waltzed in, my own blush-pink tutu swirling with the elegant grace of a ballerina. I introduced myself to the court – the dancers, the musicians, the noblemen and ladies. And in true Emma fashion, I encouraged them all to wear a touch of pink, bringing a smile and a splash of colour to this magnificent period. *

There was no greater delight for me than watching as these elegant souls twirled and twirled in my lovely creation. It's so satisfying to spread the pink-tutu love wherever I go!

Even in the 18th century, the joy of dancing is universal! There's always a story to be found in a dance.

I met some delightful folks during my visit, too. I made friends with the local tailor, a young man with a real knack for detail. He shared stories about his intricate costume creations. I even persuaded him to add some delicate rose-pink embellishments to the next court gown he created!

It wasn’t all about costumes and choreography. I also met a local historian, an enthusiastic woman with an extraordinary memory for detail. We spent a long time discussing the ballet’s early stages, and I was fascinated by the role ballet played in aristocratic life during that era. The stories of these historical characters – their struggles, joys, and passionate lives - truly enrich my own love for ballet.

And with a soft kiss goodbye to my new friends, we whisked away on Magic Meg’s shimmering wings. The streets of Vienna seemed to blur in a pink haze as we soared back to my Derbyshire home.

My leather rucksack overflowed, bursting with historical anecdotes, the sheer excitement of being present in such a unique moment in ballet history! I couldn’t wait to share these experiences with you on my beloved www.pink-tutu.com, where our ballet community gathers to share our passion for all things dance.

This trip, like all my others, filled me with such a deep joy for all the things that dance represents: artistry, movement, storytelling, history, fashion. And remember, my friends, a pink tutu is the perfect way to show off your own love for the ballet world.

This is what Pink Tutu Travels is all about: embracing the spirit of ballet, the wonder of travel, the power of stories.

And always, remember, my darlings, to wear a pink tutu whenever you get the chance!

Love,

Emma,

Founder and Ballet Time Traveler,

www.pink-tutu.com