Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again with another incredible journey through history. August is upon us, and the weather is truly balmy here in Derbyshire - perfect for twirling, of course! And speaking of twirling, my mind is whirling with the amazing journey I took to 1723, specifically the 8th of August.
Now, let's chat about the journey itself. You know how much I love my trusty steed, Magic Meg - a pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing mane and tail as white as snow. This magnificent creature whisked me away through time in a flurry of pink sparkles. My leather rucksack, bursting with a whole collection of ballet items and tales, was securely strapped to my back, ready for its latest adventure.
I landed in a bustling London. The streets were alive with the clink of hooves on cobblestones, the calls of street vendors, and the aroma of spices and baking bread. But even amidst this bustling scene, the heart of my journey was in the world of ballet. It wasn't a common sight as it is today, but ballet was still flourishing in a very unique form.
As you can imagine, my first stop was a beautiful theatre with intricately carved wooden benches and flickering candlelight. It felt like stepping into a vintage dream, but let me tell you, the audience was as energetic as they were back then, their enthusiastic clapping echoing through the space!
The performance itself, a truly innovative spectacle for the time, was quite something! It wasn't what we would call ballet today, but it had its roots in what was known as "Opera Ballet," a sort of a theatrical hybrid. The costumes were dazzling, all brocade and lace, and the choreography was grand and flowing - imagine swirling court dances combined with theatrical dramatic flourishes. There were moments of such powerful stillness and moments where the dancers seemed to fly through the air. You see, this era was truly about building the foundations for what ballet would become, a journey I’m forever eager to explore.
One thing that stood out, and you’ve gotta believe me when I tell you this, was the presence of an exceptional woman who took my breath away. Her name was Elizabeth Worlidge, and oh my! This incredible dancer, even though she wasn't a professional, had an exceptional talent that stole the show! In a time when women weren't given as much recognition as their male counterparts, she rose above. That was definitely an inspirational moment, and let's face it, who wouldn't love a story about a ballerina in the 18th century defying the odds?
Now, I couldn’t let the day slip by without visiting a ballet school, you know me! But 1723 ballet wasn't all about the “à la seconde” jumps and perfect pirouettes we see today. It was about teaching dancers grace and elegance through strict, courtly movements. Their instructors, oh, so refined, had a method all their own, focused on posture, decorum and of course, the perfect execution of each step.
While my 1723 journey might have been about the dawn of ballet, I couldn't ignore the fashion! And of course, my rucksack needed to be brimming with inspirations. The men’s clothes were so beautiful with brocades, satin and lace ruffles - a far cry from the tailored elegance of today. However, even in that era, women wore a style that wouldn't look completely out of place in a modern fashion show, particularly those lovely wide skirts. And while the dancers at that time, those graceful beauties, didn't wear the dazzling tutus that we love today, they still embraced beauty, art and the thrill of performing, giving us a glimpse into a world of such elegance.
On my last night in 1723, I attended an opera ballet performance with one of the leading dancers at the time, Mr. Charles, who gave me an insight into the London theatrical world. Now, this guy, you have to understand, was known for his virtuosic leaps, and I truly loved listening to him tell me about the evolution of the performance style, his dedication to his craft, and even, whisper it, his secret tips and tricks, especially the dramatic pauses! We talked about everything under the candlelight - his ambitions, the rivalry among dancers, the challenges of travelling with a troupe, the importance of the perfect posture and much more! He was such a delight, and I swear I was completely lost in this enchanting conversation about his artistry.
It wasn’t just about ballet and theatre though. This era saw some fascinating advancements in dance, and one thing that captured my imagination was the evolution of ballroom dance. These dances, much more intricate and flamboyant than those of today, had become popular forms of social gathering and even romantic entanglements. You see, even way back then, a graceful pirouette wasn't just a move - it was a flirtation!
After my adventures, I packed up my backpack, brimming with notes, anecdotes, and my favourite vintage finds, all while thinking about my new mission: to bring the elegance and the thrill of those grand ballroom dances back to life, adding a bit of pink, naturally.
That's it for this post, darling. Remember to follow my ballet journey every month on www.pink-tutu.com! Now, off I go to find the perfect pink fabric to design my own 1723 inspired ballgown! Oh, and remember: everyone looks incredible in a pink tutu, so embrace the magic of dance and embrace your inner ballerina. Until next time! xx
