Hello my darling ballet bunnies! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-traveling ballet blogger extraordinaire! Today we’re dipping our toes into history, not in a graceful pirouette but in a thunderous gallop, as I whisked myself back to the 9th of September, 1723. And let me tell you, the air is filled with the excitement of new ballet moves, and whispers of a revolution in the world of dance.
Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, I need to show you my gorgeous ride. Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling shire horse with the golden hooves and the cascading white mane, was truly a vision. You wouldn't believe the amount of curious glances we got on our journey - those 18th century folk weren't accustomed to a pink tutu'd ballet blogger on a shimmering steed! But, hey, that's what makes time travel so thrilling!
Back to 1723... and The Ballet's Buzz!
Stepping back into 1723 felt like stepping into a painting. There was the delightful aroma of lavender and sweet herbs, and the hustle and bustle of people, dressed in their finest lace and velvets. The year was full of creative fervor, with artists like Canaletto and Watteau making their mark, but the dance world was abuzz too, fuelled by new styles, new performers, and a dash of, well, let's just say some spirited dance contests.
I discovered that this date in 1723, almost 300 years ago, saw a most interesting happening! Marie Sallé, a Parisian ballet dancer of astounding talent, was making waves in a little known, though extremely exciting, ballet piece titled "Pygmalion" - a story where the sculpted statue literally springs to life through dance! Isn't that absolutely fascinating? This piece of art was bold, it dared to be different, and the use of pantomime instead of strict ballet steps was truly revolutionary. You can almost hear the gossip echoing in the gilded ballrooms – whispers of “this is a new kind of dance”, "it breaks all the rules!", and my absolute favourite, "Marie Sallé's grace is beyond anything ever seen!". The future of ballet was on a rollercoaster ride that September!
I made sure to document everything - even snatching a scrap of manuscript with details about a particular "ballet à pantomime" (now, wouldn't that make a magnificent costume for my next show?). And of course, no ballet journey would be complete without checking out the fashion. Those ruffled, elegant, and very grand gowns – think extravagant lace, voluminous ruffles and a generous amount of luxurious fabrics. All just begging to be swirled in a graceful pirouette! Can you imagine the costumes for "Pygmalion"? Absolutely gorgeous!
My Fashion Inspiration from the Past
After that whirl of time-travel excitement, I can honestly say that I'm in a serious state of creative overdrive. I have to confess, 1723 definitely injected some inspiration into my fashion choices! Think lace trims for the perfect tutu-skirt, and a hint of 18th-century romance woven through a modern ballet leotard! Oh, my love for pink even got an unexpected boost when I saw how fashionable pastel colours were then! The colours were bold and dramatic – think lavender, aqua blue and a brilliant canary yellow, a palette screaming to be embodied in my future performances. Just picture it - a ballerina in a pale lavender tutu with a pink rose corsage, waltzing through the time-portal to 1723, then back to the stage with all the romance and flair!
Now for a Spot of Ballet in the Present...
After that whirlwind trip back to the past, I just can't wait to get back to my beloved stage and share my knowledge of dance and history with my dearest ballet enthusiasts. There's nothing quite like the joy of the audience's cheers and applause after a grand pirouette. But before that, my dear readers, what about our world of dance? Well, September 2023 is already promising a phenomenal season of ballet events - and let's not forget the breathtaking costumes!
Just imagine! Imagine the majestic swirling silks and intricate lace designs of an exquisite ballet company performance! A world of graceful movement and sheer beauty, where costumes tell a story just as much as the dance steps. If you're looking for a perfect outing with friends, then let me tell you, the world of ballet has so much to offer, and if you want to be there with me on this journey, I highly encourage you to get out there and enjoy the beautiful artistry!
I can't wait to share my adventures with you in my next post, where I might even take you on a whirlwind trip through a time period of your choosing! Leave a comment below if you'd like to suggest a ballet-themed time travel adventure. Don't forget, stay inspired, embrace your love for the art of dance, and remember to wear your pink tutu with pride! Love, Emma. xx
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for the latest ballet adventures, reviews, and a whole lot of pink tutu fashion inspiration!
