Hey everyone! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another adventure through ballet history. Buckle up, my lovelies, because this month we're jetting back to the 18th century – a time when powdered wigs were the height of fashion and ladies wore hoops!
As always, I'm on a mission to spread the pink tutu gospel and make everyone embrace the joy of dance – because who can resist a swirling, twirling cloud of pink tulle, right?!
The Date: 6th June 1724
This particular date is important, you see, because it's the anniversary of the very first performance of The Beggar's Opera, a truly groundbreaking musical production that shook the world of theatre. While not technically a ballet, it still plays an important role in the story of dance. You know how much I adore all things performance!
I hopped onto the back of my trusty steed, Magic Meg, my stunning shire horse with her sparkly pink coat, golden hooves, and mane as white as fresh snow. You wouldn’t believe how many people gawk at us on the streets, but frankly, they just haven’t grasped the power of pink. With a flick of her magic mane, Meg transported us back in time, leaving behind the bustle of Derbyshire to the London of 1724.
And what a London it was! With cobbled streets bustling with people in their powdered wigs and long skirts, the air abuzz with excitement for The Beggar's Opera premiering that very evening!
My eyes widened as I beheld the gorgeous theatre – Covent Garden was still under construction, you see, so this show was presented at a theatre in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. With Magic Meg parked securely (and cleverly disguised) in a hidden stable, I donned my sparkly pink rucksack and strolled towards the stage door.
Oh, to have been there on that special evening! It was a time of revolution in the world of theatre, with John Gay's opera blending opera and ballad styles, adding a new level of entertainment to the theatre scene. Think sassy ballad tunes alongside playful wit, and you have The Beggar’s Opera, which, of course, had me tapping my toes, even in this era of crinolines!
The Beggar's Opera might not be a traditional ballet, but it’s still dance-worthy, don’t you think? This ground-breaking opera set the stage for what came next in the world of theatre and brought dance a bit closer to the general public – you see, in the past, ballet was more a thing for aristocrats, wasn't it? I love that The Beggar’s Opera pushed boundaries. And I, of course, brought my pink tutu to the theatre! Even with the bustle of powdered wigs and silk dresses, a bit of pink always livens things up.
Ballet In 1724:
Let's take a moment to peek at what else was happening in the ballet world back in 1724. As usual, the stage belonged to Paris. This year saw the rise of Pierre Rameau, an influential figure who became known for his ballets, the first to combine elements of music and storytelling. Imagine, my darlings, dancers weaving tales on stage with the help of music – revolutionary!
However, things weren't always pretty in the world of dance, as you well know if you follow this blog! The Royal Academy of Dance was embroiled in controversies, even though they staged spectacular productions and employed some of the most acclaimed dancers of their time. In London, we had to wait until 1730 for the emergence of the first “professional ballet company.” Oh, for the sheer volume of options we have in modern ballet! But you see, ballet in this time period really was at the start of its journey.
More Ballet Travels?
This, my lovely dancers, is only a tiny glimpse into the incredible world of ballet history. And with the first real ballet companies cropping up, 1724 marks a very important point in this history!
Now, while my pink rucksack may have to wait for other adventures before collecting souvenirs of these dance revolution years, it’s already bursting with stories from this journey back in time!
As always, dear dancers, I'm signing off for this month, but you can keep up with all my time-travelling shenanigans over on www.pink-tutu.com. Until next time, keep swirling, twirling, and dreaming of pink tutus! 💖
Stay Fabulous!
Emma xx
