Hello my lovely ballerina bunnies! It's your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, here! I'm just back from a truly dazzling adventure to 12 December 1724 – a magical trip through time on my gorgeous, pink sparkling Shire, Magic Meg. I'm positively bursting to tell you all about it, and share the latest in 18th century ballet news and fashion. You know me, darling, nothing excites me more than a brand new historical tidbit to add to my tutu knowledge!
This time, we galloped off to 1724 – a pivotal year in ballet history, you know. As a dancer myself, it’s amazing to witness the way things evolve, and it’s simply impossible to not feel inspired when you realise how much ballet has changed since the early days.
Before I dive into my 1724 chronicles, let’s talk about the pink tutu for a second. You already know my aim in life is to get everyone rocking a pink tutu, right? It’s truly a powerful piece of fashion, you see – it oozes elegance, a touch of naughtiness, and a touch of “I dare you to say anything” sassiness. We are unstoppable in pink!
Now, about that time travel – it’s all funded through the wonders of performing ballet, darling. I’ve become quite the ballerina since I was a little girl, so dancing pays for my ballet adventures and fills my heart with joy!
Paris in 1724 – a Whirl of Ballet Beauty!Oh darling, let’s be honest – Paris is always the place to be for anything remotely fashion-related. That includes ballet, darling. In 1724, Parisian theatre was simply bursting at the seams with beautiful ballerinas gracing the stage. The year saw the grand opening of the Theatre Italien on the rue des Fossés, now the rue Richelieu – talk about historic buildings, eh!
Remember our very own dear Marie Camargo, you know – the iconic ballet dancer and the legend behind the infamous short skirt revolution! She was already a star in 1724 and performing her own works at the theatre. This incredible lady is the ultimate ballet icon – we’ve got to admire her boldness, darling!
You might not be familiar with this date in ballet history, but on this very day, 12 December 1724, the first French ballet of “serious subjects,” "Pyrame and Thisbé", premiered at the Théâtre Italien! A bit of romance on stage - lovely.
Now, about my 18th century adventures in the theatre - I have to admit I’m absolutely obsessed with the beauty of the period costumes. Oh, I can almost smell the powder, feel the silky taffeta on my fingers, and imagine the bustle and excitement of those evenings.
From Paris with Love – A Ballerina's Fashion Fix!I wouldn’t be me without bringing back a few ballet-inspired souvenirs from the past. Let me tell you, darling – my ballet rucksack is bursting! You see, even back in 1724, ballerinas knew a thing or two about style. It’s all about the delicate beauty of the early French ballet – think satin shoes, graceful silk skirts and ornate headbands. My handbag is literally filled with gorgeous little treasures I found - a worn-out satin shoe (I couldn’t leave it behind!) and a beautiful silken flower headband, ready to adorn my own pink tutu when I get back home. Oh, you'd never believe it, but I even found a genuine ballet slipper from a lost shoebox at the Theatre Italien - what a find!
The fashion scene was all about elegance, ladies, with soft, flowing skirts, panniers (oh yes!), and elegant coiffures that stood taller than me (with a bit of a hairpiece or two - talk about getting extra, haha!) But remember – it was the dancing that took centre stage. The 18th century ballerinas were truly dedicated to their art, with all their movement focused on agility, lightness and expression.
On my back, back to Derbyshire – Magic Meg awaits.Ah, darling, it’s time to head back. You know that feeling of satisfaction, of joy, when you have done what you set out to do? This ballet adventure was simply sublime - a beautiful exploration into the world of early ballet! But don’t fret – you won't have to wait long for my next exciting adventure, and for now, let's stay in touch! Find me on Instagram @pink-tutu – don't forget to tag me in your gorgeous pink tutu pictures - and come back to www.pink-tutu.com for another ballet time-travelling extravaganza next month. Until then, darlings, keep dancing and twirling!
