Hello lovelies,
Happy New Year from yours truly, Emma, the Pink Tutu Time Traveller!
Itās that time of the month again when I hop on my trusty steed, Magic Meg, and journey back in time, bagging stories and goodies to bring back to my 21st century blog readers. And trust me, January 1726 has certainly thrown a whole bunch of interesting stories my way!
As usual, I donned my favourite blush-pink tulle tutu - can you imagine anything more elegant for time travelling? The wind ruffles it so beautifully and creates this charming flurry as Magic Meg gallops through time. My leather rucksack is already bulging with ballet memorabilia and a stack of historical notes Iām desperate to share with you all!
Letās hop straight to it, shall we?
1st January 1726 found me in sunny Italy! Fancy that, in the midst of the bitter Derbyshire winter, I'm basking under the Mediterranean sun. As I pranced down a cobbled street in my tutu - a spectacle to be sure, the locals barely batting an eyelid! Apparently, Iām nothing out of the ordinary compared to their colourful clothing styles. They all just took it in their stride - talk about acceptance and individuality.
I soon learned about this truly amazing dance event in a beautiful, sprawling, historical building called the Teatro Regio di Torino. A ballet performance - can you believe it? This date, 1st January 1726, marks the grand opening of this theatre and it's quite literally overflowing with beautiful dance.
Apparently, back in those days, the opening night was an absolute event. I imagine people flocking to the grand opening, ladies dressed in silks and furs, and gentlemen sporting the finest powdered wigs. It was an exclusive event, with elaborate sets, magnificent costumes, and most likely, incredible, passionate ballet!
Sadly, I didn't manage to grab tickets to this incredible event. Seems they hadn't perfected time-travelling tickets back in those days!
But don't you worry. I managed to nab a lovely silk shawl with delicate, ornate floral patterns from a friendly vendor just outside the theatre. I am planning to wear it to the next performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House. I can't wait for the stunning dance, the elaborate costumes and the delicate, elegant steps, combined with this historical beauty!
But you want the scoop on 1st January 1726, don't you? Well, let me share with you what I managed to uncoverā¦
The Dance Scene In Turin: 1726
Torino was a hub for ballet during this period. People, dressed in exquisite clothing, from far and wide gathered to experience balletās enchanting stories. There was the āCommedia dell'Arteā ballet troupe - imagine - dancers blending into hilarious scenes, characters interacting with the audience in a captivating theatrical production. They captivated their audience with graceful leaps and fluid movements. Ballet at its best, my lovelies.
My rucksack has become overflowing with exquisite costume design sketches and sketches of dance steps. You just have to take a look at these elegant and elegant dancers on their tip-toes in their shimmering velvet gowns. And what about those intricate lace headdresses and long gloves adorned with gleaming sequins! These ballet costumes are not just garments but a celebration of artistry! And talk about beautiful hair, all styled perfectly in grand up-dos!
I can just imagine the crowds - their hushed silence as the dancers took centre stage, the exclamations and applause after every intricate dance step! I would love to be back in 1726, watching those ballets - Iām almost positive the atmosphere is just electric!
The wonderful news?
I had a truly heartwarming moment as I watched young children (well, let's be real, they looked about ten or eleven years old, but thatās still pretty young back in the day) learning to dance! I felt that beautiful ballet spirit alive and well, even then, even amidst the swirling history of 1726. The instructors emphasize elegance and graceful movements and encourage the youngsters to let their movements and their stories flow through their beautiful dance. It gave me goosebumps - how incredible it is to witness the power of dance, uniting all eras through its magical charm!
These lessons were very formal with a clear hierarchy. And it was the strict etiquette, almost a ritual. The lessons were in French, a nod to the cultural power of French fashion and ballet! Can you believe that? All these amazing dance influences intertwining!
As I rode back to my present time, the last moments of my 1726 journey, the magnificent sights and sounds of the past felt a bit surreal. I've witnessed firsthand a dance world that I adore, only decades before the romantic ballet era began! Itās mind-blowing to think that this entire history lies beneath all the dances that I adore!
I'm thinking of sewing up a gorgeous new, romantic style pink tutu for my next time travel trip - with added embellishment and ruffles to pay tribute to the exquisite and beautiful style of ballet!
You're going to just love this look, I promise!
Until next month,
Emma - your Pink Tutu Time Traveller
