#BalletHistory during 1726 02 February

Hello my darling readers, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet dedicated to all things pink tutu and time-traveling adventures! This month, we’re whisking ourselves back to 2nd February 1726! Just imagine it – a frosty February morning in Derbyshire, where the scent of wood smoke hangs thick in the air, and I'm preparing for my journey to a time before pointe shoes, where fashion was just as extravagant as my latest tutu!

As usual, the faithful Magic Meg is all spruced up, her gleaming pink coat sparkling in the morning sun. She doesn't mind the journey to the past. Even her golden hooves find the cobblestones easy to manage! My leather rucksack is prepped and ready to receive all the fascinating tidbits I discover about ballet in this fascinating era. Let’s go!

In 1726, the world of ballet was very different! Ballet wasn’t as popular as it is now; there weren’t theatres devoted entirely to dance, and ballet was a little more courtly, a little less acrobatic! In the world of ballet fashion, silk, velvet, and feathers were all the rage. You might see powdered wigs, towering heels and a flurry of silk. The idea of a “ballet dancer” wasn’t entirely what we know it to be today! In fact, a great many dancers were “professional” in the sense that they performed for the nobility, and were employed directly. The life of a dancer would have been one of strictness and disciplined training!

But this was also a time of real creative brilliance in the world of ballet. French choreographers like Jean-Baptiste Lully and Pierre Beauchamp were laying down the foundations of what we know as ballet today, so this is a vital period in dance history! They'd use a beautiful blend of expressive storytelling, incredible technique, and beautiful, elaborate costumes, and would choreograph their ballet pieces to tell fascinating tales. I can just imagine the amazing artistry on show back then, with a bit of creativity and ingenuity to match their impressive talents!

What have I found in my travels through this fabulous era? Let's have a peek at what I’ve collected in my leather backpack!

1. Ballet At The Court Of Versailles: My travels took me to the opulent court of King Louis XIV in Versailles, France, the centre of European court life! He is even nicknamed "The Sun King!" Here I got to see first-hand some incredibly grand ballets, complete with luxurious costumes, shimmering gowns, and dancing on the marble floor of the great hall! They may have worn towering heeled shoes, but those dancers were talented and beautiful, their movements graceful, a captivating dance with amazing technique, a dance worthy of royalty. And don't forget the lavish stage design and elaborate choreography! A time of beautiful artistry and truly dramatic dance.

2. French Ballet Fashion: Did you know that during this time, panniers, hoops, and bustles were all the rage! I’ve discovered some absolutely incredible fashion sketches for dancers in my rucksack. It's a time of grand outfits for men and women. They even wore powdered wigs and embroidered bodices and trousers – absolutely stunning, even if they were a bit impractical, especially with all that dancing! The use of satin, silk and feathers in such exquisite design is breathtaking, even today, these drawings really are a thing of beauty. I've also seen that fashion for women focused on small, corseted waists, often accentuating a pointed or "conical" bodice, that really did show off their amazing physiques. And even if their tutus looked nothing like mine – the elaborate designs are something to be marvelled at! Imagine all the time and detail that would have been needed to create each piece, so carefully hand-stitched and handcrafted! It makes my tutu seem quite basic by comparison!

3. Dance With The Gentry: A whole society embraced the power of dance in the 18th Century. As I explored, I found that the dance forms had evolved to include dances from all over the globe, and so ballet incorporated influences from Russia, Spain, and Italy! The use of these folk elements, such as waltzing, mazurkas, polonaises, and quadrilles made their dances seem even more elaborate. So imagine! There was so much to enjoy at these lavish dance events – a whole spectrum of cultures! Even if they wore towering heeled shoes and powdered wigs.

Being in the 18th Century made me really reflect on where ballet fashion has been. I’ve added so many 18th century pieces into my modern-day collection. It was like travelling to the past and finding an inspiration for new ways to create!

I can imagine myself performing a modern piece with a twist! Taking all of these opulent and daring designs from the past, but reinterpreting them to reflect today’s movement, energy and, of course, my very favourite colour! Just imagine the dazzling colours, the billowing fabrics, the ornate embellishments and a beautiful pink palette, all intertwined in my own unique way. We have come a long way in the dance world – our dresses and tutus are much more practical and designed to highlight our movement – it really is all about celebrating the freedom and grace of movement. But it's clear to me – the roots of our art, the artistry and sheer brilliance in movement – are based on this time, the very heart of 18th-century dance and a time when ballet truly bloomed.

Right, off I go to practice my own performance at home! And don’t forget my pink tutu challenge! Why not post pictures on social media wearing your very own pink tutu - whether at a performance, in a ballet class or just around town – with the hashtag #PinkTutuRevolution! I can’t wait to see you all embracing a splash of pink – even if you are just having a giggle!

Let's make ballet and pink a little more fabulous! I'm off to continue my own pink tutu adventures – see you all in a few months on my next trip through history!

Until next time, Emma

P.S. Did I tell you I’ve been invited to the The Nutcracker this weekend! Imagine the joy of seeing the stunning, elegant performance live on stage. And that dazzling Christmas Tree! If only Magic Meg could squeeze into a seat at the theatre!