Hello, my darling dears! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here! Buckle up, because this month we're taking a whirl through the world of ballet in 1729, a time when the art form was taking its first exciting steps towards the grandeur we know and love today.
The sun was shining in Derbyshire when I hopped aboard Magic Meg, my magnificent pink sparkling shire horse (with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow, naturally!) – always such a treat! Magic Meg had been napping by the stable, I imagine from a tiring gallop through the Victorian era in search of the original scores of Swan Lake, but she was wide awake and eager for another adventure.
"Hold on tight, Meg! 1729 awaits!" I yelled, adjusting my own blush pink tutu and smoothing the ruffles of my bright pink bodice.
Our time machine whirred to life (yes, Meg's stable is full of modern marvels!), and the world spun in a kaleidoscope of colours. With a whoosh we landed gently, not a single sequin out of place, in London, England!
It's no secret that I adore London - after all, it's home to so much ballet history! And my leather rucksack was ready to be filled with the stories and treasures I'd find!
Now, what was on the ballet agenda back in 1729? You might be surprised to know that ballet wasn't exactly a household name. Ballet had only recently come to England, introduced by visiting French dancers.
One particular theatre in London, Drury Lane, was making a name for itself. Imagine the thrill! The grand dame of theatres had an intriguing line-up for their performance this very night: A Royal Ballet Performance! Featuring dancers from the Royal Family itself! And guess what else?! I heard whispers of a grand, opulent, theatrical experience… an entirely original Italian-style opera ballet… the "ballet masque." How exciting!
This, my lovely dancers, was a ballet unlike anything seen before – with costumes so beautiful and grand and intricate stories of mythological gods and goddesses. These ballet-masques became a highlight of the social calendar and, let’s face it, anything with a divine goddess and elaborate costumes gets my toes tapping!
What truly captivated me were the ballet fashions of the day. You know how much I adore the glamour of ballet costume! Well, ladies, 1729 had it in spades! While the French Court was still holding court in heeled slippers, these ballet masques showcased daring, stylish attire. Long, flowing gowns, elaborate embellishments, dazzling silk, even panniers… Talk about a visual feast! And that was all before they began to dance!
Don't worry, I won't leave you with the ballet history lesson! You know I've got a plan up my sleeve to make this journey an interactive experience. As you all know, pink tutus are the ultimate accessory – they’re practically a religion for me, and I have the deepest desire to convert every ballerina on the planet to the joy of wearing them!
I'm proposing a pink tutu challenge for this time period. Imagine – if I could reach back through time and show these grand ladies a bright pink tutu – how would they react? The idea sent shivers down my spine (and, well, also an overwhelming sense of wonder)! It would be quite the spectacle to watch those exquisite courtly gowns juxtaposed against a burst of shocking pink! It would, undoubtedly, send the Royal Family into a state of shock and awe - though maybe just for a brief moment! After all, they were a notoriously fashion-conscious bunch back in the 18th Century!
Maybe next month's post I’ll give you an update! Perhaps, gasp, we’ll be trying this pink tutu experiment out!
Remember, if you want to join the Pink Tutu Movement, share your favourite tutu moments and photos at www.pink-tutu.com! Until then, keep dancing your way through the world!
Stay chic and keep twirling,
Emma xx
