Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu time traveller! This month we’re waltzing back to 9th September 1729 – a time when the world of ballet was buzzing with excitement. It’s always thrilling to travel through time and soak up the energy of those glorious early days of ballet.
As you know, I love nothing more than getting dressed in my most magnificent pink tutu, hopping on Magic Meg’s back (did you know Meg’s golden hooves are perfect for leaping through time? It’s a little secret), and venturing into the past. Meg and I were galloping through the Derbyshire countryside, ready for an adventure.
Oh my goodness! Let me tell you about this extraordinary year, 1729. The world of ballet was really taking off, with dazzling productions happening in cities like Paris and London. There were incredible Italian dancers and choreographers setting the scene for the beautifully dramatic, lyrical, and expressive dance that would develop over the next few centuries.
We arrived in the bustling, busy London of 1729, and as the air filled with the scent of chimney smoke and street food, I could practically hear the rhythm of tap dancing and the tinkling sound of the violin. What a delightful time to be alive and experience this magic firsthand!
Now, what did I find myself doing in London that day, you ask? Oh, let me tell you, it was just the most perfect adventure. We started the day visiting the iconic Sadler’s Wells theatre, the beating heart of London's dance world at the time. I wandered down the street in my pink tutu and received quite a few stares, even from the ladies! Back in those days, the theatre scene was really coming alive and the dance performances were just as enthralling as they are now.
Imagine my delight! This time in history was really important for women on stage as a very talented lady dancer, Madame Camargo, was becoming a real superstar. You wouldn’t believe what this revolutionary lady wore for her performances, my dears! A skirt reaching only to her knees! What a bold move! She dared to be different, she danced with freedom and expression, and paved the way for women dancers around the globe to show off their incredible talent. And let me tell you, a shortened skirt made her dazzling leaps, graceful movements and intricate footwork even more beautiful! What an inspiration!
And speaking of inspiration, I spotted a curious object in a shop window. It was a pamphlet called ‘The Art of Dancing’, which promised to reveal the secrets of dance! Could a ballet lover possibly resist?! With my heart pounding, I popped inside to purchase it. This delightful little pamphlet offered tips and instructions on all kinds of dance styles! From elegant waltzes to spirited jigs, it was a veritable treasure trove of information. It’s safe to say that I was delighted with my little historical acquisition!
Now, to continue our exciting day, we found ourselves in a fashionable tea house, nestled among cobbled streets, surrounded by people with powdered wigs, ornate gowns and breeches. It was the perfect place to catch a glimpse of how London’s elite lived, dressed and chatted, all while enjoying a delicate cuppa, a delightful slice of cake and listening to charming chamber music.
This is the era where French dance master, Pierre Beauchamp, started the trend for writing down the moves used in the ballets of the time. It meant the way we dance changed forever! Instead of simply remembering the steps, they started documenting them with ballet symbols so everyone would know exactly what moves were meant to be used. Talk about revolutionary!
Later that day, after we had wandered through bustling London streets, visited several lovely millinery shops (a must for a tutu lover!) and dined in a delightful restaurant that would leave any modern-day foodie salivating! We headed for a charming courtyard to watch a rehearsal for a upcoming production!
The air buzzed with a wonderful energy and the dancers practiced with intense passion. There were swirling turns, breathtaking leaps, gentle, elegant movements that spoke of grace and joy - just as enchanting as a beautiful summer night. This kind of raw artistry - seeing how hard these dancers practiced to make the magic happen, truly was a privilege to watch.
As the rehearsal ended and the music died down, I pulled a notebook from my trusty leather rucksack ( you know, the one where I keep all the stories and memories of my ballet travels!), and began sketching. Each stroke of my pen was an echo of the beautiful dance moves I had just seen. There are ballet drawings from those wonderful eras all over the world in dusty old libraries. I just hope, in centuries to come, my little notebook will end up in an antique book shop! Perhaps it'll end up in someone's loving hands who will also share a passion for ballet!
After a delicious evening meal of lamb stew, warm crusty bread, and local fruit, I felt my heart soaring with inspiration. The ballet stories I am adding to my collection are simply enchanting!
We mounted Magic Meg and with a splash of her golden hooves, she brought us safely back home to Derbyshire. My mind is swimming with thoughts, plans and new ideas - my passion for ballet is stronger than ever! I can’t wait to travel to other time periods and discover new gems for my collection of ballet tales!
This enchanting adventure will always hold a special place in my memory. It just goes to show, darlings, even if we live in the fast-paced, crazy world we live in today, there’s always something exciting and unique to be discovered.
But hey, don’t think for a moment we need a time machine to experience magical stories and amazing dance! There’s so much joy to be found in today’s wonderful world of ballet, too. So, don your pink tutus (or any coloured tutu!), gather your friends, and head out to see some magnificent shows in your own time and in your own neighbourhood! I promise you won't be disappointed.
Until next time, darling ballet lovers, happy dancing!
With a twirl and a sprinkle of pink magic, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
