Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! It’s your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again with another thrilling adventure! Today we’re venturing way, way back to the year 1729. Hold onto your tiaras, darling, because we’re about to take a whirlwind trip to the past!
This month, my dear Magic Meg (who, by the way, looks absolutely stunning in her pink satin bridle) has taken us to a time before the Romantic Era. No, before that, darlings! This was a time of opulent wigs, elegant courts, and the first flutters of ballet as we know it today. It’s quite thrilling, actually!
Now, 12th December 1729… hmm… this date was certainly not a milestone for ballet like those we find in the later 1700s! We weren’t blessed with any incredible premieres or iconic performances. But just like a little pink satin ribbon woven into a larger piece, sometimes those small details make all the difference.
You see, while the world was swirling around us, my heart fluttered with anticipation! Just imagine the energy buzzing around in the Opera of Paris that very day! Imagine the rustling of silks and the shimmer of candles as people took their seats. Perhaps some gentlemen were nervously fiddling with their lace cuffs, while ladies adjusted their intricate hairstyles with tiny ivory combs. This was the world of courtly ballet, darlings. A world of powdered wigs, flowing robes, and, dare I say it… maybe a hint of a pre-ballet-skirt worn under those shimmering brocade gowns!
As we trotted through the cobblestone streets of Paris, I spotted a poster. Not just any poster, my dears, but a poster announcing a ballet performance! Sadly, we couldn’t attend. I mean, wouldn’t that be spectacular! My fellow ballerinas, can you imagine dancing alongside a wig-wearing nobleman who probably has a ruffled shirt tucked into his tights?! However, Magic Meg’s a sensible girl, so she pulled us back to the present before anyone saw us… and then promptly led me to the most magnificent pink-hued boulangerie in town.
Speaking of the ballet! You see, during 1729, Paris, like London, was going wild for ballet! The Opera was, quite frankly, exploding with theatrical ballets. And believe me, darlings, the spectacle was just bursting with colourful costumes, dynamic dances, and intricate set designs! Oh, and there was plenty of opportunity to indulge in beautiful ballet music, too. After all, what’s a ballet without a fabulous score?
It truly was a fascinating journey. It gave me an amazing look at the ballet world's past. Now, I understand why it took time for the art of ballet to evolve. It wasn't always about tutus and flowing movements - it had to be crafted, built, and then redefined. Just like with fashion, right?! It’s been so much fun observing how ballet has been influenced by fashion, the world’s shifting tastes and cultural shifts, all through the ages!
I've already begun sketching designs for a new tutu collection inspired by 18th century ball gowns! The dramatic ruffles, the intricate embroideries, it all calls to my design sense! And as always, darlings, pink is just essential for the perfect blend of whimsical romance and bold elegance.
Remember, my loves, that I’m constantly searching for the most beautiful ballet stories and items! You can send me your favourites by sending them directly to www.pink-tutu.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for exciting posts about my journeys to all those fascinating ballet moments from the past! And as always, keep twirling and wearing pink tutus, you amazing, stylish dancers! Until next time, darlings!
Emma xoxo
