Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another thrilling tale from the annals of ballet history. This month, we’re taking a graceful leap back to June 6th, 1730, and boy, does it have some elegant surprises in store! Buckle up your ballet slippers and let’s hop on Magic Meg for a trip through the centuries!
Before we go, I have a confession: My pink tutu collection has grown exponentially since our last trip. This vintage collection, gathered from a dusty Parisian antique shop last month, has brought new life to my wardrobe (and to my wallet!). Speaking of my wallet, a couple of recent performances at a quaint little Derbyshire village hall has funded our most recent time travel expedition!
Our Destination: June 6th 1730, a day etched in the world’s dance calendar (not that they had a calendar like that back then!) This was the date of the first public ballet performance in what is now the Czech Republic. It was in Prague, at a little place called the ‘Bohemian Estates Theatre’ - you can still find it there, darling! Can you imagine the buzz in the air? I bet it was filled with excitement, the anticipation of witnessing something truly special.
Meet Magic Meg: For those of you who are new here, let me introduce you to my lovely horse! Her name is Magic Meg, a beautiful Shire mare with the most sparkling pink coat you've ever seen - yes, even pinker than my tutu! Her hooves are gold, her mane and tail are as white as snow, and her spirit is as adventurous as my own. She carries my special leather rucksack - brimming with beautiful ballet souvenirs and stories - wherever I travel.
The Show Must Go On!: It was in this Bohemian theatre where we found ourselves, our magic horse parked conveniently outside! My pink tutu was making quite a splash - it really did stand out from the drab, monochrome clothing of the locals - they looked most perplexed, dear! But the locals of Prague in 1730 were lucky, because this performance wasn't a simple, courtly entertainment for the aristocracy like in days gone by, it was a show for all! There was an incredible mixture of drama, singing, dancing - imagine your average Broadway show!
The dance itself, they called it Opera seria, a story full of intrigue and passion, set to enchanting music. While the style of dancing we’re used to wasn't around just yet, the beauty of human expression was clearly present, using gestures, mime and intricate steps to create scenes of incredible visual spectacle - the energy, the intensity! This ballet had a strong connection to the French school, a lineage that would develop and thrive in years to come. We were lucky to catch it at the start!
Back to Reality: Back on our journey with Magic Meg, the breeze rustled the cobblestones as we journeyed away from Prague, leaving behind the spectacular show that changed dance in Europe forever. The day in Prague was another dazzling reminder that dance has a fascinating history, brimming with surprises!
I believe we all possess a ballerina inside, and she yearns for beauty, for joy, for that elegant, free movement of the dance! If you’re not a seasoned dancer, dear reader, why not embrace the fun of dancing around your living room, or have a whimsical dance party with your friends! It's good for the soul, I tell you!
Pink Tutu Fashion Update: This trip has sparked some inspiration for my upcoming collection! Think 18th Century embellishments, a nod to that early theatrical era with maybe a few layers of decadent ruffles to create that perfect "Opera seria" look. You can get yours before anyone else on www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next month, my lovelies! Let’s dance!
Yours in Tutus,
Emma
P.S: If you want to follow my travels, you can find me on Twitter: @PinkTutuTime (yes, it’s pink! ). Or check out my favourite online stores and dance stores for ballet and theatre inspired fashions! Keep the dance alive, darling!
