Welcome, darling dancers, to another exciting month of time-hopping adventures on pink-tutu.com!
I'm Emma, your trusty guide through the fabulous world of ballet history. January 1st, 1731 - the date we're going to waltz back to today! My trusty steed, the magnificent pink-sparkling shire mare, Magic Meg, is all prepped up, and I'm ready to travel back in time and delve into the world of ballet, fashion, and fabulousness.
Let's hop onto Magic Meg and go back in time. My gorgeous, pink tutu twirls around me as I settle onto Meg’s back. This pink tulle is one of my absolute favourites - I had it specially designed by my friend in the French couture district back in the 1920s. I call it “Rose Petal.” I’m in such a rush today as there’s a brilliant Ballet Russes performance coming up later in St Petersburg and I don't want to miss it. I grab my leather backpack and take a peek inside. A beautiful collection of items gathered from my many time-travel escapades sits patiently inside. My favourites? A stunning 18th Century ballet shoe with intricate embroidery. An embroidered fan, passed down through generations of Parisian dancers. A first edition copy of The Nutcracker! And that’s just the start, the collection just keeps growing, and every new find sparks joy and makes me wonder about the ballerinas who once owned them!
1731: A Year of Firsts and Wonders
Now, fast-forward to the beginning of 1731, right to the centre of the bustling streets of Paris, France. Ah, I’m so happy to be here! My lovely pink tutu attracts all sorts of friendly glances! I always think that it makes me feel extra special as I take in all that’s happening on the streets around me. I take in the elegant Parisian dress, with its elaborate details, lace trims, and soft colours. How delightful to be here, at the heart of it all, with Magic Meg patiently waiting by the side of the street. I can't help but imagine the ballerinas in the dance studios of the city. Their lives would have been quite different back then – stricter rules and an intense discipline were expected. However, this is the era of Marie Camargo - one of the first great ballerinas! And the beginning of an era which really set ballet as a force on the international stage!
In 1731, the world of ballet was experiencing some revolutionary changes. Let's put on our imaginary pointe shoes and travel to London, the heart of English ballet, a world away from Paris. London's opera houses and theatres, though smaller than those in France, are beginning to hum with the excitement of new works, beautiful costumes and the excitement of new choreography.
There's a real buzz of excitement surrounding the premiere of "The Loves of Mars and Venus" a spectacular production full of amazing costumes, elegant sets and lively dances! I hear a famous English choreographer called John Weaver was the star of the show - I’ll try and make my way back for one of these spectacular shows. Now there's a story waiting to be told, a fascinating look at how this famous ballet premiered to sold-out audiences, and set the scene for future productions of this type.
While I love the fashion of ballet here in London in the early 18th century – they are beautiful, but I think I love Parisian styles even more. As you might already know, Paris is truly the centre of everything fashionable. The city's ballerinas would have been exquisitely dressed, a swirl of silk, satin and beautiful embroidery, in outfits which mirrored their beautiful dances! There would have been some beautiful ballets taking place in Paris too! One famous dancer, Marie Sallé - who is quite possibly my favourite historical ballerina - has captivated audiences with a dance named "Pygmalion", an intricate ballet which tells a lovely story of a statue transformed into a beautiful woman! And don't even get me started on the glorious, opulent gowns worn by Parisian ballerinas of the era. Can you imagine yourself stepping out onto a grand stage in a ballgown fit for a princess? Pure glamour! I might have to ask my designer to come up with an idea or two!
Ballet in Bloom - Fashioning a Legacy
But hold on a minute. Back to the fashion of the day and I need to talk about shoes! We can't have ballerinas dancing without fabulous shoes. In 1731, pointe shoes, as we know them today, hadn’t quite made an appearance. Think comfortable dancing shoes, perhaps with soft leather soles and some clever buckles! There’s an item in my bag – the 18th Century ballet shoe which belonged to a Parisian ballerina - it's really beautiful. Can’t you just picture it, tucked away in a leather pouch - waiting to be worn at another wonderful Parisian show.
And that reminds me - don't forget my mission! It's always been my goal to inspire every ballerina (and why not every human!) to don a fabulous pink tutu! Why settle for plain black or beige when we can bring a splash of pink into the world, one pirouette at a time? So next time you head to a ballet class, don’t be afraid to express yourself with a little pink tulle and sequins – I dare you to channel the dazzling spirit of Parisian ballerinas past.
I've just received my latest ballet program for today's Ballet Russes performance in St Petersburg. And guess what, there's an exquisite costume designer involved in the show tonight, a Parisian designer - this is the one to watch. I’m thrilled!
Magic Meg, we need to take off again and get to St. Petersburg quickly, I'll give you a sugar cube after. Let's go and dance the night away - there's magic and fabulous fashion awaiting in the glittering ballrooms of the Tsar!
Catch you soon on another dance-filled adventure. Remember to follow the #PinkTutuMovement on social media, because every ballerina deserves a moment of joy and sparkle. Until next month!
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to sign up for my next pink tutu party, it's all happening at my new space, the Pink Pavilion in Derbyshire - a beautiful haven dedicated to the beauty and joy of ballet. See you there, dancers!
