Hello my darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink and pirouette-perfect! I'm Emma, your resident ballet-loving, time-travelling blogger, straight from the rolling hills of Derbyshire, England. It’s the 5th of May, 1731, and let me tell you, this is a date that’s bursting with balletic charm, historical intrigue, and… well, a good helping of pink, naturally!
Today, I'm waltzing through the corridors of time, and let me tell you, I’m not exactly wearing my usual high street tutu for this trip - I'm rocking a rather lovely confection of silk and satin. It's the style that would have been all the rage in 1731! Imagine layers of tulle and a cascade of lace, and then imagine it in the most fabulous shade of pink, darling. Let’s just say it wouldn’t be out of place at Covent Garden – if Covent Garden had existed at the time. 😉
Speaking of Covent Garden, it’s fascinating to think that the building itself was only erected in 1631. It’s one of the oldest theatre spaces in London! But ballet wasn't the thing everyone was rushing to see at that point – that was about a century away. However, if you were keen on a dance, this was the perfect place to be – because theatre was, and still is, a way to watch everything from pantomimes to court dances!
Just think: This was the time when theatrical costumes and the sets would have been dazzling with layers of luxurious velvet, silk and beautiful feathers. What’s more, ballet had only recently arrived on British soil, imported from France by none other than Louis XIV! But, 1731 was a bit before ballet truly exploded onto the scene in England. We've still got a bit of time to go for the dazzling age of ballets by the likes of the beautiful and iconic Marie Sallé. But just you wait – my dear readers, just you wait until we visit those exciting times, and see her enchanting leaps on stage. I hear her performances had everyone spellbound!
On the topic of dancing, I had the most wonderful time yesterday, exploring the city. The atmosphere was brimming with the thrill of excitement that only a lively dancing session could bring! I bumped into a group of gentlemen dressed in silk waistcoats and embroidered shirts. These young men had spent the entire evening enjoying a spirited dance and, believe me, their feet never left the ground. The energy was simply infectious, and everyone just wanted to join in. You could practically smell the history!
I’m actually finding a fair bit in common with how dance and ballet are seen now – everyone just wants to enjoy it, be entertained and have a fabulous time. After all, that’s what dancing is all about!
Of course, I’m never one to miss out on a ballet performance – after all, what’s a ballet blog without a trip to a real show? My trusty steed, Magic Meg (you know, my shimmering pink shire with the golden hooves and snowy mane) carried me right into the heart of 18th-century entertainment, to see a performance at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. The venue itself was dazzling – a blend of Baroque grandeur and rustic charm. Imagine intricate carvings, elegant chandeliers, and, most importantly, that electrifying energy that only comes from seeing a live performance!
This night was all about dance - and boy, did they love to dance! We’re not talking ballerinas as we know them, though, but there was plenty of elegant footwork. We’re talking court dances and graceful steps, where elegance was the watchword.
Don’t you just love the world of ballet? The costumes, the movements, and the way that the dancers bring a story to life are just absolutely mesmerizing. My ballet rucksack, stuffed full of stories and trinkets from the past, is starting to get really quite full! My travels through time have been filled with inspiration for my ballet designs and for all things Pink Tutu. I’m going to be working on a brand new tutu pattern that draws on the glamour of the period, so keep your eyes peeled for a preview soon.
It's time for me to bid farewell for now. Until next time, stay curious, embrace the pink, and dance your hearts out, my dear friends!
Stay fabulous!
Emma
Pink-Tutu.com
